As Martin Short prepares to celebrate his 76th birthday on 26 March 2026, the seasoned actor reflects on a remarkable journey that has included a deep friendship with fellow comic Steve Martin. Their friendship began in 1984, when Martin hosted a sketch comedy episode on NBC, but it was their collaboration in the film *Three Amigos!* in 1986 that forged an enduring bond.
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The duo, along with Chevy Chase, played struggling silent film stars mistaken for heroes by a Mexican village in *Three Amigos!*. Speaking about their time on set, Short recalled a close-knit atmosphere: “In the movie, we were supposed to be very close friends who live in the same house. So we consciously did that — we’d play Scrabble between takes in someone’s trailer,” he said in an interview with InStyle.
Their camaraderie only grew from there, with Short noting that laughter became the cornerstone of their friendship. “There was never a phase where I didn’t see Steve for a couple of years,” he stated, highlighting the exceptional nature of their connection. Throughout the years, their collaborations have included not only *Three Amigos!* but also iconic projects like *Father of the Bride* and its sequel, alongside legendary actress Diane Keaton.
In *Father of the Bride*, released in 1991, Martin portrayed the title role of a father navigating the trials of his daughter’s wedding while Short played an eccentric wedding planner. Their playful chemistry led to a sequel in 1995, and even a brief return for a short film in 2020, showcasing their enduring creative partnership.
Beyond films, their friendship has seeped into various public appearances. Short has been a consistent supporter at Martin’s premieres, including the 1994 launch of *Mixed Nuts*, while Martin reciprocated by visiting Short on set during the filming of *A Simple Wish* in 1996. Their friendship has visible moments, such as attending the 2004 Oscars together, where they celebrated at the Vanity Fair post-ceremony party.
The duo’s comedic synergy continued to be celebrated in more recent years. Prominent appearances on *Saturday Night Live* showcased their knack for humour, with Selena Gomez joining them in more recent seasons. Their familial-like bond has developed further with Gomez, as they became a trio both on-screen and in their personal lives, including attending Gomez’s wedding in 2025, where Short provided a memorable comedic blunder by slicing the cake prematurely.
A significant project that further cemented their collaboration was the Hulu series *Only Murders in the Building*, which Short conceptualised a decade before its debut. Eager to embody the character alongside his closest friend, he invited Martin to share in this creative effort, which has received acclaim and captured the audience’s imagination.
The pair were nominated for Best Male Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy at the 2026 Golden Globes, which was hosted in a lavish ceremony that further spotlighted their shared successes and enduring partnership. As they took to the stage together, the chemistry evident between them echoed the warmth and loyalty that has characterised their relationship throughout the years.
Looking back at over four decades of friendship, fans of both actors can appreciate the rich tapestry woven by laughter, support, and a mutual respect for each other’s craft. As Martin Short approaches this significant birthday, it serves as a reminder of the unique companionship he has cultivated with Steve Martin, which remains a high point in the landscape of comedy. Their shared journey continues to be a testimony to the power of friendship in the entertainment industry, one that has enlivened audiences and left a lasting impact on the world of comedy.