You probably think you know Martin Short. He’s the guy with the manic energy, the one who can slip into a three-piece suit and a ridiculous accent faster than you can say "Jiminy Glick." But honestly, if you haven’t been paying attention to what Martin Short has been doing lately, you’re missing out on a historic career renaissance. At 75, most people are looking for a quiet porch. Short? He's currently headlining a massive national tour and steering one of the most successful streaming comedies in history.
It’s kind of wild when you think about it. Usually, comedy is a young person’s game. The "next big thing" usually burns out by thirty. Yet, here we are in 2026, and Short is arguably more influential now than he was when he was jumping around on the Saturday Night Live stage in the eighties.
The Unstoppable Momentum of Martin Short
Most people's modern entry point into the world of Martin Short is Only Murders in the Building. As Oliver Putnam, the quintessential "theatre person" with a penchant for expensive dips and failed Broadway flops, Short has found the role of a lifetime. The chemistry between him, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez isn’t just good television; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has redefined how we view "older" actors in Hollywood.
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Just this month, in January 2026, the industry is still buzzing over the Season 5 finale. We finally found out who killed Lester, the Arconia's long-suffering doorman—it was Mayor Beau Tillman, played by Keegan-Michael Key. But more importantly, the show was officially renewed for a sixth season. Short’s performance as Oliver continues to rake in accolades, including his recent 2026 Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. He actually won his first-ever SAG Award for the role in 2025, though he famously had to skip the ceremony because he caught COVID at the SNL50 anniversary special. Talk about bad timing for a guy who lives for a standing ovation.
More Than Just a Sitcom Star
Short isn’t just sitting in a trailer waiting for his lines. He’s currently in the middle of "The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short" tour. This isn't some "greatest hits" snooze-fest. It’s a high-energy variety show that blends razor-sharp stand-up with musical numbers and banjo tunes, supported by the Steep Canyon Rangers.
- January 29, 2026: San Antonio, TX at the Majestic Theatre.
- January 30-31, 2026: A two-night stand in Austin at the Bass Concert Hall.
- February 27-28, 2026: Stops in Milwaukee and Minneapolis.
- March & April 2026: Heading to Washington D.C., Hershey, Savannah, and Cleveland.
He’s 75 years old and doing 8:00 PM shows in different states three nights a week. The stamina is honestly terrifying.
What People Get Wrong About His Comedy
There’s this misconception that Short is just "zany." People see characters like Ed Grimley—the guy with the high-waisted pants and the cowlick—and think it’s just low-brow physical comedy. That's a mistake. If you look at his work on SCTV or his Broadway run in Little Me (which won him a Tony in 1999), you see a technician. He’s a scholar of human absurdity.
Short’s comedy is built on a deep, almost painful understanding of ego. Oliver Putnam is funny because he's desperate to be relevant. Jiminy Glick is funny because he’s a celebrity interviewer who hates celebrities. There’s a layer of satire there that most comics can’t touch. He’s not just making faces; he’s deconstructing how people act when they think they're important.
His net worth, currently estimated around $30 million, isn't just from being funny. It's from decades of being the most reliable person on a set. Whether it’s voicing Stefano in Madagascar 3 or playing the high-strung wedding planner Franck in Father of the Bride, Short brings a level of professional precision that makes him a director's dream. He doesn't just show up; he elevates the entire room.
The Secret Sauce: Resilience and Friendship
You can’t talk about Martin Short without talking about Steve Martin. Their friendship is the "North Star" of their current success. They met on the set of Three Amigos! back in 1986 and basically never stopped hanging out. In an industry known for shallow relationships and ego clashes, their bond is genuinely refreshing. They roast each other relentlessly, but it’s rooted in a profound mutual respect.
But there’s a darker side to the resilience that people often forget. Short lost his wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman, to ovarian cancer in 2010. He’s spoken openly about how he still communicates with her in his mind, asking her advice on career moves or parenting their three kids, Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. That kind of personal loss often breaks people. For Short, it seems to have deepened his appreciation for the joy he can provide others. He chose to keep going, to keep being funny, not because it was easy, but because it was necessary.
Why 2026 is the Year of Short
We are seeing a shift in what audiences want. After years of cynical, dark comedy, there is a massive hunger for the kind of joyful, clever, and slightly absurd entertainment that Short provides. He’s a link to the "Old Hollywood" variety era but with a sharp, modern edge.
- Longevity: He has survived every trend in comedy.
- Versatility: He can do a podcast-themed sitcom, a Broadway musical, and a voice-over for a Disney movie in the same year.
- Work Ethic: The man does not stop. The 2026 tour schedule alone would tire out a 25-year-old.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you want to truly appreciate the genius of Martin Short this year, don't just stick to the Hulu hits. Dive into the archives. Watch his 1994 film Clifford—it was a flop at the time, but it’s become a cult classic for a reason. It’s Short at his most unhinged, playing a ten-year-old boy who is essentially a sociopath. It's brilliant.
Check the tour dates for the "The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short." If they are coming to your city, buy the tickets early. These shows are selling out almost instantly because people realize we are watching two masters at the absolute peak of their craft. Finally, keep an eye out for the Season 6 premiere of Only Murders. With Tina Fey’s character, Cinda Canning, confirmed as the next victim, the stakes for Oliver Putnam have never been higher.
Next Steps to Follow the Legend:
- Secure Tour Tickets: Visit the official tour site for the spring 2026 dates in Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio.
- Archive Binge: Watch the SCTV sketches to see where characters like Jackie Rogers Jr. began.
- Stay Updated: Follow the production news for Only Murders Season 6, which is expected to start filming in late 2026 for a 2027 release.