Martin Hayter Short OC (born March 26, 1950) is a Canadian-American performer, humorist, author, vocalist, and producer. He is recognized for his lively acts, keen comedic timing, and iconic characters. Short’s profession spans television, cinema, Broadway, and live comedy tours. He gained fame initially on SCTV and Saturday Night Live, where he crafted characters like Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick. Short received a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for Little Me (1998) and has been honored with two Primetime Emmy Awards.
In 2019, he was bestowed the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes for lifetime accomplishments. As of February 2026, at 75 years of age, Short still performs with Steve Martin, co-stars in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building (2021 to present), and is a cherished personality in comedy.
Biography Update
Martin Short was born in Hamilton, Ontario, being the youngest of five siblings. His mother, Olive Grace (Hayter), served as concertmistress with the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra, while his father, Charles Patrick Short, was a steel company executive hailing from Northern Ireland. Short encountered numerous family tragedies during his upbringing: his eldest brother David passed away in a car crash in 1962 when Martin was just 12, his mother succumbed to cancer in 1968, and his father died from a stroke in 1970. He has reflected on how these incidents shaped his ambition and humor.
Short attended Westdale Secondary School and completed his degree at McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 1971. Motivated by his mother’s artistic flair, he embarked on a career in local theatre. In the 1970s, he became part of the Toronto branch of Second City, collaborating with Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and John Candy. This opportunity paved the way for his major breakthrough on SCTV (1980 to 1984), where he clinched an Emmy for writing in 1983.
Short joined Saturday Night Live for the 1984 to 1985 season, where he introduced characters like Ed Grimley, an eccentric, vibrant nerd distinguished by his unusual hairstyle. He later brought Grimley to his own talk show, The Martin Short Show, in 1988 and 1989. Short also featured in the sitcom Mulaney (2014 to 2015) and the variety series Maya & Marty (2016). Since 2021, he has shared the screen with Steve Martin and Selena Gomez in Only Murders in the Building, receiving nominations for Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice awards, in addition to a SAG Award for ensemble performance in 2024.
On stage, Short garnered Tony nominations for The Goodbye Girl (1993) and won for Little Me (1998). He has extensively toured with Steve Martin since 2015, and their Netflix special, An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life (2018), received four Emmy nominations. In 2025–2026, their live tour continues to fill theatres across North America. Short remains engaged in philanthropy, championing arts education and mental health initiatives.
Wife
Martin Short wed actress and singer Nancy Dolman on April 28, 1980. They first crossed paths in 1972 while acting in the Toronto production of Godspell. Dolman exited show business in 1985 to concentrate on their family. Together, they had three children and enjoyed a close, supportive marriage until her passing from ovarian cancer on August 21, 2010. Short has depicted their 30-year union as a steadfast anchor and the love of his life. He has not remarried and frequently pays tribute to her memory in interviews and performances.
Height
Martin Short stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. He often humorously references his stature in his comedic acts, particularly when portraying characters like Ed Grimley.
Children
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman had three offspring:
- Katherine Elizabeth Short (born 1981) – Their oldest daughter, who has predominantly remained out of the spotlight.
- Oliver Patrick Short (born 1983) – Their son, who leads a discreet life.
- Henry Hayter Short (born 1985) – Their youngest son, also private but supportive of his father’s profession.
The family primarily resided in Los Angeles and Pacific Palisades, California. Short has expressed that family holds significant importance to him and that his children assisted him in coping after Nancy’s death in 2010.
Movies
Martin Short has appeared in numerous films, showcasing his versatility as a comedian:
- Three Amigos (1986) – A supporting role in the Steve Martin comedy.
- Innerspace (1987) – Co-starred alongside Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan.
- Three Fugitives (1989) – Opposite Nick Nolte.
- Father of the Bride (1991) and Father of the Bride Part II (1995) – Portrayed Franck Eggelhoffer.
- Captain Ron (1992) – With Kurt Russell.
- The Big Lebowski (1998) – Minor role in the Coen Brothers’ cult classic.
- Mars Attacks! (1996) – A Tim Burton film.
- Jungle 2 Jungle (1997) – Alongside Tim Allen.
- The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006) – As Jack Frost.
- Frankenweenie (2012) – Voiced a character in Tim Burton’s animated movie.
Short has also lent his voice to characters in animated films such as The Prince of Egypt (1998), Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001), and The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! (2010–2013).
Net Worth
Martin Short’s net worth in 2026 is approximated at $50–60 million. His fortune arises from:
- Years of successful performance in film, television, and Broadway.
- Long-lasting residuals from Home Improvement, SCTV, and Saturday Night Live.
- Income from live comedy performances with Steve Martin.
- Voice acting, producing, and writing credits.
- Real estate ventures (properties in Los Angeles and Canada).
- Endorsements and public appearances.
His ongoing success with Only Murders in the Building and live tours continues to bolster his income.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Martin Hayter Short OC |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1950 |
| Age (Feb 2026) | 75 |
| Birthplace | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Wife | Nancy Dolman (married 1980–2010; deceased) |
| Children | Katherine (1981), Oliver (1983), Henry (1985) |
| Key Roles | Ed Grimley (SNL), Jiminy Glick, Only Murders in the Building, Father of the Bride |
| Major Awards | Tony Award (Little Me), 2 Emmys, Cecil B. DeMille Award (2019) |
| Current Projects | Only Murders in the Building (ongoing); live tours with Steve Martin |
| Net Worth (2026) | $50–60 million |
