When you hear the name Martin Short, you probably think of funny movies, big stage shows, and his popular TV series Only Murders in the Building. He’s a comedy legend loved by many. But behind all the laughs and lights, Martin Short is also a proud father of three children.
One of them is Oliver Patrick Short, his middle child. While Martin is known everywhere, Oliver Patrick Short lives a very quiet life. He doesn’t chase fame. He doesn’t post on social media. And yet, his story is full of love, hard work, and quiet success.
In this article, we’ll learn all about Oliver Patrick Short. We’ll talk about his childhood, his family, his career, and the kind of life he lives today. You’ll see why he’s someone worth knowing — even if he stays out of the spotlight.
Oliver Patrick Short Quick Bio
| Full Name | Oliver Patrick Short |
| Known For | Son of Martin Short |
| Date of Birth | April 29, 1986 |
| Age (2026) | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Martin Short, Nancy Dolman |
| Siblings | Katherine & Henry Short |
| Adopted | Yes |
| Education | University of Notre Dame |
| Degree | Film & TV Production |
| Career Field | TV & Sports Media Production |
| Notable Work | FOX Sports, NBC, Generation Gap |
| Marital Status | Unknown |
| Lives In (2026) | Likely California or New York |
| Social Media | None (Very Private) |
Who Is Oliver Patrick Short?
Oliver Patrick Short is the son of actor and comedian Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. He was born on April 29, 1986, and is now 39 years old (as of 2026). Like his two siblings, Oliver was adopted as a baby and raised in a home filled with love and kindness.
He is the middle child in the family. His older sister is Katherine Short, and his younger brother is Henry Short. Even though his parents were both in show business, Oliver chose a very different path. He doesn’t act, he doesn’t seek fame, and he stays far away from cameras.
Still, people are curious about him — because he comes from a famous family and has quietly built a life of his own, filled with meaning and purpose.
Growing Up in a Loving Home
Oliver grew up in Pacific Palisades, a calm and beautiful area in Los Angeles. His parents made sure their kids had a peaceful and happy childhood, far away from the busy Hollywood world.
His mom, Nancy Dolman, was also an actress. But in 1985, she stepped away from acting to become a full-time mom. She gave her time, her love, and her care to raising Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. She created a safe and warm home where her kids could grow, laugh, and learn.
Even though Martin Short was a big star, he and Nancy didn’t raise their kids to be famous. They taught them to be kind, strong, and independent. Oliver grew up in a home full of love, laughter, and strong family values — things that still shape him today.
What Was Life Like with Martin Short as a Dad?
Imagine having one of the world’s funniest people as your dad! Martin Short brought a lot of joy into his home. He made his kids laugh and feel loved. But he also made sure they were polite, respectful, and honest.
Martin once joked that he tried to get his kids into acting by pretending to be a tough coach. He would sit on the balcony with his coffee and yell things like, “Quitter! Do it again!” But it was just a joke. In real life, he never forced anything.
He wanted his kids to find their own way. And that’s what Oliver did. He didn’t want the spotlight like his dad. Instead, he quietly worked hard to build a career that fit his own interests — and his own heart.
Why Oliver Patrick Short Didn’t Become an Actor
Most people might think that a son of a famous actor would follow in his father’s footsteps. But Oliver Patrick Short didn’t want that life.
From a young age, he showed no interest in acting or performing. Even though Martin gave all his kids acting lessons and encouraged them to explore it, Oliver had other dreams. He liked working behind the scenes, where things are calm and creative in a different way.
Martin respected that. In interviews, he said that none of his kids wanted to go into show business, even though he lightly pushed them. In the end, Martin was proud that his children stayed true to themselves — including Oliver, who chose peace over fame.
Oliver Patrick Short’s School and College Life
Oliver did his early schooling in Los Angeles. When it was time for college, he went to the University of Notre Dame, a respected school with a friendly community. He studied Film and Television Production, which matched his love for storytelling — just not in front of the camera.
While at college, Oliver didn’t just study. He was very active in student life. He became the captain of the men’s snowboard team and also coached the women’s ice hockey team. These roles showed his leadership, teamwork, and energy — all things that helped him in his later career.
He graduated in 2008, ready to step into the world of work with a clear goal: to work in media and production, in his own quiet way.
Starting His Career After College
After finishing college, Oliver Patrick Short started working right away. He didn’t wait for special treatment or use his father’s name to get ahead. Instead, he started from the bottom and worked his way up.
His first job was at William Morris Endeavor, a big talent agency. He worked as an assistant, learning how things worked behind the scenes. From there, he moved to Warner Bros. Pictures and became an executive assistant.
These early jobs weren’t glamorous. But they were important. Oliver learned how TV and movies are made. He learned how to plan, manage, and support big projects. And most importantly, he showed he was serious about building a real career.
Oliver Patrick Short’s Work in TV and Sports
After gaining early experience at big companies, Oliver Patrick Short started taking bigger steps in his career. He moved into TV and sports media — a world that matched his love for storytelling and teamwork.
He worked at FOX Sports, where he began as a broadcast associate. He helped with scripts, planning, and making sure everything ran smoothly during live shows. His hard work paid off, and he got promoted to senior associate producer.
He also spent time working at MLB Network and NBC Sports, where he helped create more sports content for TV. These jobs weren’t in the spotlight, but they were important. Oliver was a key part of making sure fans got great shows to watch.
Losing His Mother and Honoring Her Memory
In 2010, something very sad happened. Oliver’s mom, Nancy Dolman, passed away from ovarian cancer. She was more than just a mother — she was the heart of the family.
Nancy had told Martin she didn’t want a big funeral. She wanted something quiet and peaceful. So, the family honored her wish. They went to their cottage in Canada, took a small boat, and spread her ashes in the lake.
Then, Oliver, his siblings, and Martin did something beautiful — they jumped into the water together, right where they had sprinkled her ashes. It was their way of saying goodbye with love, not sadness. It showed how close they were as a family and how much Nancy meant to them.
Oliver Patrick Short’s Strong Family Bond
After Nancy passed, the family stayed strong by staying close. Martin Short said many times that his children gave him the strength to keep going.
He once said, “If I didn’t have kids, I might have stepped away from everything. But I had three children who needed me.” That shows how important Oliver and his siblings are to him.
Oliver supports his dad quietly but fully. He has been seen at events by Martin’s side. They don’t share much online, but their actions show their deep bond — built on love, respect, and shared memories.
Meet Oliver Patrick Short’s Siblings
Oliver Patrick Short isn’t the only one who chose a private life. His older sister, Katherine Elizabeth Short, was born in 1983. She became a licensed therapist and works with mental health programs. She helps people heal, and she also works with Bring Change 2 Mind, a group that fights the stigma around mental illness.
His younger brother, Henry Hayter Short, was born in 1989. He went to the same college as Oliver — University of Notre Dame. After working in finance, Henry later followed his heart and became a veterinary assistant at an animal hospital in Malibu.
All three siblings have different jobs, but they share something special — they are kind, strong, and grounded. Just like how Martin and Nancy raised them.
Rare Public Appearances with His Dad
Even though Oliver stays away from the spotlight, he has made a few public appearances to support his father. These moments show that even private people can still stand proudly with their loved ones.
In 2006, he went to the “Night of Too Many Stars” charity event with his dad and sister. That same year, he also attended the Broadway opening of Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me with the whole family.
In 2011, Oliver was seen at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party with Martin and Katherine. He doesn’t do many red carpets, but when he does show up, he always looks calm, polite, and proud to be there.
Where Is Oliver Patrick Short Today?
As of 2026, Oliver is still living a quiet and peaceful life. He is believed to live in California or New York, staying close to the media world, but far away from the Hollywood drama.
His last known job was as a contestant producer on the fun TV game show Generation Gap in 2022. Before that, he had steady roles at FOX Sports, NBC, and more. He may now be working with Cosm, an event and production company, but he hasn’t shared anything publicly.
Oliver does not use public social media. No Instagram, no Twitter, nothing. He likes to keep his life private. And that’s perfectly okay. Some people want a quiet life — and he’s one of them.
Final Thoughts
Oliver Patrick Short may not be a celebrity like his dad, but he’s someone to admire. He shows that success doesn’t have to be loud. It can be quiet, steady, and full of purpose.
He was raised with love, made thoughtful choices, and built a life he truly wanted. He’s a kind son, a caring brother, and a hardworking professional. He doesn’t need the spotlight to shine.
His story reminds us that fame isn’t everything. Sometimes, the people behind the scenes — like Oliver Patrick Short — have the most inspiring stories of all.
(FAQs)
Is Oliver Patrick Short married?
No one knows! Oliver has never shared anything about a wife or wedding, and there’s no public record. His love life is a complete mystery.
Does Oliver Patrick Short have Instagram?
Surprisingly, no! In 2026, he still has no public social media at all — no Instagram, no Twitter, nothing.
How old is Oliver Patrick Short now?
Oliver was born on April 29, 1986, so he is 39 years old as of 2026.
What does Oliver Patrick Short do for work?
He works behind the scenes in TV and sports production. He’s worked at FOX Sports, NBC, and more — but his net worth is not public.
Where is Oliver Patrick Short in 2026?
Oliver lives a very quiet life in either California or New York. He still works in media, but avoids fame and public attention completely.
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