Fans are rallying around Martin shortly after an essay called him “unfunny.”
Martin Short.
Bruce Glikas/WireImageUnbelievers beware – Martin Short is a national treasure.
After slate has an essay entitled “Why we continue to put up with Martin ShortOn Friday, September 8, fans criticized Short, 73, as “staggeringly unfunny” and quickly took to social media to fiercely defend the comedian against the story’s harsh words.
The author of the editorial, Dan Kois, called Short’s comedy a “funny extravaganza” that proved he would “do anything to get a laugh.” The critic described all of Short’s “over-the-top” characters – which have existed throughout his four-decade-plus career – as “incredibly annoying” and called his “whole shit exhausting, sweaty and utterly unfunny.”
“During his evolution from standout sketch comedian to troubled movie star to twice-failed talk show host to song-and-dance enthusiast, I turned up my nose,” Kois wrote. “Every time he puts on a silly outfit or says something outrageous or makes a joke to the audience, I want to scream at the screen: Why are you like that?”
After Kois’ essay was published, Short’s name immediately trended across social media platforms. Fans began speaking out against his criticism by sharing snippets from Short’s days Saturday Night Live, Captured development, Curb your enthusiasm and more.
“‘Martin Short is not funny’ needs no argument because it’s not even a thing,” one person wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “It’s like someone saying, ‘The sun isn’t hot!’ You just smile at that person and hope they get the help they need.’”
Another said: “If you don’t like Martin Short, I’ll assume you don’t like kittens, chocolate ice cream, sunshine, butterflies and fluffy bunnies either.” A third quipped: “You’re entitled to your open opinion. Unless you think Martin Short isn’t funny.”
Beyond denouncing Short’s previous works – including 1994’s Cliffordin which he called Short’s performance “delightful,” “exciting” and “completely engaging” – Kois also criticized Short’s latest role as Oliver Putnam on Hulu. Just murders in the buildingin which he plays the main role Selena Gomez and long-time comedy partner Steve Martin.
Short’s portrayal of the failed Broadway director has earned him two Emmy nominations since the show premiered in 2021. While Kois admitted that Short’s appearance in Season 3 – which premiered last month – seemed more “quasi-naturalistic” due to Oliver’s heart attack, he claimed that “you can always see the mischievous glint in his eye.”
The fans had a different opinion. “It’s really strange to write a hit about Martin Short when the last episode of Just murders in the building has him giving one of the best romantic drama performances anyone has ever done since his co-star [Steve Martin] also dated and smoked Meryl Streep In It’s complicated” argued one person. Another added: “Martin Short is truly one of the few comedians who has not only remained funny as he’s gotten older (which is already very rare) but has somehow only gotten funnier.”
Personally, Kois confessed: “Despite this exhibitionist stage presence, it seems like that in real life.” [Short is] Mostly a calm, even-tempered guy – friend to many, loving husband and father” and someone he would find “a lovely gentleman” if the two had a meal together. However, that didn’t stop fans and celebrities from raving about Short’s personable and friendly demeanor.
“As a child I went up to Martin Short and told him I loved THREE AMIGOS.” Jerry O’Connell wrote about X on Friday. “He couldn’t have been nicer to that annoying kid. I think about this exchange a lot.”
Others recalled a 2012 interview in which Short didn’t correct Today’s show host Kathie Lee Gifford after she couldn’t remember, his wife Nancy Dolman had died a year earlier. When Gifford, 70, asked if Short was “still in love with Dolman,” he simply replied, “Madly in love.”
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During a commercial break, Gifford learned of her gaffe and apologized on television. “Martin was just telling me as he was leaving, he said, ‘Kathie, you probably didn’t know this,’ but his beautiful, precious wife Nancy died a year and a half ago… I feel so bad,” Gifford ruefully told viewers.
Days later, Short spoke with E! News about the awkward exchange — and made it clear that he doesn’t hold it against Gifford.
“I think it’s live television and people make mistakes and there’s no ill intent,” Short said. “And I think it’s nice to strive like that.”