Martin Short named a judge for Canada’s Got Talent

From a media release:

Internationally-Acclaimed Canadian Entertainer Martin Short Named as Judge for Canada’s Got Talent on Citytv

• Hamilton, Ont. native is the first to join judges’ panel on original Canadian production, launching March 2012
• Remaining judges and host to be announced in the coming days

With more than 40 years in show business, Emmy® and Tony Award®-winning Canadian icon Martin Short will take a seat at the judges’ desk for Citytv’s original series, Canada’s Got Talent. The announcement was made earlier this morning on Breakfast Television and Rogers Radio stations across the country.

Short, who grew up in Hamilton, Ont., has entertained millions around the world in movies, on stage and on television. He is one of Canada’s funniest exports, and now he’s coming home to help find Canada’s most talented performer. Short’s versatility is outstanding, successfully portraying dramatic and musical characters throughout his illustrious career. As part of the judging panel, he will provide invaluable advice to the competitors.

“Don’t take it personally…it’s only show business,” said Short of his new role as a judge on Canada’s Got Talent. “And if you’ve ever seen me perform, you’ll know that my personal motto is ‘always leave the audience wanting less.’”

From his early years in Toronto with The Second City and SCTV, Short has created a collection of hilarious and unforgettable characters, some of which were later immortalized during his tenure on Saturday Night Live. In addition to his impersonations of celebrities, such as Jerry Lewis and Katharine Hepburn, memorable characters include the wonderfully nerdy Ed Grimley and the lovably odd Hollywood interviewer Jiminy Glick. Short has won two Emmy Awards for his work with SCTV and was most recently nominated for his role on the hit FX series Damages.

On the big screen, Short has starred in countless hit films, such as Three Amigos, Father of the Bride, Captain Ron, Mars Attacks! and Innerspace. He is also a highly-praised Broadway star, receiving a Tony Award in 1999 for Best Actor in the musical Little Me. Short has achieved great success influencing a generation of performers, both in Canada and around the world.

In 2000, Short received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and in 1994 he was awarded this country’s highest civilian honour, The Order of Canada.

“Martin Short is one of Canada’s all-time favourite artists and his quick wit, enthusiasm and comedic ingenuity are legendary,” said Ed Robinson, Executive Producer, Canada’s Got Talent, Rogers Media Television. “He is an influential and proud Canadian who never forgot his roots, and we are ecstatic to have him as a judge on Canada’s Got Talent.”

“Marty’s the classic triple threat,” said John Brunton, Executive Producer, Canada’s Got Talent, Insight Productions. “He’s one of the most accomplished comedians in history. He’s conquered Broadway and Hollywood, winning Emmys and Tonys, and he has one of the funniest wits in showbiz. We’re thrilled that Marty will be coming home for Canada’s Got Talent.”

Short will be joined on Canada’s Got Talent by two additional high-profile judges and a well-known host, all of whom will be announced in the coming days.