Martin Short’s net worth is estimated at $30 million as of 2026. The Canadian-born comedy legend has built his fortune across five decades through iconic television roles, hit films, and critically acclaimed Broadway performances.
| Full Name | Martin Hayter Short |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1950 |
| Age | 76 years old |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Writer |
| Net Worth | $30 Million (2026) |
| Spouse | Nancy Dolman (m. 1980–2010, her death) |
| Known For | Only Murders in the Building, SNL, Father of the Bride |
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How Does Martin Short Make Money?
| Income Source | Estimated Amount | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) | $600,000/episode | Per episode | Lead role alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez |
| Film Career Earnings | $20,000,000+ | Cumulative | Father of the Bride, Three Amigos, Innerspace |
| SNL & Television Work | $5,000,000+ | Cumulative | Saturday Night Live, SCTV, The Morning Show |
| Broadway Performances | $3,000,000+ | Cumulative | Tony Award-winning one-man show, Little Me |
| Stand-Up Tours & Live Shows | $1,000,000/year | Annual (personal) | Joint tours with Steve Martin |
| Estimated Total Net Worth | $30 Million (2026) | ||
Martin Short’s Early Life and Background
Martin Hayter Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He was the youngest of five children born to Charles Patrick Short, an Irish-Canadian steel executive, and Olive Grace, a concert violinist. Short’s early life was marked by tragedy — he lost his brother David in a car accident when Martin was 12, his mother died when he was 17, and his father passed away just two years later.
Despite these devastating losses, Short channeled his emotions into comedy, finding that making people laugh was both a coping mechanism and a calling. He attended McMaster University in Hamilton, where he studied social work while performing in campus theatrical productions. His natural comedic talent soon made it clear that entertainment, not social work, would be his career path.
Career and Rise to Fame
Short’s breakthrough came in 1982 when he joined the cast of SCTV (Second City Television), the legendary Canadian sketch comedy show. His memorable characters, including Ed Grimley — the nerdy, triangle-playing oddball with a gravity-defying hairstyle — quickly became fan favorites and caught the attention of American television producers.
In 1984, Short joined Saturday Night Live for one season, creating additional iconic characters and cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile comedic performers of his generation. His SNL tenure, while brief, produced memorable sketches and characters that remain part of the show’s legacy decades later.
Short’s film career includes beloved comedies such as Three Amigos (1986) alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase, Innerspace (1987), and the Father of the Bride films (1991, 1995) with Steve Martin. He also voiced characters in animated films and appeared in a wide range of dramatic and comedic roles throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
His Broadway career has been equally impressive, earning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Little Me. Short’s one-man show, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, was a critical and commercial success that showcased his remarkable range as a performer.
In recent years, Short has experienced a massive career resurgence through the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, where he stars alongside his longtime friend Steve Martin and pop star Selena Gomez. The show has been a critical darling and commercial hit, introducing Short to an entirely new generation of fans.
Personal Life and Family
Martin Short married actress Nancy Dolman on December 22, 1980. The couple had three children together: Katherine Elizabeth, Oliver Patrick, and Henry Hayter. Their marriage was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s strongest, lasting until Nancy’s death from ovarian cancer in August 2010. Short has spoken movingly about his late wife and continues to honor her memory, often discussing how their relationship shaped his life and career.
Martin Short’s Height — How Tall Is He Really?
Martin Short stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. There has been some debate about his exact height, with various sources listing him anywhere from 5’5″ to 5’8″. The discrepancy is common among celebrities, as height can be measured differently depending on footwear and posture. Short himself has joked about his height in his comedy routines, using self-deprecating humor that has become a hallmark of his comedic style. Compared to his frequent collaborator Steve Martin, who stands 6’0″ tall, Short appears noticeably shorter, which has been played for comedic effect in their joint projects.
Little-Known Facts About Martin Short
Despite his decades in the spotlight, there are several surprising facts about Martin Short that even devoted fans may not know. He is a talented writer who has authored a bestselling memoir, “I Must Say: My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend,” which received rave reviews. Short holds dual Canadian and American citizenship and was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1994. He is close friends with Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, and other entertainment industry legends. Short’s character Ed Grimley was originally created for SCTV before being brought to SNL, and the character even spawned a Saturday morning cartoon series.
How Tall Is Martin Short in Feet and Inches?
Martin Short is approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, which equals about 170 centimeters or 1.70 meters. While some sources list him as slightly shorter at 5’5″ or 5’6″, the most commonly cited height from reliable sources places him at 5’7″. His height has never been a hindrance to his career, as his enormous talent and energy more than compensate for his relatively average stature.
What Is Martin Short’s Net Worth in 2026?
Martin Short’s estimated net worth is approximately $30 million as of 2026. This fortune has been accumulated over a career spanning more than four decades in film, television, Broadway, and live performance. His recent role in Only Murders in the Building has significantly boosted his earnings, with reports suggesting he earns $600,000 per episode.
Is Martin Short Still Acting in 2026?
Yes, Martin Short remains very active in his career as of 2026. He continues to star in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, which has been renewed for additional seasons. Short also performs live comedy shows, often touring with his longtime friend and collaborator Steve Martin, and takes on select film and television roles that interest him.
How Did Martin Short Meet Steve Martin?
Martin Short and Steve Martin first worked together on the 1986 comedy film Three Amigos. Their professional relationship blossomed into one of the most enduring friendships in Hollywood. The pair have since collaborated on numerous projects, toured together for live comedy performances, and now co-star in Only Murders in the Building, bringing their real-life chemistry to the screen.
What Happened to Martin Short’s Wife?
Martin Short’s wife, Nancy Dolman, passed away from ovarian cancer on August 21, 2010, at the age of 58. The couple had been married for nearly 30 years and had three children together. Short has spoken publicly about his grief and how he keeps Nancy’s memory alive, describing their marriage as the greatest blessing of his life.
What Are Martin Short’s Most Famous Characters?
Martin Short’s most iconic characters include Ed Grimley from SCTV and SNL, Jiminy Glick from Primetime Glick, Franck Eggelhoffer from the Father of the Bride films, and Oliver Putnam from Only Murders in the Building. Each character showcases Short’s incredible range and his ability to create fully realized comedic personas that audiences adore.
