Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a family of Irish and English heritage and was the youngest of five children. Short attended McMaster University in Ontario, where he studied social work. He later switched to drama and graduated with a degree in theater.
After moving to Toronto, Short began his career in show business as a member of the Second City comedy troupe. He honed his comedy skills and made a name for himself as a performer on various sketch comedy shows in Canada.
In 1979, Short made his debut on Saturday Night Live, where he became famous for his zany characters and impressions. He quickly became a favorite of the audience and his fellow cast members, and he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the show.
Short’s big break in film came with the 1986 comedy, Three Amigos, which he starred in alongside fellow SNL alumni Steve Martin and Chevy Chase. He went on to star in numerous films, including Father of the Bride, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, and Inherent Vice.
Short has also continued to work on television, starring in the sitcom, The Martin Short Show, and the drama, Damages. He has made guest appearances on a variety of shows, including Arrested Development, How I Met Your Mother, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
In addition to his work on the screen, Short has also had a successful career on stage. He has received critical acclaim for his performances in the musical comedy, Little Me, and the drama, The Goodbye Girl. He won a Tony Award for his work in the revival of Little Me in 1999.
Short is known for his quick wit and irreverent sense of humor. He has been praised for his ability to make audiences laugh with his off-the-wall characters and impressions. He is also known for his charitable work, especially for his support of Cancer Research and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
In his personal life, Short has been married to actress Nancy Dolman since 1980. The couple has three children together. Sadly, Dolman passed away in 2010 after a battle with cancer.
In recent years, Short has continued to be active in the entertainment industry. He has made several appearances on talk shows, such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He has also lent his voice to animated series, such as The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! and The Magic School Bus Rides Again.
Overall, Martin Short is an icon in the world of comedy and entertainment. He has left his mark on television, film, and stage, and his contributions to the industry will not be forgotten. With his infectious humor and irreverent sense of fun, Short continues to entertain audiences around the world.