Top 10 Moments That Made Us Love Martin Short
Who isn't a fan of Martin Short? Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re taking a look at roles and moments that solidified comedian Martin Short as a Canadian treasure.
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00:00 - Do I do you? - Yes.
00:02 - Well, I mean, you aren't that easy to do.
00:05 - Then we'll skip it. I just wanted to know. - Yeah, okay.
00:08 Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're taking a look at roles and moments
00:12 that solidified comedian Martin Short as a Canadian treasure.
00:16 - You love it. Am I right?
00:18 Number 10, his various voiceover roles.
00:22 Short is a gifted physical comedian, but his eccentric voice is well-suited to animation.
00:27 When you need somebody to voice a live wire like Stubbs in "We're Back,"
00:31 Stefano in "Madagascar 3," or Ben in "Treasure Planet,"
00:35 Short should be at the top of the call list.
00:37 - Of course, I'm Ben, the bio-electronic navigator.
00:40 - Oops. And you are? - Jim.
00:43 - Oh, what a pleasure to meet you, Jimmy. - It's Jim.
00:45 Short has also shown off his subtler side as Hubie in "The Pebble and the Penguin."
00:50 He's taken on more antagonistic roles as well in "The Prince of Egypt,"
00:53 "Jimmy Neutron," and "The Willoughbys."
00:55 - If you need love, I beg if you find it elsewhere. Thank you.
01:00 - Oh, you are Tim. And you are a Willoughby. - Oh.
01:06 - Good day, sir.
01:08 "Frankenweenie" is an especially strong showcase of his range,
01:11 voicing the supportive Edward Frankenstein,
01:13 the grumpy Mr. Burgermeister, and the disturbed Nasaur.
01:17 - It's the windmill that does it.
01:20 Turning, turning the air until the sky itself rages against the night.
01:27 The cat in the hat is perhaps the most famous character Short has voiced,
01:30 receiving a Daytime Emmy nomination.
01:33 Although best known for his work in film and TV,
01:39 Short has also left his mark on the stage.
01:41 He made his Broadway debut in a musical version of "The Goodbye Girl"
01:45 and played Leo Bloom when the producers was on tour in California.
01:49 - I wanna be the greatest, grandest, and most fabulous producer in the world!
01:57 - The show that brought him the most acclaim
01:59 was a 1998 revival of Neil Simon's "Little Me."
02:02 - Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
02:05 Or as you say in English, thank you.
02:07 - In this musical, Short plays eight different characters,
02:10 including a banker who's accidentally shot,
02:13 a director who accidentally stabs himself,
02:15 and a soldier who dies in a freak typewriter accident.
02:18 Although Short continually dies on stage,
02:21 the revival rose to life thanks to his versatile presence.
02:24 Short's performances would win him the Tony,
02:27 which he brought with him while presenting at the Emmys.
02:30 - I just wanna go on record as saying that winning an Emmy
02:33 is every bit as prestigious as winning one of these babies.
02:36 Imagine the bad seed, but instead of a little girl,
02:43 it's a 10-year-old with Martin Short's head.
02:45 The result is the cinematic fever dream "Clifford,"
02:49 in which Short stars as a little boy who torments his uncle,
02:52 played by Charles Grodin.
02:54 - Bad boy, Clifford, bad boy!
02:56 I don't know what to say to you, I'm shocked!
03:00 You could've given that child's parents a heart attack.
03:03 If they pressed charges, you could end up in prison!
03:06 When director Paul Flaherty heard this premise,
03:08 he thought, "Oh, that's gonna bomb."
03:10 He wasn't wrong, as Clifford was a box office flop
03:13 and the critics assassinated it.
03:15 Although Short claims he heard laughter at advanced screenings.
03:18 - A truly detestable film about a truly detestable little boy
03:22 played by Martin Short.
03:23 The whole gimmick, Short is an adult playing a kid.
03:27 Martin Short is a brilliant impersonator,
03:29 but he comes across here as a mean little dweeb.
03:31 Most comedies would fade into obscurity after this,
03:34 but "Clifford" found its audience,
03:36 with many loving just how unapologetically surreal it is.
03:40 The film even gained some famous fans like Nicolas Cage,
03:43 who told Short that he broke his VHS
03:45 rewinding a scene from "Clifford" 35 times.
03:48 - You think it's funny?
03:49 - No.
03:51 It was funny, Uncle Martin, it was.
03:54 Number 7.
03:55 His loving marriage to Nancy Dolman.
03:57 You might know Nancy Dolman from the sitcom "Soap,"
04:00 where she played Annie Selig Tate.
04:01 - Annie! You were Eunice's roommate in college!
04:05 - Yes! You remember me!
04:06 While serving as Gilda Ratner's understudy in the musical "Godspell,"
04:10 Dolman met Short, who was playing Jeffrey.
04:13 Eight years later, the two got hitched.
04:15 Not long after adopting their first child,
04:17 Dolman decided to focus on motherhood,
04:19 with two more kids eventually joining the family.
04:22 Dolman could still be seen accompanying her husband to award shows
04:25 and occasionally helping him out in bits.
04:27 - I'm very excited because I haven't seen it yet.
04:29 - No.
04:30 - We were supposed to go to the opening,
04:31 and I don't know, Marty got the wrong night.
04:35 So I haven't seen it, and I'm very excited.
04:37 Sadly, Dolman passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010 at age 58.
04:42 Although Dolman's life was cut tragically short,
04:45 her husband was grateful to have spent more than 30 years with her.
04:48 Short can still feel Dolman's presence years later,
04:51 reflecting on their marriage as, quote, "a triumph."
04:55 - You know, you try to fuel yourself with the Spirit.
04:57 You try to... Listen, I could have a full conversation with Nancy right now,
05:01 as if she's here. I know exactly what she'd say.
05:03 Because you do. We were together for 36 years.
05:06 So at a certain point, you literally become one person.
05:09 Number 6. His dramatic turn on "Damages."
05:12 While primarily a showcase for the great Glenn Close,
05:16 "Damages" provided a platform for several comedic actors
05:19 to demonstrate their dramatic chops.
05:21 From Ted Danson to Lily Tomlin,
05:23 Martin Short did not disappoint with his Emmy-nominated turn
05:26 as Leonard Winstone, a wealthy, Ponzi-scheming family's trusted lawyer.
05:31 - We've decided to talk on the record.
05:33 - I can't let you do that.
05:34 - People need to know that Joe had nothing to do with his father's crime.
05:38 In the Tobin family's eyes, Leonard is like family,
05:41 but he's not family.
05:43 Ultimately, he's an outsider who doesn't fit in anywhere.
05:46 It's one of Short's most understated performances,
05:49 but also among his most layered.
05:51 - Wanna get a waterboard?
05:52 [Laughs]
05:54 - You know, you've been crushing my client for over five hours now.
05:57 We're going in a circle, don't you think?
05:58 Short might not immediately strike you as a straight-faced lawyer,
06:02 which is what makes him perfect for the role.
06:04 Winstone isn't what he seems,
06:06 and the same can be said about Short,
06:08 who proves that comedy is just one mask that suits him.
06:12 There are over-the-top Martin Short characters,
06:18 and then there's Jiminy Glick.
06:20 - I'm here with one of the most luscious cupcakes,
06:24 Miss Yum-Yum herself, the fabulous Julia...
06:30 Lewis.
06:32 An Ohio native born Malcolm Glickman,
06:34 this middle child of ten was a failed actor
06:36 and mistreated assistant to Charles Bronson
06:38 before inexplicably landing his own talk show.
06:41 Some hosts fawn over their guests.
06:43 Others make fun of them.
06:45 Glick did both simultaneously in a masterclass of unprofessionalism.
06:49 - The phrasing was very unique.
06:51 Some people would say, "Boy, he seems so kind of bland,
06:54 and there's a nothingness there," but I don't feel that.
06:56 I feel that there's a wisdom to you,
06:59 just 'cause the eyes are so dull
07:00 doesn't mean that there's not a machinery of wheels clicking away.
07:04 The character appeared on the short-lived Martin Short Show
07:07 before being spun off in "Prime Time Glick"
07:09 and the feature "Jiminy Glick in Lala Wood."
07:12 The latter also saw Short portray David Lynch,
07:15 who almost directed him in an unproduced movie
07:17 called "One Saliva Bubble."
07:19 As ridiculous as Glick's voice and mannerisms are,
07:22 Short created a character who feels just as real
07:25 as the celebrities that he interviews.
07:27 - First of all, would you like any of these?
07:29 [audience laughter]
07:30 - Sure. - There you go!
07:32 Number four, taking center stage in "Innerspace."
07:36 After appearing in two features,
07:38 Short was given arguably his most prominent role yet
07:40 in 1987's "Innerspace."
07:43 - Take it easy, Jack. It's all right.
07:45 It's all right. The nurse will get it, Jack.
07:47 Just sit down. Sit down.
07:49 Oh! I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to twist you off.
07:51 This fantastic Voyage-esque comedy
07:53 was initially envisioned as Michael J. Fox
07:55 in Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Hulking" physique.
07:58 This evolved into a shrunken-down Dennis Quaid
08:00 entering Short's body.
08:01 Short's Jack Putter wasn't the intended target,
08:04 but he's now forced to cooperate with Quaid's Lieutenant Pendleton,
08:07 assuming he doesn't lose his mind first.
08:09 - Look, pal, we have to talk.
08:11 - No, we don't. - Don't what?
08:13 - Don't have to talk. - Yes, we do.
08:14 - We do? - Do what?
08:15 - Have to talk. - Not unless you want to.
08:17 While Short is known for playing zany characters,
08:20 he's also believable as an average nice guy.
08:23 "Innerspace" allows Short to show off both sides
08:26 as a mild-mannered man who's roped into maddening circumstances.
08:29 - What are you waiting on? - Look, don't rush me, okay?
08:32 Just... be quiet for a second. Let me think this through.
08:35 Winning an Oscar for its effects,
08:36 "Innerspace" earned Short some of his best reviews
08:39 and solidified his potential as a movie star.
08:42 Short made a name for himself on Second City Television,
08:48 alongside fellow rising comedy stars Eugene Levy,
08:50 John Candy, and Catherine O'Hara.
08:53 Just in case the love spirit wants to show you love's present.
08:56 Officially joining the cast towards the end of season four,
08:59 Short stood out with his larger-than-life presence.
09:02 In addition to impersonating real-life figures like Mr. Rogers,
09:05 he brought us characters like elderly singer Irving Cohen.
09:08 I wanted to ask you a question.
09:11 Go ahead. It's your show.
09:12 [Laughing]
09:15 It's my show.
09:16 His most famous creation was Ed Grimley,
09:19 a man-child whose bizarre behavior was only matched by his hairdo.
09:23 Grimley received his own animated series,
09:25 and Short even took the character to "Saturday Night Live."
09:28 - Will you please have a seat, Mr. Grimley? - Yes, sir.
09:30 This is a great honor for me to be here and to meet you, you know.
09:34 Short's time at "SNL" was brief yet impactful,
09:37 showcasing other characters like chain-smoking attorney Nathan Thurm.
09:40 "SCTV" is the sketch comedy series that best utilized his talents, though,
09:44 winning him an Emmy for writing.
09:47 Number two, his friendship with Steve Martin.
09:50 These two Martins first crossed paths backstage on "The New Show."
09:53 The two didn't get to tap into their natural chemistry
09:56 until they co-starred in "Three Amigos,"
09:58 bringing Chevy Chase along for the ride.
10:00 [Music]
10:07 The trio would co-host "SNL" to build hype,
10:10 but Martin and Short soon emerged as a duo,
10:13 becoming fast friends.
10:14 Short starred alongside Martin in "The Father of the Bride" movies
10:17 as a colorful wedding planner.
10:19 Hello.
10:20 [Kissing]
10:21 Hello.
10:22 [Speaking in tongues]
10:26 Over the years, the two continued to reunite for "SNL,"
10:29 talk show appearances, tours, and Netflix specials.
10:32 Short also honored Martin when he received an AFI award,
10:35 although the tribute was equal parts roast.
10:37 Tonight, we are honoring the movies of Steve Martin.
10:41 Why?
10:43 Because no one spoke up when the idea was first floated,
10:45 and now it's too late.
10:47 While they rip on each other, their friendship is genuine,
10:49 as exemplified when Martin performed a musical eulogy for Nancy Doleman.
10:54 Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions.
10:58 Getting swooped around on "Arrested Development,"
11:01 Uncle Jack and Dragon need their own spinoff.
11:03 Kisses, and then we talk.
11:05 Which one is Michael?
11:06 Swoop me!
11:10 I really appreciate you coming over, Uncle Jack.
11:13 Thank you for having me.
11:14 Providing comedic relief in "Merlin."
11:16 Short wears many faces as Frick.
11:19 Frick, it's your turn.
11:21 Now, Master Merlin, there are three classes of magic,
11:27 three stages of progression to full wizard status.
11:33 His unhinged dentist in "Inherent Vice," a cameo that's extra.
11:38 Miss Fenway may appear a little psychotic today.
11:41 Groovy.
11:42 What?
11:44 It's groovy being insane, man.
11:45 Where you at?
11:47 It's not groovy to be insane.
11:49 Setting sail with Captain Ron,
11:51 Martin Short and Kurt Russell is the team-up you didn't know you needed.
11:54 Hey, are you the captain?
11:56 Yeah, Ron Rico.
11:58 Call me Captain Ron, boss, everybody does.
12:00 Hi, Captain Ron, Martin Harvey.
12:02 Playing Kevin Bacon's agent in "The Big Picture."
12:05 The fact that Short wasn't credited only makes his presence funnier.
12:08 I don't know you, I don't know your work,
12:11 but I think that you are a very, very talented young man,
12:15 and I'm never wrong about these things.
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12:33 Number one, being part of the Only Murders trio.
12:37 What's the only thing better than Martin Short teaming up with Steve Martin?
12:41 Adding Selena Gomez into the mix.
12:43 Hey, did you guys hear about that mysterious death in the park last night?
12:47 We could multitask a little bit.
12:49 Silo out a second investigation, do a second podcast.
12:53 No, we need to focus. Only murders in the building.
12:56 Although the Martins were already an iconic pair,
12:59 Gomez works off the comedy veterans as if they were always a trio,
13:02 as different as the three main characters are.
13:05 They share a mutual fascination with true crime
13:07 and an apartment building known for attracting murders.
13:10 Who's ever doing this is clearly toying with us.
13:13 I mean, if it was simply about getting us caught,
13:14 the police would be banging down that door.
13:16 Why am I holding this knife?
13:19 While they work best as a group,
13:22 Short's Oliver Putnam is the resident scene stealer.
13:25 Whether he's sinking his teeth into Nathan Lane
13:27 or losing a tooth while romancing Meryl Streep,
13:30 Oliver may be the finest role of Short's career.
13:32 It's really corny.
13:34 Oh, I'm a big fan of corny.
13:37 Well, here's your tooth.
13:39 Right.
13:40 Right.
13:42 There isn't a more dramatic director/detective working on Broadway.
13:48 Seriously, who isn't a fan of this guy?
13:51 What's your favorite Martin Short moment?
13:53 And what's your take on that Slate article?
13:55 Let us know in the comments.
13:56 You think Martin Short's had sex?
13:59 I bet Martin Short's never had sex.
14:02 Do you agree with our picks?
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14:10 [music]