Top 10 Heartwarming Selena Gomez, Steve Martin & Martin Short Moments

Short and Martin have both hosted “SNL” individually on multiple occasions, although the latter is closer to the record. The two shared duties for the first time in 2022. There’s only one thing that could’ve made this pairing even better. Thankfully, she wasn’t far away. As the comedians traded jabs and eulogies, Gomez made a surprise appearance, brokering peace with a hug. She resurfaced in a “Father of the Bride” reunion/parody, playing herself. Gomez was only several months old when “Father of the Bride Part 1” hit theaters. By “Part 8,” though, she can give Short and Martin a run for their money. Airing not long before Christmas, having the trio together for the holidays was an unexpected gift.

As much as Short and Martin enjoy trolling each other, the two also love to gang up on Jimmy Fallon whenever they go on “The Tonight Show.” Gomez appeared alongside her co-stars in 2024, knocking them both down a peg with a few old guy wisecracks. Despite this, Martin didn’t hesitate to acknowledge Gomez’s first acting Emmy nomination and the early awards buzz she’s been generating for “Emilia Pérez.” While the whole trio got Emmy nominations for “Only Murders,” all three were prepared to lose… except for maybe Short. At least Short won the Name That Song Challenge. Granted, that’s mainly because Fallon was on his team, but Short’s familiarity with “Three Amigos” secured the win.

It’s a difficult question for any comedy fan: Steve Martin or Martin Short? While some might be able to decide, don’t bother asking Selena Gomez. She can never choose between them. Nevertheless, the question has come up multiple times. During a 2021 interview with the outlet Heart, Gomez gave an honest answer. While she has fun shooting scenes with Martin and Short individually, nothing tops working with them simultaneously. Three years later while filling in for Jimmy Kimmel on his talk show, Short couldn’t resist bringing up the topic of favoritism again. Gomez simply complimented her co-stars… while also taking a shot at their ages. The next time Gomez gets this inquiry, maybe she should just say, “Steve Martin Short.”

After filming four seasons together, the trio has gotten to know each other pretty well. There’s always something new to learn, however. Cutting out the interviewer, Vogue let Martin, Gomez, and Short ask the questions in this Off the Cut segment. The three chatted about their first impressions of each other, the first concerts they attended, and their favorite roles - excluding “Only Murders,” of course. They inevitably landed on the topic of “Only Murders,” discussing Mabel’s iconic looks and Oliver’s narcissism. While they might not be exactly like their characters, the onscreen dynamic between Charles, Oliver, and Mabel is reflected in real life. Their natural rapport is on display here with witticisms that range from flattering to savage, but all come from a heartfelt place.

Gomez is easily the most tech-savvy of the trio, something she never hesitates to remind them of on TikTok and Instagram. At the same time, Gomez has kept her co-stars up to date on modern lingo like “the OGs.” Perhaps Gomez’s greatest contribution was introducing Martin to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s song, “WAP.” Short relayed the story in an interview with Elle. After learning the meaning, Martin reportedly told Short, “I just heard new lyrics to ‘Top Hat and Tails.’” Gomez also had to teach Short that it’s pronounced “WAP,” not “W-A-P.” We can’t tell you what “WAP” stands for without getting demonetized, but for such an explicit song, it brought these three together in a surprisingly wholesome way.

Crossing paths in an elevator, Charles-Haden Savage, Oliver Putnam, and Mabel Mora seem to have little in common other than the building they live in. Two things ultimately unite them, however: limited restaurant seating and a true crime podcast. Some might argue that society has developed an unhealthy obsession with true crime content, bringing out humanity at its most morbid. While we see where they’re coming from, true crime can also be an unlikely bonding experience. Such is the case for these three new pals. As heinous as the crime might’ve been, seeing this trio light up over their mutual interest is nothing short of charming. This encounter marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship with all three actors sharing instantaneous chemistry.

Although the three kid around, they aren’t afraid to be sentimental. As “Only Murders” Season 4 commenced filming, Gomez received white roses with a message reading, “We’re so happy to be back with you, love, Steve and Marty.” Gomez returned the favor, sharing an on-set photo. Gomez thanked Martin and Short “for truly being the most kind, gentle, warm and powerful influences in [her] life.” She went on to thank them for showing her “a level of class, intellect and humor that doesn’t seem to be easy to find anymore.” Calling them “best friends,” Gomez concluded the post with an inside joke:

Speaking of the Emmys, the trio presented an award in 2022 when “Only Murders” picked up its first batch of nominations. In addition to working in a dig at Donald Trump, they cracked jokes about the old guys only having about a decade left, Short being more of a TV star, and Martin apparently resembling Angela Lansbury. More shots were fired at the 2024 Emmys, although honestly, the most brutal burn might’ve been reserved for J.D. Vance. For all the insult humor, Martin and Short were visibly proud of Gomez’s first acting nomination that year. Almost as visible as the smile Gomez tried to hide behind the envelope. You can’t go wrong with these presenters, but when are they going to host?

Martin initially conceived the “Only Murders” trio as three old men. His longtime buddy Short was onboard, but it was suggested that the trio include a young woman as well. Gomez’s name came up and soon enough, all three were on a Zoom call. Yet, Gomez wouldn’t meet Martin and Short in person until the first day of shooting. While the veteran comedians thought Gomez was “fantastic,” there was an underlying fear that she might turn out to be a “diva.” The two were quickly won over upon officially meeting Gomez, who also felt instantly welcomed into the club. By day three, Gomez was having lunch with Short and Martin. Much like their characters, they’ve been a close-knit cast ever since.

While they weren’t complete strangers, Martin and Short didn’t form an enduring friendship until they starred in 1986’s “Three Amigos.” Chevy Chase rounded out that classic comedy trio. In recent years, though, Short and Martin have come to recognize Gomez as the third amigo… or would she be the third amiga? The fourth amigo maybe? In any case, it’s a title that Gomez has fully embraced, proud to call her co-stars friends. When you have a duo as beloved as Short and Martin, Gomez could’ve come across as a third wheel. Yet, the two made her feel as if she was always part of their inner circle, despite being a few decades apart. You’re never too old or young to make new amigos.

After “Only Murders,” what do you hope Gomez, Martin, and Short do next? Let us know in the comments.