50 Facts About Martin Short

Early Life and Family

Martin Short's journey began in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. His early years were marked by both joy and tragedy, shaping the comedian we know today.

1. Martin Hayter Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
2. Youngest of Five: He is the youngest of five children born to Olive and Charles Patrick Short.
3. Musical Influence: His mother, Olive, was the concertmaster for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
4. Father's Career: His father, Charles, worked as an executive with Stelco, a large Canadian steel company.
5. Family Tragedy: Martin faced significant losses early in life, including the deaths of his eldest brother, mother, and father by the time he was 20.

Education and Early Career

Martin's educational background and early career choices set the stage for his future in entertainment.

6. Westdale Secondary School: Martin attended Westdale Secondary School in Hamilton.
7. McMaster University: He graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work in 1971.
8. Premed to Social Work: Initially pursuing a premed curriculum, he switched to social work, influenced by classmates Eugene Levy and Dave Thomas.
9. First Professional Role: His first paid acting job was in a Chargex television commercial in 1972.
10. The Second City: In 1977, Martin joined The Second City, an improvisation group, replacing John Candy in The Wizard of Ossington.

Rise to Stardom

Martin's work with The Second City and SCTV Network catapulted him to fame, leading to iconic roles and collaborations.

11. SCTV Network: His work on SCTV Network featured memorable characters like Ed Grimley and Jackie Rogers Jr.
12. Saturday Night Live: In 1984, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, working with an all-star lineup.
13. Three Amigos!: Martin starred alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase in the 1986 film Three Amigos!, marking the start of a long friendship with Steve Martin.
14. Father of the Bride: His role as Franck Eggelhoffer in Father of the Bride (1991) and its sequel became iconic.
15. Broadway Success: Martin won a Tony Award for his one-man show, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, and was nominated for his role in The Goodbye Girl (1993).

Philanthropy and Honors

Beyond his career, Martin has made significant contributions to various causes and received numerous accolades.

16. Children's Health: He has supported organizations like the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
17. Primetime Emmy Awards: Martin has won two Primetime Emmy Awards.
18. Tony Award: He received a Tony Award for Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me.
19. Order of Canada: In 2019, Martin was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
20. Canada’s Walk of Fame: He has a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Memorable Characters and Shows

Martin's unique characters and television appearances have left a lasting impact on comedy.

21. Jiminy Glick: Created the character Jiminy Glick for Primetime Glick (2001–2003).
22. Jiminy Glick in Lalawood: Wrote and starred in the 2004 film Jiminy Glick in Lalawood.
23. The Producers: Played Leo Bloom in the Los Angeles run of The Producers (2003).
24. Only Murders in the Building: Starred alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez in Only Murders in the Building (2021–2023).
25. Real Time with Bill Maher: Reprised Jiminy Glick on Real Time with Bill Maher in 2024.

Personal Life and Philosophy

Martin's personal experiences and philosophies have shaped his approach to life and comedy.

26. Improvisational Skills: Known for his quick wit and improvisational skills.
27. Unique Blend of Comedy: Combines comedic timing, improvisation, and a larger-than-life personality.
28. Fatherly Influence: His father’s career and his mother’s musical background influenced his early life.
29. Brother's Influence: His brother, Michael, is also a comedy writer and has won three Emmy Awards.
30. Emotional Resilience: Developed a “Teflon quality” to withstand emotional blows, as described in his autobiography.

Autobiography and Personal Insights

Martin's autobiography and personal insights offer a deeper look into his life and career.

31. Autobiography: Published I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend in 2014.
32. Philosophy on Kindness: Emphasizes the importance of kindness in personal and professional relationships.
33. Loss and Tragedy: Uses experiences of loss to fuel his comedy and connect with audiences.
34. Male Plastic Surgery: Discussed the risks and consequences of male plastic surgery.
35. San Diego Memories: Fondly remembers visiting the Hotel Del and the zoo in San Diego.

Fun Facts and Quirks

Martin's unique quirks and fun facts add to his charm and relatability.

36. Mayor of Funner, California: Took on the humorous role of mayor of Funner, California.
37. Food Preferences: Dislikes red food and prefers simple, flavorful meals.
38. Funny Friends: Values having funny friends and considers humorous dinners a highlight of his life.
39. Career Milestones: Includes work on SCTV, Saturday Night Live, and Broadway productions.
40. Philanthropic Efforts: Involved in various charitable causes, especially children's health.

Awards and Recognitions

Martin's numerous awards and recognitions highlight his contributions to entertainment.

41. Primetime Emmy Awards: Won two Primetime Emmy Awards.
42. Tony Award: Received a Tony Award for Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me.
43. Order of Canada: Made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019.
44. Canada’s Walk of Fame: Has a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
45. Broadway Performances: Successful runs on Broadway, including The Goodbye Girl (1993).

Film and Television Career

Martin's extensive film and television career showcases his versatility as an actor and comedian.

46. Three Amigos!: Starred in the 1986 film alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase.
47. Father of the Bride: Played Franck Eggelhoffer in the 1991 film and its sequel.
48. Mars Attacks!: Appeared in the 1996 film Mars Attacks!.
49. Animated Roles: Voiced characters in The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Space! (2017) and The Addams Family (2019).
50. Television Shows: Appeared in Primetime Glick, Mulaney, The Morning Show, and guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Martin Short's Enduring Legacy

Martin Short's career is a testament to his incredible talent and resilience. From his early days at The Second City to his iconic roles on SCTV and Saturday Night Live, he's consistently delivered laughs and memorable performances. His work in films like Three Amigos! and Father of the Bride has cemented his status as a comedy legend. Beyond the screen, his Broadway performances and philanthropic efforts showcase his versatility and generosity. Despite personal tragedies, Martin's ability to find humor and joy in life has made him a beloved figure in entertainment. His unique blend of wit, charm, and improvisational skills continues to inspire new generations of comedians and actors. With numerous awards and accolades, including the Order of Canada, Martin Short's legacy in comedy and entertainment is secure. His contributions will be celebrated for years to come.