Renowned comedian Martin Short recently tested positive for COVID-19 following the star-studded Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special, as confirmed by his close friend and colleague Steve Martin. Writing on Instagram, the 79-year-old comedy icon disclosed that both he and Short would be postponing their upcoming shows in Knoxville, Tenn., and Durham, N.C., due to Short’s COVID diagnosis. Martin’s post included a photo of Short, 74, sharing a kiss with Maya Rudolph backstage at Studio 8H during the SNL50: The Anniversary Special. Steve Martin humorously remarked, “Maya had Covid. Marty has Covid. I wonder why? The SNL 50th Covid curse is real.”
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The duo, comprising Martin and Short, had initially been scheduled to entertain audiences at the Durham Performing Arts Center on February 22 and the Knoxville Civic Auditorium on February 23. However, these shows have been rescheduled for October 17 and the following day, respectively. Apologetically, Martin stated, “So sorry for the inconvenience. I think we’ll be funnier then, anyway.” Representatives for Short and Rudolph, aged 52, have yet to comment on the situation, as inquiries from PEOPLE are pending. The postponement comes amidst a wave of health concerns and the ongoing battle against COVID, the flu, RSV and the nanovirus, collectively termed a “quad-demic” by SNL’s Colin Jost during the special’s “Weekend Update” segment.
In his opening monologue for the 50th anniversary special, Martin reminisced about his longstanding association with SNL, having hosted the show 16 times and made numerous memorable appearances over the show’s five-decade history. Additionally, in December 2022, Martin shared co-hosting duties with Short, playfully teasing him as the “only Canadian who wasn’t in Schitt’s Creek” during the special. The comedic chemistry between the two was evident as Martin quipped about their seamless collaboration, jesting, “Marty and I have been working together so long that we can actually finish each other’s careers.”
The eventful SNL50: The Anniversary Special, now available for streaming on Peacock, saw the likes of Martin Short, Maya Rudolph and a host of beloved entertainers over 60 grace the small screen. The special was not short of laughter and surprises, with John Mulaney roasting Steve Martin and a memorable skit involving faux ICE agents escorting Martin Short off the stage. Amid the challenges posed by health crises and unforeseen circumstances, the resilience and camaraderie displayed by the SNL veterans serve as a testament to their enduring spirits and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
As the entertainment industry navigates the complexities of organising live shows amidst a global health crisis, the news of Martin Short’s COVID diagnosis serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the times we live in. Short and Martin’s decision to prioritise safety and reschedule their performances underscores the importance of health and wellbeing in these challenging times. The showbiz world eagerly awaits their return to the stage in October, with the promise of even more laughter and entertainment from the dynamic duo of Martin and Short.