When people hear the name Martin Short, they think of funny movies, Broadway shows, and the hit series Only Murders in the Building. He’s a comedy legend who always brings laughs. But behind the jokes and lights, Martin Short is also a loving dad — and one of his children is someone very special and very private.
That child is Oliver Patrick Short, Martin’s middle child. While his dad is used to being in the spotlight, Oliver chose a different path. He doesn’t chase fame. He doesn’t act. And he’s rarely seen in public. Still, his life is full of meaning, hard work, and family love.
In this article, we’ll explore who Oliver Patrick Short really is. We’ll look at his childhood, his family, his career, and where he is today in 2026. You may be surprised by just how inspiring his quiet life really is.
Oliver Patrick Short Quick Bio
| Full Name | Oliver Patrick Short |
| Known For | Martin Short’s son |
| Date of Birth | April 29, 1986 |
| Age (2026) | 40 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Martin Short, Nancy Dolman |
| Siblings | Katherine Short, Henry Short |
| Adopted | Yes |
| Education | University of Notre Dame |
| Degree | Film & TV Production |
| Career | TV & sports media producer |
| Last Known Work | Generation Gap (2022) |
| Marital Status | Not public |
| Lives In | Likely California or New York |
| Social Media | None (very private) |
Who Is Oliver Patrick Short?
Oliver Patrick Short is best known as the son of comedian Martin Short and actress Nancy Dolman. But even though he grew up in a famous home, he has always preferred to stay out of the spotlight. He’s not a celebrity. He doesn’t post on social media. And most people have never heard him speak in public.
Oliver was born on April 29, 1986, and is now 39 years old in 2026. He was adopted as a baby by Martin and Nancy, who gave him a warm and loving home. He grew up with two siblings, Katherine and Henry, and they were raised to be polite, kind, and thoughtful.
Even though his dad was a star, Oliver didn’t grow up spoiled or loud. He grew up grounded. And that’s one of the many reasons people are now curious about Martin Short’s son, who chose a quiet but powerful path.
Growing Up as Martin Short’s Son
You might think that growing up with a famous dad would mean red carpets and cameras every day. But that’s not how Martin Short raised his kids. At home, he was still funny, but he was also a caring and hands-on dad. He wanted his children to feel safe, loved, and free to be themselves.
Oliver grew up in Pacific Palisades, California, a calm and beautiful area in Los Angeles. His mom, Nancy Dolman, gave up her acting career in the 1980s to stay home and raise the kids. She believed in giving them a normal, loving life — and she made that her full-time job.
Martin and Nancy taught Oliver and his siblings to work hard, be kind, and stay humble. While other celebrity kids were in the news, Oliver was riding bikes, playing sports, and going to school like any other kid. It was a quiet life — and a happy one.
Oliver Patrick Short’s Family and Siblings
Oliver is the middle child in his family. His older sister, Katherine Elizabeth Short, was born in 1983. She studied psychology and social work and now works as a therapist. She cares deeply about mental health and helps others through her work with Bring Change 2 Mind.
His younger brother, Henry Hayter Short, was born in 1989. Like Oliver, he also went to the University of Notre Dame. After college, Henry worked in finance, but later followed his heart and became a veterinary assistant at an animal hospital in Malibu.
The three siblings are very close. They’ve been seen at events with their dad, always smiling and standing together. While none of them became actors, they’ve each found careers that bring them purpose — and that’s something Martin Short is very proud of.
A Mother’s Love,Nancy Dolman’s Devotion
Oliver’s mother, Nancy Dolman, was a big part of his life. Before she had children, she was an actress on the sitcom Soap. But in 1985, she made a major choice — she left acting to raise her kids full-time.
Nancy was known for her warmth, humor, and deep love for her family. She was always there for her children, from school events to bedtime stories. She made their house feel like a home — one filled with love, laughter, and calm.
In 2010, Nancy passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 58. Oliver was 24 at the time. It was a heartbreaking moment, but the family stayed strong. They honored her wish for no funeral by having a private goodbye at Lake Rosseau in Canada. Oliver, his dad, and siblings spread her ashes in the lake and then jumped in together — a peaceful and loving farewell.
Why Oliver Patrick Short Didn’t Become an Actor
With such a funny and famous dad, many people thought Oliver might go into acting too. But that was never his dream. Even as a kid, Oliver liked being behind the scenes — not on stage.
Martin Short has joked that he tried to push his kids into show business by pretending to coach them. He would yell funny lines like, “Do it again, quitter!” while they ran laps. But it was all for laughs. Martin never forced anything. He just wanted them to explore.
Oliver knew early on that performing wasn’t for him. He liked helping, organizing, and being part of a team — just not in front of a camera. His parents respected that. They wanted their children to follow their own paths, and Oliver did just that.
His Time at the University of Notre Dame
When it came time for college, Oliver chose the University of Notre Dame, one of the most respected schools in the U.S. He studied Film and Television Production, showing his interest in creativity — but still behind the camera.
At Notre Dame, Oliver didn’t just study. He took on leadership roles too. He was the captain of the men’s snowboard team and the coach of the women’s ice hockey team. These roles showed that he was organized, confident, and great at working with others.
He graduated in 2008, ready to start a career in entertainment — but on his own terms. He didn’t want fame. He wanted to do good work quietly. And that’s exactly what he set out to do.
Oliver Patrick Short’s Career Behind the Camera
After college, Oliver Patrick Short started his career right away. He didn’t wait for big chances to come to him — he went out and worked hard to earn them.
His first job was at William Morris Endeavor, a well-known talent agency. He started as an assistant, learning how the business really works. It was a behind-the-scenes job, but an important one. From there, he moved to Warner Bros. Pictures, where he became an executive assistant. He helped with big projects and gained more experience in the world of entertainment.
But Oliver didn’t stop there. He kept moving forward, step by step. He didn’t want fame — he wanted to build a career with purpose and quiet success. And that’s exactly what he did.
Saying Goodbye, The Loss of His Mother
In 2010, something very sad happened. Nancy Dolman, Oliver’s mom, passed away from ovarian cancer. She was only 58 years old. Oliver was 24 at the time.
Before she passed, Nancy made it clear — she didn’t want a big funeral. She just wanted a small, peaceful goodbye. So that’s what the family did. They gathered at their cottage in Lake Rosseau, Canada with about 30 close friends and family.
Martin, Oliver, Katherine, and Henry took a boat onto the lake. They gently spread Nancy’s ashes into the water, just like she asked. Then they jumped into the lake together — right into the ashes. It was quiet. It was emotional. And it was their special way of saying goodbye.
A Strong Bond with His Father, Martin Short
After Nancy’s death, the family stayed strong. And Martin Short became the heart of the family. Even though he was grieving, he stayed close to his children — especially Oliver.
Martin later said that his kids helped him stay hopeful. He once shared, “With three kids, you don’t really have a choice — you keep going for them.” That love and strength kept them all moving forward.
Over the years, Oliver and Martin have been seen together at a few events. Even though Oliver doesn’t like attention, he shows up when it matters — to stand by his dad. Their bond is quiet, but full of respect and love.
Oliver Patrick Short’s Public Appearances
Oliver doesn’t like being in the spotlight, but sometimes he does show up. And when he does, it’s usually to support his father or family.
In 2006, Oliver attended the “Night of Too Many Stars” with his dad and sister Katherine. That same year, the whole family went to the Broadway opening of Fame Becomes Me — a show starring Martin Short. In 2011, Oliver also joined Martin and Katherine at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
He always looks calm and respectful in photos. You can tell he’s proud of his family. But once the event is over, he goes back to his quiet life — away from cameras and headlines.
Where Is Oliver Patrick Short Now?
So, where is Oliver Patrick Short in 2026? He’s still living a private and peaceful life — just the way he likes it.
His last known job was as a contestant producer on the game show Generation Gap in 2022. Before that, he worked at big places like FOX Sports, NBC Sports, and Warner Bros. Pictures. He’s done a lot in TV and sports media — but always from behind the scenes.
Oliver is believed to be living in either California or New York. He doesn’t post on social media, and there are no recent interviews with him. He’s not interested in fame. He just wants a calm life where he can work, spend time with family, and enjoy his own path.
Final Thoughts
Oliver Patrick Short is not a celebrity — and that’s what makes his story so special. He grew up in a famous home, but never chased the spotlight. He chose peace over popularity, and hard work over headlines.
He’s a loyal son, a kind brother, and a thoughtful professional. He stayed close to his family through happy times and sad ones. And he built a quiet, meaningful life — on his own terms.
Martin Short often says that his greatest joy is being a father. And looking at Oliver’s story, it’s easy to see why. He raised a son who is calm, strong, and deeply admirable — even without ever standing in front of a camera.
Oliver’s life reminds us that you don’t have to be loud to matter. Sometimes, the most powerful people are the ones who stay quiet — and just keep going.
(FAQs)
Does Oliver Patrick Short have a wife?
We don’t know. He has never talked about being married. He keeps his love life very private.
Did Oliver Patrick Short ever have a wedding?
There is no news or photos of a wedding. If he got married, he kept it very quiet.
How old is Oliver Patrick Short now?
He was born on April 29, 1986, so he is 40 years old in 2026.
Where does Oliver Patrick Short live now?
He most likely lives in California or New York, but he stays out of the spotlight, so no one knows for sure.
What is Oliver Patrick Short doing these days?
He still works behind the scenes in TV and media. He doesn’t post online or do interviews.
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