- Celebrities and fans have jumped to the defense of Martin Short.
- It comes after a critic labeled the comedy legend "desperately unfunny."
Celebrities including Ben Stiller and fans have jumped to the defense of Martin Short after a critic labeled the comedy legend "desperately unfunny."
In a Slate opinion piece titled "Why We Keep Putting Up With Martin Short," which was published Friday, writer Dan Kois described Short's comedy as "over-the-top" and "unbelievably annoying."
Short, 73, is best known for his starring roles in comedy flicks like "Mars Attacks!" and "Three Amigos," as well as his work on "Saturday Night Live."
"I find Martin Short's whole schtick exhausting," wrote Kois.
"Throughout his evolution from sketch-comedy standout to uneasy movie star to twice-failed talk-show host to enthusiastic song-and-dance man, I've wrinkled my nose," he added. "Every time he dresses up in a silly outfit or says something outrageous or mugs for the audience, I want to shout at the screen: Why are you being like this?"
Since the piece was published, many of Short's Hollywood peers, including Ben Stiller and Mark Hamill, have taken to social media to praise the "Only Murders in the Building" actor.
"Martin Short is a comedic genius. End o story," Stiller, another former "SNL" star, wrote on X, the platform previously known as Twitter.
—Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) September 9, 2023
"Star Wars" star Hamill, posted pictures of Short's past roles and wrote: "Hard to believe people are actually debating whether or not Martin Short is funny. Newsflash: He is HILARIOUS."
—Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) September 9, 2023
"Better Call Saul" actor and "SNL" comedian Michael McKean wrote: "Guy really blew the lid off of the whole Martin Short story, didn't he?"
John Cusack shared his love for one of Short's characters from "Second City Television," writing: "I don't know what people are on about re Martin short – But his Mr. Rodgers boxing Match is my fav."
—John Cusack (@johncusack) September 9, 2023
Fans have also been sharing their love for Short.
One fan shared a compilation video of Short "ripping into" Steve Martin, writing: "If you don't think this man is hilarious, you have no soul."
—Todd Spence (@Todd_Spence) September 11, 2023
Another described the Canadian star as a "national treasure."
"9 out of 10 Canadians would rather have him on our money than the new king," they wrote.
Short has yet to comment on the op-ed.