Top 10 Moments That Made Us Love Martin Short

Short is a gifted physical comedian, but his eccentric voice is well-suited to animation. When you need somebody to voice a livewire like Stubbs in “We’re Back,” Stefano in “Madagascar 3,” or B.E.N. in “Treasure Planet,” Short should be at the top of the call list. Short has also shown off his subtler side as Hubie in “The Pebble and the Penguin.” He’s taken on more antagonistic roles as well in “The Prince of Egypt,” “Jimmy Neutron,” and “The Willoughbys.” “Frankenweenie” is an especially strong showcase of his range, voicing the supportive Edward Frankenstein, the grumpy Mr. Burgermeister, and the disturbed Nassor. The Cat in the Hat is perhaps the most famous character Short has voiced, receiving a Daytime Emmy nomination.

Although best known for his work in film and TV, Short has also left his mark on the stage. He made his Broadway debut in a musical version of “The Goodbye Girl” and played Leo Bloom when “The Producers” was on tour in California. The show that brought him the most acclaim was a 1998 revival of Neil Simon’s “Little Me.” In this musical, Short plays eight different characters, including a banker who’s accidentally shot, a director who accidentally stabs himself, and a soldier who dies in a freak typewriter accident. Although Short continually dies on stage, the revival rose to life thanks to his versatile presence. Short’s performance(s) would win him the Tony, which he brought with him while presenting at the Emmys.

Imagine “The Bad Seed,” but instead of a little girl, it’s a ten-year-old with Martin Short’s head. The result is the cinematic fever dream “Clifford,” in which Short stars as a little boy who torments his uncle, played by Charles Grodin. When Director Paul Flaherty heard this premise, he thought, “Oh, that’s gonna bomb.” He wasn’t wrong, as “Clifford” was a box office flop and the critics assassinated it, although Short claims he heard laughter at advanced screenings. Most comedies would fade into obscurity after this, but “Clifford” found its audience with many loving just how unapologetically surreal it is. The film even gained some famous fans like Nicolas Cage, who told Short that he broke his VHS rewinding a scene from “Clifford” 35 times.

You might know Nancy Dolman from the sitcom “Soap” where she played Annie Selig Tate. While serving as Gilda Radner’s understudy in the musical “Godspell,” Dolman met Short, who was playing Jeffrey. Eight years later, the two got hitched. Not long after adopting their first child, Dolman decided to focus on motherhood with two more kids eventually joining the family. Dolman could still be seen accompanying her husband to award shows and occasionally helping him out in bits. Sadly, Dolman passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010 at age 58. Although Dolman’s life was cut tragically short, her husband was grateful to have spent more than 30 years with her. Short can still feel Dolman’s presence years later, reflecting on their marriage as “a triumph.”

While primarily a showcase for the great Glenn Close, “Damages” provided a platform for several comedic actors to demonstrate their dramatic chops, from Ted Danson to Lily Tomlin. Martin Short didn’t disappoint with his Emmy-nominated turn as Leonard Winstone, a wealthy, Ponzi-scheming family’s trusted lawyer. In the Tobin family’s eyes, Leonard is like family, but he’s not family. Ultimately, he’s an outsider who doesn’t fit in anywhere. It’s one of Short’s most understated performances, but also among his most layered. Short might not immediately strike you as a straight-faced lawyer, which is what makes him perfect for the role. Winstone isn’t what he seems, and the same can be said about Short, who proves that comedy is just one mask that suits him.

There are over-the-top Martin Short characters, and then there’s Jiminy Glick. An Ohio native born Malcolm Glickman, this middle child of 10 was a failed actor and mistreated assistant to Charles Bronson before inexplicably landing his own talk show. Some hosts fawn over their guests. Others make fun of them. Glick did both simultaneously in a masterclass of unprofessionalism. The character appeared on the short-lived “Martin Short Show” before being spun off in “Primetime Glick” and the feature, “Jiminy Glick in Lalawood.” The latter also saw Short portray David Lynch, who almost directed him in an unproduced movie called “One Saliva Bubble.” As ridiculous as Glick’s voice and mannerisms are, Short created a character who feels just as real as the celebrities that he interviews.

After appearing in two features, Short was given arguably his most prominent role yet in 1987’s “Innerspace.” This “Fantastic Voyage”-esque comedy was initially envisioned as Michael J. Fox in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s hulking physique. This evolved into a shrunken-down Dennis Quaid entering Short’s body. Short’s Jack Putter wasn’t the intended target, but he’s now forced to cooperate with Quaid’s Lt. Pendleton (assuming that he doesn’t lose his mind first). While Short is known for playing zany characters, he’s also believable as an average nice guy. “Innerspace” allows Short to show off both sides as a mild-mannered man who’s roped into maddening circumstances. Winning an Oscar for its effects, “Innerspace” earned Short some of his best reviews and solidified his potential as a movie star.

Short made a name for himself on “Second City Television” alongside fellow rising comedy stars Eugene Levy, John Candy, and Catherine O’Hara. Officially joining the cast towards the end of Season 4, Short stood out with his larger-than-life presence. In addition to impersonating real-life figures like Mr. Rogers, he brought us characters like elderly singer Irving Cohen. His most famous creation was Ed Grimley, a man-child whose bizarre behavior was only matched by his hairdo. Grimley received his own animated series and Short even took the character to “Saturday Night Live.” Short’s time at “SNL” was brief yet impactful, showcasing other characters like chain-smoking attorney Nathan Thurm. “SCTV” is the sketch comedy series that best utilized his talents, though, winning him an Emmy for writing.

These two Martins first crossed paths backstage on “The New Show.” The two didn’t get to tap into their natural chemistry until they co-starred in “Three Amigos,” bringing Chevy Chase along for the ride. The trio would co-host “SNL” to build hype, but Martin and Short soon emerged as a duo. Becoming fast friends, Short starred alongside Martin in the “Father of the Bride” movies as a colorful wedding planner. Over the years, the two continued to reunite for “SNL,” talk show appearances, tours, and Netflix specials. Short also honored Martin when he received an AFI Award, although the tribute was equal parts roast. While they rip on each other, their friendship is genuine, as exemplified when Martin performed a musical eulogy for Nancy Dolman.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Getting Swooped Around on “Arrested Development”
Uncle Jack & Dragon Need Their Own Spin-Off

Providing Comedic Relief in “Merlin”
Short Wears Many Faces as Frik

His Unhinged Dentist in “Inherent Vice”
A Cameo That’s Extra

Setting Sail with Captain Ron
Martin Short & Kurt Russell Is the Team-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

Playing Kevin Bacon’s Agent in “The Big Picture”
Thae Fact That Short Wasn’t Credited Only Makes His Presence Funnier

What’s the only thing better than Martin Short teaming up with Steve Martin? Adding Selena Gomez into the mix! Although the Martins were already an iconic pair, Gomez works off the comedy veterans as if they were always a trio. As different as the three main characters are, they share a mutual fascination with true crime and an apartment building known for attracting murders. While they work best as a group, Short’s Oliver Putnam is the resident scene-stealer. Whether he’s sinking his teeth into Nathan Lane or losing a tooth while romancing Meryl Streep, Oliver may be the finest role of Short’s career. There isn’t a more dramatic director/detective working on Broadway. Seriously, who isn’t a fan of this guy?

What’s your favorite Martin Short moment, and what’s your take on that Slate article? Let us know in the comments!