Martin Short – Biography, Movies and Net Worth 2025

Martin Short has been making audiences laugh for more than five decades. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, on March 26, 1950, the Canadian-American performer built a career that spans sketch comedy, Broadway, blockbuster films, and prestige television. From his early days at The Second City to his award-winning turn in Only Murders in the Building, Short remains one of the most versatile comedic actors of his generation.

His path to stardom was not a straight line. Short initially studied social work at McMaster University before a role in the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell redirected his ambitions toward acting. That decision set the stage for a career that would earn him Emmys, a Tony Award, and a place in the Order of Canada.

Today, Short is experiencing a late-career resurgence thanks to his role as Oliver Putnam on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. He also stepped into the host role for ABC’s Match Game in 2025. The following sections answer the most common questions about his life, work, and legacy.

Who Is Martin Short? Biography and Early Life

• Martin Short’s career spans over 50 years, from Canadian sketch comedy (SCTV) to Hollywood films and streaming hits.
• He is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.
• His wife, Nancy Dolman, passed away in 2010 after 30 years of marriage.
• Short has won two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.
• He is currently starring alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez in Only Murders in the Building.

Short grew up in Hamilton and lost his older brother David in a car accident when he was a child. That early loss shaped his family life deeply. He later had two other brothers, Michael and Brian, though public records on his siblings remain thin.

After his Godspell debut, Short joined the Toronto branch of The Second City in 1972, launching his career in improvisational comedy. He became a cast member on SCTV in 1977, where he created enduring characters such as Ed Grimley and the manic defense attorney Nathan Thurm. That work led to a stint on Saturday Night Live and eventually to a film career.

What Are the Best Martin Short Movies and TV Shows?

Short’s filmography is deep and varied. He has appeared in comedy classics and family films, and his voice work in animation has reached audiences of all ages.

Signature Film Roles

In 1986, Short co-starred with Steve Martin and Chevy Chase in Three Amigos!, a comedy western that became a cult favorite. He played the flamboyant wedding planner Franck Eggelhoffer in Father of the Bride (1991) and its sequel — a role that remains one of his most recognizable. Other notable live-action films include Innerspace (1987), Three Fugitives (1989), Mars Attacks! (1996), and Jungle 2 Jungle (1997).

Voice Work in Animation

Short has lent his voice to several animated features. He voiced characters in The Prince of Egypt (1998), The Pebble and the Penguin (1995), Madagascar 3 (2012), and Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie (2012). His vocal versatility has made him a sought-after talent in the animation world.

Television and Streaming Success

Short’s early television work on SCTV and Saturday Night Live established him as a sketch comedy powerhouse. In the 2020s, he found a new generation of fans as Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building, a role that earned him Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice nominations, as well as a SAG Award. The series was renewed for a fifth season in 2024. As of 2025, Short also hosts ABC’s Match Game, replacing Alec Baldwin.

Awards and Recognition

Short won a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway musical Little Me in 2000, and he was nominated for another Tony for The Goodbye Girl in 1993. He has won two Primetime Emmy Awards and received the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honors.

Who Was Martin Short’s Wife?

Martin Short was married to actress Nancy Dolman. The couple wed on December 22, 1980, and remained together until Dolman’s death from cancer on August 21, 2010. They had three children: Katherine Elizabeth, Oliver Patrick, and Henry Short.

Dolman was a performer in her own right, known for her work on the television series Soap and for appearing on Broadway. After marrying Short, she stepped back from acting to focus on their family. Short has spoken publicly about the deep loss he felt after her passing and has described their marriage as a central pillar of his life.

Is Martin Short in a Relationship with Meryl Streep?

Rumors of a romantic relationship between Short and Meryl Streep have circulated online, likely fueled by their on-screen chemistry in Only Murders in the Building, where Streep joined the cast in later seasons. No credible evidence supports these rumors. Both performers have not confirmed any romantic involvement, and the speculation appears to stem from their friendly professional rapport.

What Is Martin Short’s Net Worth and Height?

Martin Short’s net worth is not publicly confirmed, but industry estimates place it in the range of $10–15 million as of 2025. That figure is based on his decades-long career in film, television, and theater, along with his high-profile role on Only Murders in the Building, for which he reportedly earns $600,000 per episode.

His height is listed at 5′ 7″ (1.70 m) in most biographical sources, though some records, including IMDb, list him at 5′ 8″ (1.73 m). The variation is minor and typical of celebrity measurements, which often depend on the source and the time of measurement.

How Did Martin Short’s Career Progress Over Time?

1. 1950 — Born in Hamilton, Ontario.
2. 1972 — Joined the Toronto branch of The Second City.
3. 1977 — Became a cast member on SCTV.
4. 1980 — Married Nancy Dolman.
5. 1986 — Starred in Three Amigos! with Steve Martin and Chevy Chase.
6. 1991 — Played Franck Eggelhoffer in Father of the Bride.
7. 1999 — Won a Tony Award for Little Me.
8. 2010 — Wife Nancy Dolman passed away.
9. 2021 — Began starring in Only Murders in the Building.

What Is Known and Unknown About Martin Short’s Life?

What Is Martin Short’s Cultural Impact and Legacy?

Martin Short remains one of the most versatile comedic talents of his generation. His ability to transition from sketch comedy to film and television, while maintaining a distinct physical and vocal comedic style, has cemented his legacy. His recent resurgence with Only Murders in the Building has introduced him to a new generation of fans.

Short’s work on SCTV and in films like Three Amigos! and Father of the Bride are considered classics. His character work, particularly Jiminy Glick, is highly influential in comedy circles. Beyond performing, Short continues to tour with Steve Martin for their live comedy show You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!

In 2025, he stepped into the hosting role for ABC’s Match Game, replacing Alec Baldwin. Season 4 of Only Murders in the Building is expected to air in 2025, and Short is rumored to be developing a new comedy special.

What Do Others Say About Martin Short?

“I’m a Canadian who works in America. I’m a guest in your country.”

— Martin Short, various interviews

“He is one of the most brilliant comedians I have ever worked with.”

— Steve Martin, on Martin Short

What Is the Key Takeaway About Martin Short?

Martin Short has built a remarkable career that spans more than 50 years across sketch comedy, Broadway, film, and streaming television. His resilience, versatility, and distinctive comedic voice have kept him relevant across generations. From Ed Grimley to Oliver Putnam, Short’s characters have left an indelible mark on popular culture. For more on fellow veteran entertainers, read Shirley MacLaine – Life, Career, Books and Spiritual Journey. His film connections also extend to franchises like Cast of Night at the Museum – Full Actors and Characters Guide, in which he voiced the character Ned.

Frequently Asked Questions About Martin Short