Martin Short net worth in 2024 is estimated at $30 million, a testament to his enduring success as a beloved actor, comedian, and performer across stage, screen, and television. With a career spanning over 50 years, Short’s influence on comedy is legendary. From sketch comedy roots in SCTV and Saturday Night Live to scene-stealing roles in Father of the Bride and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, Martin Short has proven that talent, versatility, and resilience can build a lasting Hollywood legacy.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into Martin Short’s early life, entertainment journey, income sources, investment strategies, and how he has stayed relevant and financially successful into his seventies.

Who Is Martin Short?

Martin Short is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, best known for his iconic characters like Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick. Born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Short became a household name through his appearances on sketch comedy shows and films. With a signature mix of physical comedy, wit, and emotional depth, he carved a unique niche in entertainment.

He has worked across every medium, television, film, theater, and voiceover, with equal mastery. Beyond laughs, Short has earned critical acclaim, including Emmy and Tony Awards, and remains a pillar of North American comedy well into his seventies.

Quick Biography: Martin Short at a Glance

Field	Details
Full Name	Martin Hayter Short
Date of Birth	March 26, 1950
Birthplace	Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Canadian-American
Education	McMaster University (Social Work)
Profession	Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer
Years Active	1972–Present
Spouse	Nancy Dolman (m. 1980–2010, her death)
Children	3 (including adopted children)
Famous Shows	SCTV, SNL, Only Murders in the Building
Top Films	Three Amigos!, Father of the Bride, Innerspace
Awards	Emmy, Tony, Order of Canada
Estimated Net Worth (2024)	$30 Million

Early Life: Tragedy, Art, and First Steps in Comedy

Martin Short was born into a family that blended intellect with artistry. His father, Charles Short, was an executive at Stelco, while his mother, Olive Grace, was a concertmistress and violinist. Growing up as the youngest of five children, Martin was deeply influenced by the musical and artistic environment at home.

However, his early life was marred by tragedy. He lost his eldest brother in a car crash and both of his parents by the age of 20. These devastating losses shaped his emotional sensitivity, a trait that would later add depth to even his most outrageous characters.

Despite earning a degree in social work from McMaster University, Short’s heart was in the arts. He pivoted to acting with the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell, which also launched the careers of fellow comedians like Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, and Andrea Martin. This project marked the beginning of a lifelong journey in entertainment.

The Rise: From SCTV to SNL and Hollywood Stardom

SCTV: Birth of Iconic Characters

Short first gained widespread recognition on the Canadian sketch comedy show Second City Television (SCTV), where he debuted some of his most enduring characters. Among them, Ed Grimley stood out, a hyper, awkward, yet lovable nerd whose every word was punctuated with physical gags.

Jiminy Glick, a celebrity interviewer with bizarre mannerisms and no filter, also became a cult favorite. These roles showed Short’s range, mastering physical humor, voices, satire, and emotional undertones simultaneously.

SNL: A Brief But Powerful Tenure

In 1984, Short joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL), during a transitional period for the iconic NBC show. Despite staying only one season, he reinvigorated the series and brought beloved characters from SCTV to a U.S. audience.

While his time at SNL was short, it had an outsized impact. His sketches became fan favorites, and he was hailed as one of the show’s saving graces during a difficult era.

Hollywood Success: Movies That Cemented His Legacy

Major Films and Box Office Wins

Martin Short’s filmography includes several box office hits and cult classics:

• Three Amigos! (1986): Starring alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase, this comedy cemented Short as a big-screen star.
• Innerspace (1987): A sci-fi comedy with Dennis Quaid that highlighted Short’s physical comedy.
• Father of the Bride (1991) & Sequel (1995): His role as flamboyant wedding planner Franck Eggelhoffer was both hilarious and memorable.
• Clifford (1994): A dark comedy where he played a mischievous child opposite Charles Grodin, an oddball role that gained cult status.

These movies earned millions at the box office and continue to pay dividends through residuals, reruns, and streaming rights.

Career in Theater: A Tony Award Winner

Martin Short has always returned to his roots in live theater, where his talents as a singer, dancer, comedian, and actor shine most vividly. Known for his electrifying stage presence and old-school showmanship, Short has graced Broadway with performances that blend musical theater with classic variety-style entertainment.

He won the Tony Award in 1999 for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Little Me, where he played eight different roles, each with its own unique personality and comedic nuance. This demanding feat showcased not only his versatility but also his endurance and commitment to theatrical craft.

Beyond Little Me, Short also starred in The Goodbye Girl alongside Bernadette Peters in the early 1990s, a Neil Simon musical adaptation that earned him critical acclaim. In 2006, he brought his signature humor and personal stories to the stage with Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, a semi-autobiographical one-man musical revue that combined original songs, beloved characters, audience interaction, and real-life anecdotes. The show was both a satire of celebrity culture and a heartfelt homage to his journey in entertainment.

What sets Short apart on stage is his ability to connect deeply with a live audience. His shows are a mix of spontaneous wit, choreographed musical numbers, and character-driven monologues that often break the fourth wall. He seamlessly switches from heartfelt storytelling to slapstick comedy, from satire to sincerity, all within the same performance.

Short has also performed in regional theaters, benefit concerts, and gala productions, often raising funds for arts education and children’s hospitals. He has made guest appearances at venues like the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center, and has even performed live with symphony orchestras, proving that his stage appeal crosses genres and age groups.

Additional Roles: Staying Active Between Blockbusters

Between major film and television projects, Martin Short consistently stayed in the spotlight through a variety of smaller but impactful roles that showcased his range and sustained his popularity with audiences across generations.

Voice Acting in Animated Films

Martin Short’s distinctive voice, paired with his theatrical delivery and comedic rhythm, made him a natural fit for animation. Over the years, he voiced characters in several big-budget animated features:

• The Prince of Egypt (1998) – Short voiced Huy, one of Pharaoh’s high priests, adding both humor and tension to DreamWorks’ epic tale.
• Treasure Planet (2002) – He played B.E.N., a hyperactive robot with memory issues, in Disney’s sci-fi reimagining of Treasure Island. His performance added a comedic edge to the film’s adventurous tone.
• Frankenweenie (2012) – In Tim Burton’s gothic stop-motion film, Short showcased his versatility by voicing multiple characters, including Mr. Frankenstein, Mr. Burgemeister, and Nassor.
• Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012) – He brought life to Stefano, a lovable Italian sea lion in the traveling circus, further endearing him to younger audiences.

These animated films were not only box office successes but also gave Short long-term residual income through syndication, DVD sales, and merchandise. His ability to bring warmth and quirkiness to animated characters made him a standout in the voice acting world.

Guest TV Appearances

Martin Short also made frequent guest appearances on both comedy and drama television series, demonstrating his adaptability across genres:

• How I Met Your Mother (2011) – He played Garrison Cootes, a quirky environmental lawyer who briefly becomes Marshall’s boss. His character brought chaotic humor to the show’s legal subplot.
• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2005) – Short surprised audiences in a dramatic guest role as Sebastian Ballentine, a motivational speaker with a dark past, proving his dramatic acting chops.
• Mulaney (2014) – He played Lou Cannon, a narcissistic, washed-up comedy legend in this short-lived sitcom. Although the show was canceled after one season, Short’s over-the-top performance was widely praised.

These guest spots kept him in front of the camera, allowed him to explore new character types, and introduced him to a younger TV audience.

Talk Show Favorite and Variety Appearances

Few celebrities are as comfortable in front of a live audience as Martin Short. Over the decades, he has become a late-night TV staple, appearing regularly on:

• The Tonight Show (from the Johnny Carson era to Jimmy Fallon)
• Jimmy Kimmel Live
• Late Night with David Letterman
• The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Short often appears in character, reviving Jiminy Glick, Ed Grimley, or inventing absurd new personas, keeping hosts and audiences laughing uncontrollably. His improvisational skills and rapid-fire wit make his interviews unforgettable.

Reinvention with “Only Murders in the Building”

In 2021, Martin Short returned to prominence as Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building, a Hulu hit co-starring Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.

Why It Matters Financially

• Salary: Estimated at $600,000+ per episode by Season 3.
• Syndication & Streaming Rights: As the show grows globally, Short earns from backend deals.
• Increased Visibility: New audiences, media appearances, and renewed fan engagement.

The series not only revived Short’s career but proved he’s still a comedic powerhouse in modern TV.

Martin Short’s Income Sources: Where the $30 Million Comes From

1. TV and Film Salaries

His TV appearances, from SNL to Hulu, remain major income drivers. Film work brought seven-figure paydays in the 1990s and continues to earn residuals.

2. Comedy Tours and Netflix Specials

Martin Short frequently performs live shows with Steve Martin. Their Netflix special, An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life, earned rave reviews and Emmy nods. These live events sell out venues across North America.

3. Voice Acting

He has voiced characters in high-grossing films like:

• Treasure Planet (B.E.N.)
• Madagascar 3 (Stefano)
• Frankenweenie (multiple characters)

Voice acting is high ROI, limited work hours, large residuals.

4. Royalties & Residuals

SCTV, SNL, and his film work continue airing on cable and streaming platforms, earning Short consistent income.

5. Memoir and Book Sales

His memoir, I Must Say, became a New York Times bestseller. Book royalties and speaking events tied to its release added to his income.

6. Real Estate and Investments

Martin owns two major properties:

• Pacific Palisades, California: Valued at over $4 million
• Lake Rosseau, Ontario: A luxury lakefront retreat

He also holds private investments in mutual funds, entertainment ventures, and theater productions.

Martin Short Net Worth Breakdown (By Year)

Year	Income Source	Estimated Earnings
2020	Film & TV Roles	$8 million
2021	Hulu Show Debut	$1.5 million
2022	Netflix Special, Live Tours	$2 million
2023	Voice Acting & Royalties	$2.5 million
2024	Hulu Seasons 2–3, Real Estate Gains	$6 million
2024	Royalties & Licensing	$3 million
2024	Memoir, Speaking, New Roles	$3 million
Total (2024)		$30 million

Lifestyle: Modest, Private, and Grounded

Despite being one of the most beloved comedic icons in entertainment, Martin Short has never adopted the flashy, high-profile lifestyle that often accompanies Hollywood success. Instead, he has built a life centered around family, comfort, privacy, and creative joy.

Comfortable Cars: Function Over Flash

While many celebrities drive flashy sports cars or limited-edition luxury vehicles, Short has always leaned toward practicality and quiet elegance. He has been seen driving a vintage Mercedes-Benz, appreciating its timeless style, and also a hybrid Lexus, reflecting his environmental awareness and preference for smooth, reliable performance. His car choices mirror his character, refined but never ostentatious.

Quiet Homes: Private Havens in Canada and California

Martin Short splits his time between his homes in Pacific Palisades, California and Lake Rosseau, Ontario, where he retreats to recharge and reconnect with loved ones. His Los Angeles residence is nestled in an upscale but unpretentious neighborhood known for its privacy and greenery.

Meanwhile, his Ontario lake house, located in the heart of Muskoka’s cottage country, is a serene retreat. Surrounded by nature, it’s a space for boating, barbecuing, and storytelling by the firepit, a world away from red carpets and TV cameras.

Both homes reflect his love of understated luxury, favoring cozy furnishings, art collected over decades, and a warm atmosphere rather than showy decor.

Family Time: The Heart of His World

Family remains a central part of Martin Short’s life. After the passing of his beloved wife Nancy Dolman in 2010, he became even more devoted to his children, Katherine, Oliver, and Henry, all of whom are now grown. He is also a proud grandfather, often seen spending long weekends with his grandchildren at the family’s Ontario retreat.

Short has spoken openly about the deep value he places on family traditions, holiday gatherings, and staying present in the lives of his kids. Despite his demanding schedule, he prioritizes birthdays, vacations, and the simple joys of shared meals and outdoor adventures.

A Life Focused on Health, Relationships, and Creativity

At 74, Martin Short maintains his health and mental clarity through regular walks, a mostly plant-based diet, and a mindset focused on gratitude. He doesn’t chase fame—he cherishes friendships. Whether working with longtime collaborators like Steve Martin or writing heartfelt tributes to his late wife, Short’s life reflects a deep emotional intelligence and grounded perspective.

He surrounds himself with a tight-knit circle of friends, many of them also comedians, and finds comfort in daily routines rather than celebrity distractions.

Philanthropy and Charity Involvement

Martin Short quietly supports several causes:

• Cancer Research: In honor of his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed from ovarian cancer in 2010.
• Children’s Hospitals: He donates to hospitals in Toronto and Los Angeles.
• Theater and Arts Education: He supports programs for young performers.

Career Achievements and Awards

Over the course of his decades-long career, Martin Short has earned some of the entertainment industry’s highest honors, reflecting both his comedic brilliance and his cultural impact. In 1999, he received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety Program, recognizing his sharp wit and creative contributions to television. That same year, he won the coveted Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his dynamic and multi-character performance in Little Me on Broadway, cementing his place as a stage legend.

In his native Canada, Short has been honored with the prestigious Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest civilian distinctions, awarded for his outstanding contributions to Canadian arts and culture. He was also inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame, celebrating his lasting influence as one of the country’s most beloved entertainers.

In addition to these wins, Martin Short has received dozens of award nominations over the years, including nods from the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and multiple Emmy Awards across different categories. These accolades reflect the breadth of his talent across television, film, theater, and live performance, and his enduring relevance in the entertainment world.

Influence, Mentorship, and Legacy

Martin Short has influenced generations of comedians. Known for being generous and collaborative, he’s mentored many, including younger SNL stars and fellow Canadian performers.

Comedians like Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Seth Meyers cite him as an inspiration. His characters remain cultural references, and his ability to evolve with the times ensures that his legacy will endure for decades to come.

Social Media Platform:

Platform	Link
IMDb	Click Here
Widipedia	Click Here
Facebook	Click Here
Twitter	Click Here
Youtube	Click Here

Conclusion

Martin Short’s legacy is one of versatility, warmth, and timeless humor. From the stages of Broadway to the screens of Hollywood and the hearts of audiences worldwide, he has crafted a career that transcends trends. Whether making us laugh through outrageous characters or moving us with personal vulnerability, Short remains a masterful entertainer with unmatched range.

Beyond the spotlight, his grounded lifestyle, enduring friendships, and devotion to family show a man who values connection over celebrity. With decades of achievements behind him and continued success in front of him, Martin Short is not just a comedy icon, he’s a cultural treasure whose influence will outlive the applause.

FAQs About Martin Short Net Worth

What is Martin Short’s net worth in 2024?

$30 million, based on acting, comedy tours, royalties, real estate, and investments.

How does Martin Short make money today?

Mainly from Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, live comedy shows, voice work, and royalties from earlier work.

Is Martin Short still active in 2024?

Yes, he continues starring in Only Murders, performs live with Steve Martin, and occasionally voices animated characters.

What’s his most iconic role?

Ed Grimley, Franck from Father of the Bride, and Oliver Putnam from Only Murders are all contenders.

Does he invest in businesses?

Yes, primarily in theater productions, mutual funds, and real estate—not flashy startups.