Who Is Oliver Patrick Short? Inside the Life of Martin Short’s Middle Child

When people think of Martin Short, they usually picture his funny movies, big Broadway shows, and his hit series Only Murders in the Building. But behind the scenes, Martin is also a proud and loving father.

One of his three adopted children is Oliver Patrick Short — and while Oliver doesn’t live in the spotlight, his life is full of quiet success, family love, and personal strength. He isn’t a celebrity, but he’s someone worth learning about.

In this article, we’ll take a friendly and easy look into who Oliver Patrick Short is. We’ll explore his childhood, his life at home, why he chose a different path than his famous father, and how he built a career on his own terms.

Oliver Patrick Short Quick Bio

Oliver Patrick Short’s Private Life in a Famous Family

Being the son of a world-famous comedian might sound wild and exciting, right? But Oliver Patrick Short grew up in a home that was peaceful, kind, and full of love.

Martin Short and his wife, Nancy Dolman, adopted three children — Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. Even though both parents worked in show business, they didn’t raise their kids to chase fame. They focused on giving them a normal, happy life.

The family lived in Pacific Palisades, a calm neighborhood in Los Angeles. They avoided the usual Hollywood spotlight and focused on what really mattered: time together, kindness, and strong family values.

Early Years of Oliver Patrick Short

Oliver was born on April 29, 1986, and adopted as a baby by Martin and Nancy. He grew up in a warm home with his older sister Katherine and younger brother Henry. The house was full of laughter, hugs, and support.

Nancy Dolman made a big choice to step away from acting in 1985 so she could focus on raising their children. She gave her heart and time to her family every day. Oliver had the kind of childhood that felt safe and grounded, even though his parents were part of Hollywood.

They didn’t spoil the kids. Instead, they taught them to be polite, respectful, and hard-working — lessons that Oliver carried with him into adult life.

Life at Home with Martin Short

Can you imagine having Martin Short as your dad? He’s funny, smart, and full of energy. At home, he was the same — always making his kids laugh, but also teaching them to be strong and kind.

Martin has joked in interviews that he tried to get his kids into acting. He would jokingly shout things like, “Do it again, quitter!” while they ran laps, pretending to be a tough coach. But it was all in fun — he never forced anything.

What he really wanted was for his kids to feel supported. He gave them space to follow their own paths. And Oliver Patrick Short did just that. He grew up with love and laughter but stayed true to what he wanted — not just what people expected from a celebrity’s son.

Why Oliver Patrick Short Didn’t Become an Actor

With such a funny and successful dad, many people thought Oliver might become an actor too. But that wasn’t his dream. From a young age, Oliver knew that the spotlight wasn’t for him.

Martin once shared that none of his kids wanted to go into show business, even though he gently pushed them to try. But he never made them do it. He let them be who they wanted to be.

For Oliver, working behind the scenes felt better. He liked helping things run smoothly — not standing on a stage. And that choice was perfectly okay with his family. His parents always believed in doing what feels right, not just what looks exciting.

School and College Life

Oliver did his early schooling in Los Angeles, staying close to his home and family. When it came time for college, he made a strong choice — he went to the University of Notre Dame, a well-known school with a great community.

He studied Film and Television Production, which matched his interest in storytelling — but from behind the camera. Even though he didn’t want to act, he still loved creative work.

At Notre Dame, Oliver didn’t just study. He joined clubs and took on leadership roles. He was the captain of the men’s snowboard team and coach of the women’s ice hockey team. These roles showed his strong teamwork and leadership — qualities that would help him later in his career.

Starting a Career Behind the Camera

After graduating in 2008, Oliver Patrick Short started working in entertainment — but not like his dad. He didn’t want fame or attention. He just wanted to do good, honest work behind the scenes.

His first job was at William Morris Endeavor, a major talent agency. He worked hard as an assistant and learned how the business side of entertainment really works.

Later, he joined Warner Bros. Pictures as an executive assistant, helping big productions get made. This wasn’t glamorous work, but it was important — and Oliver was good at it. He was building a strong career, step by step.

Oliver Patrick Short’s Work in Sports and TV

After building his early career, Oliver Patrick Short started taking bigger steps. He moved from assistant roles into real production jobs. And he didn’t just stick to movies — he found a strong place in sports broadcasting too.

Oliver worked at FOX Sports, where he started as a broadcast associate. He worked hard and got promoted to senior associate producer. That means he helped create big sports shows and live events — planning things, writing scripts, and making sure everything ran smoothly on air.

Later, he worked at the MLB Network and NBC Sports, learning even more about TV production. He proved that you don’t need to be on camera to do something exciting. Working behind the scenes can be just as important — and sometimes even more fun.

Saying Goodbye to His Mother

In 2010, Oliver’s life changed forever. His mother, Nancy Dolman, passed away from ovarian cancer. She had been a caring, loving mom who gave up her acting career to raise her kids. Losing her was very hard for the whole family.

Before she died, Nancy told Martin that she didn’t want a big funeral or a sad event. She just wanted a small, peaceful goodbye. So that’s what the family did. They went to their cottage in Lake Rosseau, Canada, and invited about 30 close friends and relatives.

Oliver, his siblings, and Martin took a boat out on the water. They gently spread her ashes into the lake, then they all jumped into the water — right into the ashes. It was their way of saying goodbye with love, peace, and strength.

Martin later said it was one of the most beautiful and emotional moments of their lives.

A Strong Bond with His Family

Even after losing their mom, the Short family stayed close. Martin Short became the strong, steady center of the family. And Oliver Patrick Short, along with his siblings, gave their dad strength too.

Martin said that if he didn’t have kids, he might have stepped away from public life. But having three children gave him purpose. He wanted to keep going — for them.

Oliver and his dad have been seen together at public events from time to time. Even though Oliver doesn’t like fame, he shows up to support his father when it matters. Their bond is quiet but powerful — built on love, respect, and shared memories.

Meet Oliver Patrick Short’s Siblings

Oliver isn’t the only one in the family who chose a private path. His older sister, Katherine Short, was born in 1983. She studied psychology and social work, and now works as a licensed therapist. She helps people struggling with mental health, and works with the group Bring Change 2 Mind, which fights against mental health stigma.

His younger brother, Henry Short, was born in 1989. Like Oliver, he also went to the University of Notre Dame. Henry first worked in finance, then later followed his love for animals and became a veterinary assistant in Malibu, California.

All three siblings have different careers, but they all share one thing: they live with purpose and kindness, just like they were raised.

Oliver’s Rare Public Appearances

Oliver Patrick Short doesn’t like being in the spotlight, but he has made a few rare appearances over the years. He often shows up to support his father or to be with his family at special events.

In 2006, he was seen at the “Night of Too Many Stars” benefit show, along with his dad and sister. That same year, the whole family attended the Broadway opening of Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me. They looked happy, proud, and united.

In 2011, Oliver joined his sister and dad again at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. These moments remind people that even quiet lives are full of love and meaning.

But don’t expect to see Oliver on Instagram or in the news. He doesn’t use public social media, and he rarely gives interviews. He enjoys living life offline, in peace.

Where Is Oliver Patrick Short Today?

As of 2025, Oliver still lives a quiet life. He is believed to live in either California or New York, close to the media world but far from Hollywood drama.

His last known job was as a contestant producer on the family-friendly game show Generation Gap in 2022. Before that, he worked with many big names like NBC Sports, FOX Sports, and Warner Bros.. He built a strong name for himself in TV production, without needing fame.

He doesn’t post online, doesn’t share his private life, and doesn’t seek attention. And honestly, that’s what makes him even more interesting. He chose peace over popularity. Simplicity over spotlight.

Final Thoughts

Oliver Patrick Short may not be a celebrity, but he’s someone to admire. He shows us that success doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, the quiet path is the most powerful one.

He grew up in a loving home, stayed true to himself, and worked hard to build a life on his own terms. He stood by his family through happy times and sad ones. And he kept moving forward — not for attention, but for purpose.

To this day, Martin Short says being a father is his greatest joy. And when you look at Oliver’s journey, it’s easy to see why. He raised a son who is kind, strong, and truly impressive — even without ever stepping into the spotlight.

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