Martin Short, the renowned Canadian-American comedian, actor, and writer, has been entertaining audiences for decades with his unique brand of humor and impressive range of characters. However, before he became a household name, Short was a young boy with a passion for performing, and his early life and career laid the foundation for his future success. Born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Short grew up in a family that encouraged his creative pursuits. His mother, Olive, was a concertmistress, and his father, Charles, was a corporate executive with a love for music and theater.
Short's interest in the performing arts began at a young age, and he was actively involved in his school's drama club and community theater productions. He attended Westdale High School in Hamilton, where he honed his skills as a performer and developed his unique sense of humor. After graduating from high school, Short went on to study at McMaster University, where he earned a degree in social work. However, his true passion remained in the entertainment industry, and he soon found himself performing in local theater productions and improv comedy groups.
Key Points
- Martin Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- He developed an interest in the performing arts at a young age and was involved in school drama clubs and community theater productions
- Short attended McMaster University, where he earned a degree in social work, but eventually pursued a career in the entertainment industry
- He began his career in the 1970s, performing in local theater productions and improv comedy groups
- Short's breakthrough came in the 1980s with his appearances on Saturday Night Live and his starring role in the film Three Amigos
Martin Short’s Early Career: A Foundation for Success
Short’s early career in the entertainment industry was marked by a series of small roles and appearances in local theater productions and improv comedy groups. He was a member of the Second City comedy troupe in Toronto, where he honed his skills as a comedian and writer. In the 1970s, Short began to make a name for himself in the Canadian entertainment industry, appearing in various television shows and films, including the popular Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television. His breakthrough came in the 1980s, when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live and starred in the film Three Amigos, alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase.
Short’s Time on Saturday Night Live: A Defining Moment
Short’s time on Saturday Night Live was a defining moment in his career, and he quickly became known for his unique characters and impressions. He was a cast member from 1982 to 1983 and appeared in a total of 20 episodes. During his time on the show, Short developed a range of characters, including his famous impersonations of celebrities like Katharine Hepburn and Jerry Lewis. His work on Saturday Night Live earned him a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award and helped establish him as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
| Year | TV Show/Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Second City Television | Various characters |
| 1980 | The Associates | Tucker Kerwin |
| 1982-1983 | Saturday Night Live | Cast member |
| 1986 | Three Amigos | Lucky Day |
Martin Short’s Rise to Fame: A Career in Comedy
After his time on Saturday Night Live, Short continued to work in television and film, appearing in a range of projects, including the popular sitcom Mars Attacks! and the film Inner Space. He also continued to work in theater, starring in productions like The Goodbye Girl and Little Me. In the 1990s, Short began to focus more on his work as a writer and producer, creating and starring in the sitcom The Martin Short Show. Although the show was short-lived, it earned Short a nomination for a Golden Globe Award and helped establish him as a talented writer and producer.
Short’s Work in Theater: A Passionate Pursuit
Throughout his career, Short has remained passionate about his work in theater, and he has continued to appear in a range of productions, including The Producers, Spamalot, and La Cage aux Folles. His work in theater has earned him numerous awards and nominations, including a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Little Me. Short’s love of theater is evident in his performances, and he continues to be one of the most respected and beloved comedic actors working today.
In conclusion, Martin Short's early talents and career laid the foundation for his future success as a comedian, actor, and writer. From his early days performing in local theater productions and improv comedy groups to his breakthrough on Saturday Night Live and his starring role in Three Amigos, Short has consistently demonstrated his unique brand of humor and impressive range of characters. As a talented and versatile performer, Short continues to entertain audiences around the world, and his legacy as one of the greatest comedic actors of all time remains unparalleled.
What was Martin Short’s early life like?
+Martin Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in a family that encouraged his creative pursuits. He developed an interest in the performing arts at a young age and was actively involved in his school’s drama club and community theater productions.
What was Martin Short’s breakthrough role?
+Martin Short’s breakthrough came in the 1980s with his appearances on Saturday Night Live and his starring role in the film Three Amigos. His work on Saturday Night Live earned him a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award and helped establish him as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
What has Martin Short been up to in recent years?
+In recent years, Martin Short has continued to work in television and film, appearing in a range of projects, including the popular sitcom Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and the film Inherent Vice. He has also continued to work in theater, starring in productions like The Producers and La Cage aux Folles.