With a career spanning more than five decades, Martin Short is mining a rich vein of experience for his current solo tour. The celebrated Canadian comedian and actor brings his unique brand of humor to the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on November 15 for a special performance.
A Versatile Career Forged in Canada
Short attributes his remarkable versatility to his Canadian roots. "I have a very Canadian-actor career," Short told Postmedia. He explained that when he started in the 1970s, the lack of a rigid star system meant actors had to be adaptable. "If you were asked to do a job, you did it. So you were always doing three meetings at once: television, movies and stage. I've always done that."
This philosophy led to an extraordinarily diverse body of work. His Broadway achievements include a Tony Award nomination for The Goodbye Girl in 1993 and a win for Little Me in 1999. On the big screen, he transitioned from starring roles in classics like Three Amigos and Innerspace to memorable cameos in films such as Inherent Vice and the Father of the Bride franchise.
Keeping the Creative Spark Alive
After half a century in entertainment, Short says the challenge has evolved. "At a certain point, the bigger obstacle is not so much trying to cover the rent as much as how to keep yourself interested in doing this after all this time," he revealed.
This enduring passion fuels his solo performances, which have become less common in recent years. His upcoming show promises to be "fun and loose," featuring the return of beloved characters like Jiminy Glick, the obnoxious Hollywood interviewer Short performs while wearing a fat suit.
Despite being nearly 25 years old, Jiminy Glick remains a fan favorite, with YouTube compilations showcasing his hilariously awkward interviews with celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld, Tom Hanks, and Mel Brooks.
Remembering a Comedy Legend
The conversation turned reflective when Short discussed his late friend and SCTV cohort, John Candy. Short, now 75, is the same age Candy would be today. Candy passed away in 1994 at just 43 years old.
Short appears in Colin Hanks' recent documentary John Candy: I Like Me and is quoted extensively in Paul Myers' biography John Candy: A Life in Comedy. "You're happy for it," Short said about the renewed appreciation for his friend's work. "Listen, John is someone that if he walked into the room now, I wouldn't be surprised. He was such a strong presence."
He compared Candy's legacy to that of great artists, noting that "artists always are re-appreciated because their work is so strong to begin with."
The November 15th performance serves as a fundraiser for the Owen Hart Foundation, established in memory of the late professional wrestler. The organization supports communities through scholarships, housing, and various social programs, making the evening both entertaining and impactful.
