Martin Short – Biography, Movies, Net Worth and Personal Life

Martin Short has been making audiences laugh for more than five decades. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, the Canadian-American comedian, actor, and writer first gained fame on sketch comedy shows like SCTV and Saturday Night Live before becoming a star in Hollywood films and on Broadway. His career recently reached a new peak with the Hulu hit Only Murders in the Building, introducing his comedy to a younger generation.

Short’s journey from a social work student to a Tony and Emmy award-winning performer is a story of talent, perseverance, and reinvention. From bizarre characters like Ed Grimley to beloved roles in Father of the Bride, he has left a lasting mark on comedy. This article covers his filmography, personal life, net worth, and the questions fans ask most.

What are the best Martin Short movies and TV shows?

Short’s body of work spans sketch comedy, blockbuster films, animated voice roles, and prestige television. The table below provides a quick overview of his life and career, followed by key insights and a full breakdown of his most significant roles.

Key insights about Martin Short’s career

• Short is a versatile performer known for his high-energy comedy and character work.
• He gained prominence on SCTV and later became a cast member on Saturday Night Live.
• His film career peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s with comedies like Three Amigos and Father of the Bride.
• He experienced a major career resurgence with the hit series Only Murders in the Building (2021–present).
• Short’s wife Nancy Dolman was a singer and actress; they were married for 31 years until her death in 2010.
• His brother Michael Short died in 2013; Martin has spoken about him in interviews.
• Despite his comedic persona, Short has also performed in dramatic roles and on Broadway, winning a Tony Award.

Martin Short’s most iconic film roles

Short has appeared in dozens of films, but several stand out as career-defining. His role in the cult film Clifford showcased a darker comedic edge, while his voice work in The Prince of Egypt demonstrated his dramatic range.

He also provided voice work for Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001), Treasure Planet (2002), Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper (2004), and Frankenweenie (2012) (source).

Martin Short’s television appearances and series

Television has been central to Short’s career. His sketch work on SCTV and SNL built his reputation, but his recent work on Only Murders in the Building has brought him new acclaim and award nominations.

• SCTV: 1981–1984 (Canadian sketch comedy) (source)
• Saturday Night Live: 1984–1985 (US sketch comedy) (source)
• Primetime Glick: 2001–2003 (Comedy Central, as Jiminy Glick) (source)
• Only Murders in the Building: 2021–present (Hulu; co-starred with Steve Martin and Selena Gomez as Oliver Putnam) (source)
• An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life: 2018 (Netflix special with Steve Martin; received four Emmy nominations) (source)

For his role in Only Murders in the Building, Short earned nominations for a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice Award, and won a SAG Award (source).

Who is Martin Short’s family? (Wife, Brother, and Early Life)

Martin Short’s wife: Nancy Dolman

Short was married to Nancy Dolman from 1979 until her death in 2010. The couple had three children: Henry, Katherine, and Jessica (source). Dolman passed away from ovarian cancer, and Short has often spoken about their long-lasting marriage and the loss (source).

Martin Short’s brother: Michael Short

Details about Short’s brother Michael Short are scarce. It is known that Michael Short died in 2013, and Martin has mentioned him in interviews, but little publicly available information exists about his personal life or career. This is one area where sources remain limited.

Martin Short’s early career and rise to fame

Short initially pursued a degree in social work but shifted to entertainment after landing a role in the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell, alongside Andrea Martin, Gilda Radner, and Eugene Levy (source). His career gained momentum in 1977 when he joined the Toronto Second City stage, later becoming a cast member of SCTV (1981–1984) (source).

During this time, he created memorable characters such as Ed Grimley (a twitchy, pencil-pushing fan of Frank Sinatra) and Jiminy Glick (a pompous TV critic) (source). His feature film debut occurred in 1979 with a supporting role in the British romantic comedy Lost and Found (source).

What are Martin Short’s height and net worth?

These are among the most searched questions about the comedian. The answers require some nuance, as not all details are confirmed by official sources.

Martin Short’s height in feet and meters

Multiple sources list Martin Short’s height as 5′7″ (1.70 m). However, his exact height is not explicitly stated in some of the primary biographical sources consulted. Readers should be aware that this figure, while commonly repeated, may not be officially verified.

Martin Short’s estimated net worth and earnings

Estimates for Short’s net worth vary significantly. Some sources suggest a range of $10–20 million, while others, considering his 50-year career in film, TV, Broadway, and touring (including 2015–2018 tours with Steve Martin), estimate a figure closer to $50–60 million (source). No specific verified net worth figures are provided in the available research, so these should be treated as estimates.

Timeline: Key milestones in Martin Short’s career

The following timeline highlights the major events in Short’s life and career, from his birth to his recent television success.

1. 1950: Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
2. 1972: Began career in Canadian theatre, joining the Second City troupe.
3. 1977: Joined the cast of SCTV.
4. 1984: Became a cast member on Saturday Night Live.
5. 1986: Starred in Three Amigos alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase (source).
6. 1991: Played Franck Eggelhoffer in Father of the Bride (source).
7. 1999: Won a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway musical Little Me (source).
8. 2010: Wife Nancy Dolman died after a battle with cancer.
9. 2018: Released the Netflix special An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life with Steve Martin (source).
10. 2021: Began starring in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building (source).

What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Martin Short?

Separating established facts from uncertain details helps provide a clearer picture of the comedian’s life.

Established information

• Martin Short was born March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario.
• He was married to Nancy Dolman until her death in 2010.
• His height is listed as 5′7″ (1.70 m) in multiple sources.
• He has won two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.

Information that remains unclear

• Net worth estimates vary widely (most sources cite $10–20 million, but no official confirmation exists).
• Details about his brother Michael Short are scarce; little is known about his personal life.
• Some career dates may vary by a year depending on the source (e.g., exact start of SCTV).

Context: Martin Short’s enduring appeal

Martin Short’s career spans over five decades, transitioning from sketch comedy to film and television. His early work on SCTV and SNL established him as a versatile comedic actor. The 1980s and 1990s saw him in a series of family comedies, though his role in the cult film Clifford showcased a darker comedic edge. After a quieter period, his role in Only Murders in the Building revitalized his career, introducing him to a new generation.

Short’s ability to balance physical comedy with sharp delivery makes him a unique figure in entertainment. His personal life, particularly the loss of his wife, adds depth to his public persona. For more on fellow comedy legends, see Chris Farley – Complete Biography and Cause of Death and Eddie Izzard – Biography, Net Worth and Career Facts.

Sources and key references for Martin Short’s life and career

The following sources were used to compile information for this article. They represent a mix of encyclopedic references, databases, and interviews.

“He’s a remarkably gifted comedian, but also a very serious actor. The range is extraordinary.”

— From a CBS Sunday Morning interview with Martin Short (source)

“Martin Short is one of the most versatile performers of his generation, equally at home on stage, in film, or on television.”

— Wikipedia biography (source)

• Martin Short – Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)
• Martin Short – IMDb (filmography database)
• Martin Short on Apple TV (catalog)
• Martin Short – Emmy Awards (awards biography)

Summary: What to remember about Martin Short

Martin Short is a celebrated Canadian-American comedian, actor, and writer whose career has evolved from sketch comedy on SCTV and SNL to iconic film roles and a recent, highly successful television comeback. He is known for his high-energy characters, his long marriage to Nancy Dolman, and his enduring friendship with Steve Martin. As of 2025, he continues to star in Only Murders in the Building, which has been renewed for a fifth season. For more on comedians with similar career paths, read about Chris Farley – Complete Biography and Cause of Death.

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