Martin Short Receives Overwhelming Celebrity Support Amidst Controversial Op-Ed Backlash

Summary

Hollywood stars defend Martin Short, calling him a comedic genius and hilarious after a scathing op-ed labeled him as unfunny.

The op-ed neglects to recognize Short's exceptional career, instead focusing on his exaggerated characters and shift to film roles.

However, Short garners praise for his remarkable kindness and patience with fans, and he continues to thrive in his profession. There are even rumors circulating about a potential new season of Only Murders in the Building.

Martin Short, the Emmy-winning actor currently starring in Hulu's Only Murders in the Building, received support from notable celebrities following the publication of a scathing op-ed. The veteran actor, known for his memorable roles on SCTV and Saturday Night Live, including characters like Ed Grimley and Nathan Thurm, impressed audiences with his comedic talent. Transitioning from sketch comedy to Broadway and screen roles, Short has showcased his skills in films such as Three Amigos, Mumford, Damages, and his latest project Only Murders in the Building.

After the release of an extremely critical opinion piece titled "Why We Keep Putting Up With Martin Short", which labeled his performances as "exhausting, sweaty, and desperately unfunny," Entertainment Weekly gathered responses from Hollywood stars who rallied behind Short, praising his abilities and denouncing the article. Read their reactions below:

Ben Stiller, the renowned comedian and filmmaker, asserts that Martin Short is a comedic prodigy.

Mark Hamill, the actor from Star Wars, shared a compilation of Short's previous performances, accompanied by the caption "It's incredulous that there are debates about Martin Short's comedic prowess. Quick update: He is absolutely HILARIOUS."

Television host and actor Jerry O'Connell commended Short for his patience and kindness, recounting a personal interaction with the veteran actor when O'Connell was much younger. He shared, "As a kid, I approached Martin Short and expressed my love for Three Amigos. He was incredibly gracious to me, even though I was just an annoying kid. I often reflect on that moment."

J. Smith-Cameron, renowned for her role in Succession, also weighed in on the article, describing it as "entertaining to the point that it becomes a heartfelt tribute, despite itself."

The Criticism Leveled Against Martin Short Explained

The scathing op-ed, published by Slate, reflects on Short's impressive five decades in the industry and scrutinizes the diverse range of characters he has portrayed. From his hilarious portrayal of Franck Eggelhoffer in Father of the Bride to the quirky Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building, the article labels these roles as "over-the-top" and "extremely vexing". The writer asserts that Short exudes an eager-to-please flamboyance and is willing to go to great lengths for a laugh.

Additionally, the op-ed sharply criticizes Short's transition from sketch comedy to the realm of film. The author contends that this transition was anything but smooth, emphasizing that while Short has indeed appeared in decent movies, they have largely been box office failures. Furthermore, they argue that Short has also been associated with outright bad movies. The author goes on to claim that even in his one franchise hit, Father of the Bride, Short's character Franck falls flat in terms of humor.

Short's portrayal in this piece has garnered considerable criticism, to say the least. Despite his flamboyant and expressive acting style, Short's brilliance is undeniable, evident in his extensive body of work in film, television, and theater. His exceptional performance in Only Murders in the Building earned him another Emmy Nomination, and with rumors of a fourth season already circulating, it seems that this veteran actor shows no signs of slowing down.