Martin Short Biography, Age, Career, Net Worth & Life Story (2026)

Martin Hayter Short stands as one of the most enduring comedic talents in North American entertainment, seamlessly bridging the worlds of sketch comedy, Broadway, film, and television across five decades. From his manic characters on SCTV and Saturday Night Live to his current acclaimed role in Only Murders in the Building, the Canadian-American actor has built a career defined by versatility, resilience, and an unmatched ability to make audiences laugh. At 75 years old, Short continues to captivate new generations while maintaining the status of a comedy legend who has won Emmy, Tony, and SAG Awards.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Martin Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the youngest of five children in a close-knit Irish Roman Catholic family . His mother, Olive Grace Short, served as the concertmaster for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, while his father, Charles Patrick Short, worked as an executive with Stelco, a major Canadian steel company . Growing up in this culturally rich environment, young Martin developed an early appreciation for performance, often staging pretend variety shows where he played multiple roles including host and comedian .

Tragedy struck early and repeatedly in Short’s life. At age 12, his eldest brother David died in a car accident. Five years later, his mother passed away from cancer in 1968, and by age 20, Short had lost his father to a stroke . These profound losses shaped his resilient character. In his 2014 memoir I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, he reflected: “When you’re met with fire early, you develop a certain Teflon quality” .

Short attended Westdale Secondary School in Hamilton before enrolling at McMaster University. Initially pursuing a pre-medical curriculum, he eventually switched to social work, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971 . The university later awarded him an honorary Doctor of Literature in 2001 . It was during his university years that classmates Eugene Levy and Dave Thomas encouraged him to pursue entertainment, setting the stage for his future career .

Career Journey

The Early Years: Godspell and Second City (1972–1981)

Short’s professional career began in 1972 when he was cast in the Toronto production of the musical Godspell . This pivotal production featured future comedy stars including Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, and Gilda Radner, with whom Short briefly dated . More significantly, it was during this run that he met Nancy Dolman, who was Radner’s understudy and would later become his wife .

In 1977, Short joined Toronto’s legendary Second City improvisational troupe, performing alongside Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Joe Flaherty, Andrea Martin, and Dave Thomas . This ensemble would form the creative nucleus that defined Canadian comedy for generations.

SCTV and Saturday Night Live (1981–1985)

Short’s breakthrough came with SCTV Network (1981–1984), where he created some of his most enduring characters. His work on the show earned him his first Primetime Emmy Award in 1982 and caught the attention of Saturday Night Live producers . In 1984, Short joined SNL for its tenth season, helping revitalize the show during a transitional period .

On SNL, Short introduced American audiences to Ed Grimley, the hyperactive, spiky-haired man-child obsessed with Wheel of Fortune, along with other memorable creations like lawyer Nathan Thurm and “legendary songwriter” Irving Cohen . His celebrity impressions, including Jerry Lewis and Katharine Hepburn, became instant classics. Short hosted SNL twice more—in 1986 alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase, and again in 1996 .

Film Career and Broadway Success (1986–2000)

Leveraging his SNL fame, Short transitioned to film with his debut in Three Amigos! (1986) alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase . This marked the beginning of a prolific film career including Innerspace (1987), Three Fugitives (1989), Father of the Bride (1991) and its sequel (1995), Captain Ron (1992), Clifford (1994), Mars Attacks! (1996), and Jungle 2 Jungle (1997) .

Parallel to his film work, Short conquered Broadway. He earned a Tony Award nomination for his debut in The Goodbye Girl (1993) and won the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical for the 1999 revival of Little Me . His one-man show Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me ran on Broadway from 2006 to 2007, earning critical acclaim .

Voice Acting and Television Variety (1995–2015)

Short became equally prolific as a voice actor, lending his talents to animated features including The Prince of Egypt (1998), Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001), Treasure Planet (2002), Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012), and Frankenweenie (2012) . From 2010 to 2013, he voiced the Cat in the Hat for the PBS Kids series The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! .

He created and starred in two iterations of The Martin Short Show (1994 and 1999–2000), though neither achieved long-term success . During this period, Short experienced what he described as a career crisis, recalling in his memoir telling his wife Nancy, “I think it might be over,” to which she replied, “You’ll never go away. People just wouldn’t have it” .

The Steve Martin Partnership and Recent Renaissance (2015–Present)

In 2015, Short began touring nationally with longtime friend Steve Martin, a collaboration that rejuvenated both their careers . Their 2018 Netflix special An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life earned four Primetime Emmy Award nominations .

The true career renaissance began in 2021 when Short co-created and starred in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building alongside Martin and selena gomez . The series became a critical and commercial phenomenon, earning Short his first SAG Award for Outstanding Male Actor in a Comedy Series in 2025 . The show has garnered him Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice nominations, cementing his status as a leading man in his seventies .

In June 2025, Short began hosting the ABC revival of Match Game, replacing Alec Baldwin . Production began on the fifth season of Only Murders in the Building in March 2025, with a sixth season already ordered .

Career Statistics & Achievements

Television Credits:

• SCTV Network (1981–1984) – Emmy Award winner
• Saturday Night Live (1984–1985) – Cast member, 2× host
• The Martin Short Show (1994; 1999–2000) – Creator/star
• Primetime Glick (2001–2003) – Creator/star
• Damages (2010) – Emmy-nominated guest role
• The Morning Show (2019–2021) – Recurring role
• Only Murders in the Building (2021–present) – Co-creator, star, producer
• Match Game (2025–present) – Host

Major Film Roles:

• Three Amigos! (1986)
• Innerspace (1987)
• Father of the Bride (1991) & Part II (1995)
• Captain Ron (1992)
• Clifford (1994)
• Mars Attacks! (1996)
• The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)

Broadway Productions:

• The Goodbye Girl (1993) – Tony nomination
• Little Me (1998–1999) – Tony Award winner
• It’s Only a Play (2015)
• Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me (2006–2007)

Awards:

• 2× Primetime Emmy Awards
• 1× Tony Award (Best Actor in a Musical)
• 2× Screen Actors Guild Awards
• Outer Critics Circle Award
• Officer of the Order of Canada (2019)
• Member of the Order of Canada (1994)
• Canada’s Walk of Fame (2000)

Personal Life

Marriage to Nancy Dolman

Martin Short married Canadian actress Nancy Dolman on December 22, 1980, after meeting during the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell . Dolman, who was Gilda Radner’s understudy in that production, had a recurring role on the ABC sitcom Soap before retiring from acting in 1985 to focus on raising their family .

The couple shared 30 years of marriage until Dolman’s death from ovarian cancer on August 21, 2010, at age 58 . Short has remained devoted to her memory, stating in a 2014 interview that he still considers himself married to her . Following her wishes, the family held a celebration of life rather than a traditional funeral, scattering her ashes into Lake Rosseau in Ontario .

Children and Family Tragedy

Short and Dolman adopted three children: Katherine Elizabeth (born 1983), Oliver Patrick (born 1986), and Henry Hayter (born 1989) . All three children were raised largely out of the spotlight, with none pursuing show business careers despite their father’s encouragement .

In February 2026, the family announced the death of Katherine Elizabeth at age 42 . The family statement described her as “beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world” . Oliver Patrick works in sports broadcasting, having held positions at Fox Sports, MLB Network, and NBC Sports, while Henry graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2012 .

Short maintains close ties with his extended family, including his brother-in-law Bob Dolman (Andrea Martin’s former husband) and their sons Jack and Joe, making him an uncle by marriage .

Current Relationship Status

Since 2024, Short has been the subject of widespread speculation regarding his relationship with three-time Oscar winner meryl streep. The pair, who play on-screen lovers in Only Murders in the Building, have been photographed together frequently at events including the Golden Globes, Broadway shows, and the SNL50 anniversary concert .

While Short denied dating rumors on bill maher’s podcast in January 2024, stating “We’re not a couple. We are just very close friends,” sources told Page Six in March 2025 that the pair had been dating for “well over a year” . Representatives for both actors have maintained they are simply friends, though their continued public appearances together—including holding hands at premieres and spending Valentine’s Day together—have kept speculation alive .

Controversies

Martin Short has maintained a remarkably controversy-free career spanning over five decades. The closest instance of professional criticism came during his appearance on The Morning Show (2019), where he played a director character that some critics interpreted as a composite of woody allen and Louis C.K., figures who had faced sexual misconduct allegations . However, this was a creative choice by the show’s producers rather than a personal controversy for Short.

The actor has navigated the recent speculation about his relationship with Meryl Streep with characteristic grace, neither confirming nor denying the rumors while maintaining respect for both his late wife and Streep’s privacy .

Awards & Achievements

Major Awards:

• 1982: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (SCTV Network)
• 1993: Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical (The Goodbye Girl)
• 1999: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (Little Me)
• 2014: Member of the Order of Canada (elevated to Officer in 2019)
• 2025: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series (Only Murders in the Building)
• 2025: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (Only Murders in the Building)

Additional Honors:

• Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals
• Canada Post commemorative stamp (2014)
• Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2000)
• Royal Canadian Mint commemorative $3 coin featuring his Lake Rosseau home (2013)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“The thing you can always rely on, your core person, comes from your family’s attention and love.”

“What’s great about being a character actor is you know that you can survive forever. It’s not about the gloss of your eyebrows.”

“I’ve chosen to treat my life more like a party than something to stress about.”

“My natural state is to be happy. I’m naturally buoyant. I wake up feeling, ‘What a great morning!’ I’ve had some tragedy in my life, absolutely, but I don’t know one human being who hasn’t. You either learn from it and become empowered by it, or you become a victim to it. It’s life, after all.”

“When you get to a point where you’re successful enough that you can say, ‘I don’t have to take any job anymore,’ and you’re still good at what you do, how do you decide what work to take on? I think the answer is that you pursue what you enjoy. In my case, it’s variety.”

Favorites

Personal Interests:

• Sports: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Canadian Football League)
• Music: Frank Sinatra (childhood idol), jazz, blues, soul
• Food: Italian cuisine (frequent visits to Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica)
• Vacation Spot: Lake Rosseau, Muskoka, Ontario (summer home)
• Hobbies: Hosting dinner parties, collecting music, crossword puzzles

Earnings & Net Worth

As of 2026, Martin Short’s estimated net worth stands at $30 million . His wealth derives from multiple revenue streams across his five-decade career:

Income Sources:

• Film Roles: Estimated $10 million
• Broadway Performances: Estimated $6 million
• Television (SNL, SCTV, Only Murders): Estimated $6 million (including reported $600,000+ per episode for Only Murders in the Building)
• Voice Acting: Estimated $3 million
• Real Estate Investments: Estimated $5 million
• Touring and Specials: Variable

Real Estate Holdings:

• Pacific Palisades mansion (5,000 sq ft), purchased 1987 for $1.3 million
• Beachwood Canyon home (1,836 sq ft), purchased 2014 for $1.1 million, renovated for $2.2 million
• Lake Rosseau summer home, Ontario, Canada (featured on 2013 Royal Canadian Mint commemorative coin)

Interesting Facts

1. Early Tragedies: By age 20, Short had lost his brother, mother, and father, experiences he credits with developing his resilience and comedic perspective .
2. Godspell Connections: The 1972 Toronto production of Godspell launched not only Short’s career but also those of Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Gilda Radner, and Victor Garber .
3. Coin Honors: In 2013, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a $3 commemorative coin featuring Short’s summer home on Lake Rosseau, making him one of few living Canadians so honored .
4. Family Comedy Dynasty: Through his marriage to Nancy Dolman, Short became brother-in-law to Andrea Martin (married to Dolman’s brother Bob), creating a extended family of Canadian comedy royalty .
5. SNL Legacy: Short is one of the few SNL cast members to host the show after leaving the cast, and he appeared in the SNL50: The Anniversary Special in 2025, though he contracted COVID-19 and missed the subsequent SAG Awards where he won .
6. Charity Work: Short won $32,000 for Loyola High School on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2001 and actively supports the Women’s Research Cancer Fund in memory of his wife .
7. Dual Citizenship: Though a naturalized U.S. citizen, Short maintains his Canadian citizenship and remains deeply connected to his Hamilton, Ontario roots .

Did You Know?

• Martin Short created the character Ed Grimley while at Second City, originally as a one-off bit, but the character became so popular it followed him to SCTV and then Saturday Night Live .
• He turned down the role of the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin (1992), which eventually went to Robin Williams .
• Short and Steve Martin have been close friends since the 1980s but didn’t tour together until 2015, waiting over 30 years to collaborate professionally on a large scale .
• Despite his comedic persona, Short has delivered acclaimed dramatic performances, including his Emmy-nominated turn in The Morning Show .

Social Media Links

While Martin Short maintains a relatively private personal life, fans can follow his work through:

• Instagram: @martinshort (official)
• Twitter/X: @MartinShort (official)
• Facebook: Martin Short Official
• Hulu: Only Murders in the Building official pages
• ABC: Match Game official pages

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Martin Short been on Only Murders in the Building?
Martin Short has starred as Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building since its premiere in August 2021. The show is currently filming its fifth season, with a sixth season already ordered by Hulu .

What is Martin Short’s most famous character?
While Short has created many iconic characters, Ed Grimley remains his most recognizable creation. The hyperactive, spiky-haired man-child with a passion for Wheel of Fortune and playing the triangle originated on SCTV and became a cultural phenomenon during Short’s Saturday Night Live tenure in 1984–1985 .

Is Martin Short married to Meryl Streep?
As of 2026, Martin Short is not married to Meryl Streep or anyone else. He has been widowed since 2010 following the death of his wife Nancy Dolman. While rumors of a romantic relationship with Streep have persisted since 2024, both actors maintain they are close friends, though sources have suggested they have been dating privately .

What are Martin Short’s hobbies?
Short is an avid music collector with particular love for Frank Sinatra, jazz, and blues. He is a dedicated fan of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Canadian Football League team and enjoys hosting dinner parties at his Pacific Palisades home. He also maintains a summer home on Lake Rosseau in Ontario, Canada, where he enjoys boating and relaxing .

How did Martin Short’s daughter Katherine die?
Katherine Elizabeth Short died in February 2026 at age 42. The family announced her passing with a statement describing her as “beloved by all” but did not specify the cause of death .

Conclusion

Martin Short’s career represents a master class in longevity, adaptability, and the power of pure comedic talent. From the tragedy-scarred boy in Hamilton, Ontario, to the Tony-winning Broadway star, to the beloved SNL alum, and now to the septuagenarian sensation of Only Murders in the Building, Short has consistently reinvented himself while maintaining the core energy that made him famous. His ability to navigate personal loss—from his parents and brother to his wife and now his daughter—with grace and humor has only deepened the public’s affection for him.

At 75, Short stands at the peak of his powers, hosting Match Game, filming multiple seasons of his hit series, and maintaining the busiest schedule of his career. His partnership with Steve Martin has produced some of his most fulfilling work, while his possible romance with Meryl Streep has captured the public imagination. Through it all, he remains the “naturally buoyant” performer who wakes up thinking, “What a great morning!”

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