Lately, Martin Short has been trending and making headlines after Slate dropped a mean essay about why everyone keeps putting up with Martin Short. While that certainly should offend someone, the internet has backed the actor/comedian.
Martin Short, born in 1950, is a Canadian actor, writer, and comedian who earned numerous awards, from Emmys to Tony. Despite being in his early 70s, the actor still appears in plenty of TV shows and entertains the audiences with others like Saturday Night: Live.
The central theme of Slate’s essay “Why We Keep Putting Up with Martin” revolved around decoding the characteristics of Short’s acting and whether he is a genuinely talented actor or tries whatever it takes to generate some laughs.
So, what’s up with the sudden criticism of Martin Short and what Slate actually meant by “Why We Keep Putting Up with Martin Short?”
Is Martin Short a Comic Genius or Plainly Annoying?
While the writer, Dan Kois, straightforwardly mentioned that Short is “devastatingly unfunny” and would do anything for a laugh, he pointed out a few instances where the actor’s authentic performances come into play. He stated,
“I find Martin Short’s whole schtick exhausting, sweaty, and desperately unfunny. 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. 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?”
Ultimately, it is all up to personal preference as it depends on how a person is connected to Martin Short’s comical delivery. But what everyone can agree on is that he’s definitely one of the most influential comedians in the world.
How Did Fans React to the Essay?
Eventually, after the article blew up on the internet, many reacted to the writer’s criticized take on Martin Short, with most being heavily positive towards the actor.
An X user named Deborah tweeted that Martin Short is one of the sweetest and most terrific comedians she’s ever known. In her words,
“A hit piece on Martin Short? Who hurt you? He’s a good actor, terrific comedian, and if you don’t see it, that’s your failure. I sure wouldn’t be advertising my stupidity in print. BTW, I worked with him once—one of the sweetest people ever.”
Another user wrote, pointing at Short’s comedy and how obvious his comedic timing is and why no one should even question it.
“‘Martin Short isn’t funny’ doesn’t need an argument because it’s not even a thing. It’s like someone saying, ‘The sun isn’t hot!’ You just smile at that person and hope they get the help they need.'”
Another person noted how Short suffered due to the death of his wife, yet he continued to love her through the years. He said,
“Since we’re talking about how great of a human being that Martin Short is. He lost his wife Nancy in 2010 to ovarian cancer, after 30 years of marriage. He’s said since he still considers himself married, and regularly still talks with her about life.”
So, what do you think about the essay written by Dan Kois on Martin Short? Do you agree with him on some parts? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Source: Slate Magazine
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