Digest

This podcast features an interview with Martin Short, focusing on his recent success with "Only Murders in the Building," including his SAG Award win. He details the collaborative and positive atmosphere on set with Steve Martin and Selena Gomez, highlighting their shared approach to creating a fun and lighthearted environment. Short discusses the differences between his comedic and dramatic roles, noting the challenges of playing serious characters and the unique demands of maintaining fresh comedic performances over time, using Jiminy Glick as an example. He reflects on his Emmy-nominated role in "Damages" and the honor of peer recognition through the SAG Award. The interview also touches upon his long-lasting friendship with Steve Martin, offering insights gained from watching Steve Martin's documentary, and the possibility of reviving iconic characters like Ed Grimley and Jackie Rogers Jr. The conversation explores the rarity of big hits and the importance of enjoying the acting process and building positive relationships on set.

Outlines

00:00:20

Martin Short's Career and "Only Murders" Success

David Cantfield interviews Martin Short about his SAG Award win for "Only Murders in the Building," his collaboration with Steve Martin and Selena Gomez, and his diverse acting career spanning comedic and dramatic roles, including his experiences with award acceptance and the challenges of working on a large-scale production.

00:01:10

Collaboration, Comedy, and Dramatic Roles

Short discusses the collaborative spirit on the set of "Only Murders," his approach to both comedic and dramatic acting, and the challenges of reviving iconic characters while maintaining freshness. He also reflects on his Emmy-nominated role in "Damages" and the unique experience of being part of a major hit show.

00:20:57

Steve Martin and the Future of Iconic Characters

Short shares his perspective on Steve Martin, highlighting their friendship and his multifaceted talents as revealed in his documentary. He also discusses the possibility of reviving his iconic characters and the considerations involved in such a decision.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was it like winning a SAG Award for "Only Murders in the Building," especially given the circumstances of not attending in person?

  Martin Short describes the win as a fantastic honor, emphasizing the significance of recognition from peers. He discusses the challenges of accepting the award virtually due to COVID.

• How does Martin Short maintain a collaborative and positive atmosphere on the set of "Only Murders in the Building," particularly with such a star-studded cast?

  Short attributes the positive atmosphere to the collaborative working styles of himself, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez, emphasizing a lack of tension and a focus on creating a fun and lighthearted environment.

• What are the key differences in Martin Short's approach to comedic versus dramatic roles?

  Short explains that comedy requires sincerity and oddness simultaneously, while dramatic roles allow for a more straightforward approach to portraying emotions. He notes that he finds dramatic roles easier than comedic ones.

• What insights did Martin Short gain about Steve Martin from watching his documentary?

  Short highlights a moment in the documentary where Steve Martin is questioned about his comedic relevance, revealing a period of self-doubt. Short respects the documentary's honesty in including this vulnerable moment.

• How does Martin Short approach the challenge of playing the same character, like Jiminy Glick, over a long period, keeping it fresh and engaging?

  Short explains that much of his Jiminy Glick work is improvised, allowing for spontaneity and preventing the character from becoming stale. He also mentions pushing the boundaries of the character while being mindful of the current social climate.

Show Notes