# Martin Short

> Canadian actor and comedian (born 1950)

**Wikidata**: [Q329744](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q329744)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Short)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/martin-short

## Summary
Martin Short is a Canadian actor and comedian, born in 1950, best known for his work in television, film, and theater, particularly as a member of the comedy duo Martin and Lewis and for his recurring roles in popular sitcoms and sketch comedy shows. He has become a defining figure in North American comedy through his distinctive character work and satirical performances.

## Biography
- Born: March 26, 1950, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian, American
- Education: Attended McMaster University; studied at the University of Toronto (theater)
- Known for: Comedy performances, television sketch work, and character acting
- Employer(s): Saturday Night Live, SCTV, various film and television productions
- Field(s): Comedy, acting, voice acting, screenwriting

## Contributions
Martin Short has made significant contributions to comedy and entertainment through his work in television, film, and live performance. His career spans decades and includes:
- Co-founding the comedy duo Martin and Lewis with Jerry Lewis in 1946 (as part of the legacy of Jerry Lewis' influence)
- Pioneering sketch comedy on *SCTV* (Second City Television), where he developed iconic characters such as Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick
- Writing and performing in *Saturday Night Live* (1984–1985), where he introduced memorable characters like Jackie Rogers Jr. and Nathan Thurm
- Starring in and writing for films such as *Three Amigos!* (1986), *Innerspace* (1987), and *Father of the Bride* (1991)
- Creating and voicing characters in animated films, including *The Santa Clause* trilogy and *A Goofy Movie* (1995)
- Receiving multiple awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards

## FAQs
**What is Martin Short known for?**  
Martin Short is best known for his work in comedy, particularly through his roles in *Saturday Night Live*, *SCTV*, and films such as *Three Amigos!* and *Father of the Bride*. He is also recognized for his distinctive character-driven performances and voice acting.

**Where has Martin Short worked?**  
Martin Short has worked across television, film, and theater. His major affiliations include *Saturday Night Live*, *SCTV*, Disney (as a voice actor), and various Hollywood productions. He has also performed on Broadway and in live comedy shows.

**What awards has Martin Short won?**  
Martin Short has received several awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and recognition from Canada's Walk of Fame. He has also been honored with a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway work.

**What characters has Martin Short created?**  
Martin Short is known for creating memorable characters such as Ed Grimley, Jiminy Glick, and Nathan Thurm. These characters were developed through his work on *SCTV* and *Saturday Night Live*.

**Has Martin Short done voice acting?**  
Yes, Martin Short has done extensive voice acting, including roles in Disney films like *The Santa Clause* trilogy and *A Goofy Movie*. He has also lent his voice to animated TV series and video games.

## Why They Matter
Martin Short has played a pivotal role in shaping North American comedy through his work in television and film. His influence extends from sketch comedy to character acting, impacting generations of performers and writers. His collaborations with major studios and networks, including NBC, Disney, and Universal, have helped define comedic storytelling in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His legacy includes mentoring younger comedians and contributing to the evolution of character-driven comedy.

## Notable For
- Co-founding the legacy of the Martin and Lewis duo through Jerry Lewis’ influence
- Creating iconic characters like Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick
- Emmy Award-winning performances on *SCTV* and *Saturday Night Live*
- Voice roles in Disney animated films and TV specials
- Multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards and nominations
- Induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame
- Broadway performances and Tony Award nominations
- Prolific work in both live and recorded comedy formats

## Body

### Early Life
Martin Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He pursued higher education at McMaster University and the University of Toronto, where he studied theater. His early interest in performance led him into the world of improvisational comedy and sketch writing.

### Career Beginnings
Short began his professional career in Canadian television and live comedy. He joined the cast of *Second City Television (SCTV)*, a groundbreaking sketch comedy series that aired from 1976 to 1981. On *SCTV*, he developed a range of eccentric characters that would later define his comedic style. His work on the show earned him critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.

### Saturday Night Live
Martin Short joined *Saturday Night Live* in 1984, where he became one of the show's most memorable cast members. He introduced characters like Jiminy Glick and Ed Grimley, who became cult favorites. His tenure on SNL solidified his reputation as a master of character-driven comedy.

### Film Career
Short transitioned into film with roles in *Three Amigos!* (1986), *Innerspace* (1987), and *Father of the Bride* (1991). He also starred in and contributed to the writing of several comedy films, showcasing his versatility as both a performer and a writer.

### Voice Acting and Animation
Martin Short lent his voice to several animated projects, including Disney’s *The Santa Clause* trilogy and *A Goofy Movie*. His animated characters were praised for their distinct voices and comedic timing, further expanding his influence in entertainment.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Short has received numerous accolades, including Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on *SCTV* and *Saturday Night Live*. He has also been honored with inductions into Canada's Walk of Fame and received Screen Actors Guild Awards for ensemble comedy performances.

### Influence and Legacy
Martin Short’s influence on comedy spans generations. His work on *SCTV* and SNL helped shape the landscape of North American sketch comedy. His characters and catchphrases have become iconic, and his approach to character acting has inspired countless performers. His legacy includes mentoring emerging talent and contributing to the evolution of comedy writing and performance.

### Personal Life and Nationality
Martin Short holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. His work has bridged both countries' entertainment industries, making him a significant figure in North American comedy history.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Source](https://newsfeed.time.com/2013/08/21/they-live-among-us-10-canadians-who-became-americans/slide/martin-short/)
4. [Source](https://www.gq.com.mx/articulo/sag-awards-2025-fecha-donde-ver-horario-nominados)
5. [Source](https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2025/02/23/entretenimiento/sag-awards-2025-lista-ganadores-trax)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. BnF authorities
9. CiNii Research
10. MusicBrainz
11. [Source](https://www.hola.com/actualidad/20250314820109/todo-lo-que-sabemos-del-romance-de-meryl-streep-y-martin-short/)
12. Internet Broadway Database
13. SNAC
14. Canadian Encyclopedia
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Martin Short | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL3556483A/Martin_Short)
17. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
18. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/oct/20/martin-short-my-family-values)
19. [Source](https://www.vanityfair.fr/ecrans/article/golden-globes-2023-palmares-complet)
20. [Source](https://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/04/showbiz/martin-short-memoir/)
21. The Movie Database
22. Martin Short (30 Character Images) - Behind The Voice Actors. Behind The Voice Actors
23. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
24. [Martin Short - MovieMeter.nl](https://www.moviemeter.nl/personen/519/martin-short)
25. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/martin-short-107ZzsBeKP/appearances)
26. [Martin Short](https://entities.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39PBJtxcMHYMxrdKyGVRQjXBP.html)