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Martin Hayter Short

Martin Short is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, writer, and television host with a career spanning more than five decades. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, he rose to fame on SCTV and Saturday Night Live before becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved comic talents. A Tony and Emmy Award winner, he currently stars in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and has hosted ABC’s revived game show Match Game since June 2025.

Overview

Martin Hayter Short's Profile

Martin Short was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and began his journey in the performing arts after initially studying social work. He gained early fame in the 1970s through the Toronto production of Godspell, where he met many lifelong collaborators. His career reached new heights on sketch comedy shows like SCTV and Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he introduced legendary characters such as Ed Grimley and Nathan Thurm. 

A string of film roles followed, including Three Amigos (1986), Innerspace (1987), and the Father of the Bride franchise. He has also appeared in stage productions, including The Goodbye Girl (1993) and the Musical for Little Me (1999). Since 2021, he has starred as Oliver Putnam in Hulu’s acclaimed Only Murders in the Building. 

In 2025, Martin Short became the host and executive producer of ABC’s revived game show Match Game. He has also hosted his own variety program, The Martin Short Show, and delivered a satirical performance in Primetime Glick. Other experiences include co-hosting Maya & Marty and guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!, SNL, and  Live with Kelly and Mark.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Martin Hayter Short
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1950-03-26
  • Nationality: Canadian-American
  • Ethnicity: White
  • Sexual Orientation: Straight
  • Marital Status: Undisclosed
  • Career Start: 1972
  • Current Network:
  • Years Active
  • Estimated Salary: $2 million

3
TV Shows

0
Current Hosts

20
Years Active

50
Awards Won

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Match Game
Match Game
SNL
Saturday Night Live

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

  • Marriage Nancy Dolman from 1980 to 2010 (Canadian actress and singer. Met during the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell. Nancy died of ovarian cancer in 2010. )
  • Katherine Elizabeth Short, a adopted child with Nancy Dolman, born in 1983
  • Oliver Patrick Short , a adopted child with Nancy Dolman, born in 1986
  • Henry Hayter Short, a adopted child with Nancy Dolman, born in 1989

Education

Educational background and qualifications

  • Westdale Secondary School, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
  • BA in Social Work from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
  • Honorary Doctor of Literature — McMaster University (2001).

Net Worth & Income

Income sources, net worth, and properties.

  • A successful acting career spanning decades of roles in major studio films and TV shows, including Three Amigos, the Father of the Bride franchise, Mars Attacks!, and Only Murders in the Building.
  • Extensive national touring with Steve Martin, including their Netflix special An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life (2018).
  • Income from his role as host and executive producer of Match Game on ABC.

Awards

Awards & recognition

  • Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program, for SCTV (1983)
  • Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded), for AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mel Brooks (2014)
  • Tony Award — Best Actor in a Musical, for Little Me (1999)
  • SAG Award — Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, for Only Murders in the Building (2023)
  • Canada's Walk of Fame — inducted 2000
  • Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002)
  • Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)