Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Oliver Patrick Short |
| Birth Date | April 29, 1986 (age 39 as of 2025) |
| Parents | Martin Short (father), Nancy Dolman (mother; deceased 2010) |
| Siblings | Katherine Elizabeth Short (b. 1983), Henry Hayter Short (b. 1989) |
| Birth Order | Second of three adopted children |
| Education | Degree in film and television production from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business |
| Career Focus | Media production; behind-the-scenes roles |
| Selected Employers | Warner Bros., FOX Sports, NBC Sports |
| Public Profile | Low profile; avoids the spotlight |
| Family Heritage | Raised in a Canadian-American household |
A Family Story Centered on Care
Oliver Patrick Short grew up in a family where creativity, care, and humor were part of the daily fabric. Born on April 29, 1986, and adopted by actor-comedian Martin Short and actress Nancy Dolman, he is the middle child among three siblings. While the surname may conjure images of flashing lights and punchlines, Oliver chose a path that prefers the control room to the stage—quietly shaping content rather than headlining it.
The Short household balanced the demands of a public career with a deeply private commitment to family life. Nancy Dolman stepped away from acting in 1985, turning her focus to raising Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. The home they built prized both laughter and stability. When Nancy passed away from ovarian cancer in August 2010, the family’s world shifted. Martin, already a celebrated performer and devoted spouse, redoubled his role as a father, anchoring the family through loss and into the next chapter.
Parents: A Foundation of Art and Empathy
Martin Short’s career is a constellation across television, stage, and film, with standout turns on Saturday Night Live and SCTV, and in beloved films like Three Amigos and Father of the Bride. His accolades include two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, but his most enduring role has always been at home—husband to Nancy and father to their three children. A performer’s versatility became a parent’s adaptability after 2010, when he guided the family with equal parts humor and heart.
Nancy Dolman’s acting career was brief but spirited. Her choice in 1985 to retire from show business and focus on family shaped the rhythm of daily life in the Short home. She remained a defining presence in her children’s memories and milestones even after her passing in 2010. Fifteen years on, her influence still threads through the family’s decisions and values.
Siblings: Three Paths, One Family Thread
- Katherine Elizabeth Short (b. 1983) is the eldest. With a master’s degree in social work, she is a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to mental health advocacy and support. Her work underscores the family’s instinct for empathy and service.
- Oliver Patrick Short (b. 1986) is the second child, and the subject of this profile. He works behind the scenes in media production, contributing to projects across sports and entertainment.
- Henry Hayter Short (b. 1989) is the youngest. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a finance degree, he initially pursued finance before shifting into hands-on care as a veterinary assistant.
Together, the siblings represent three different ways of shaping a better world—through counseling, culture-making, and compassionate care.
Extended Family: The Wider Circle
Oliver’s roots include relatives who each left distinct marks on the family’s story:
- Martin’s sister, Nora Short, maintains a private life away from the public eye.
- Martin’s father, Charles Patrick Short, a Stelco executive, died in 1970.
- Martin’s mother, Olive Hayter, a concertmistress at the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra, died in 1968.
- Through Nancy’s side, cousins Jack and Joe Dolman reflect the creative lineage of the Dolman family.
The family tree crosses industries—business, music, film, television—and decades of cultural history.
Career: Building Stories from the Control Room
Oliver chose the craft over the curtain call. He earned a degree in film and television production at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and moved into the engine room of modern media. His résumé includes roles at Warner Bros., FOX Sports, and NBC Sports—blue-chip institutions where projects are complex, the pace is relentless, and success is measured in frames, seconds, and seamless on-air moments.
Behind the scenes, a producer’s victories are often invisible: a live segment that runs flawlessly; a graphics package that lands with precision; a broadcast that hits time to the second. Oliver’s career illustrates how the unseen hands shape what millions see. Sports and entertainment rely on coordination, calm under pressure, and the ability to translate chaos into rhythm. That’s where he’s built his reputation.
Milestones and Moments
- 1968: Death of Olive Hayter, Martin Short’s mother.
- 1970: Death of Charles Patrick Short, Martin Short’s father.
- 1980: Martin Short and Nancy Dolman marry.
- 1983: Birth of Katherine Elizabeth Short.
- April 29, 1986: Birth of Oliver Patrick Short.
- 1989: Birth of Henry Hayter Short.
- 1985–2010: Nancy focuses on family life; the central era of childrearing in the Short home.
- August 2010: Nancy Dolman passes away from ovarian cancer.
- 2010s–2020s: Oliver advances in media production roles across major companies.
- 2025: Oliver continues to work in production while keeping a private profile.
At a Glance: The Short-Dolman Family
| Name | Relation | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Short | Father | Actor/comedian; SNL, SCTV; two Primetime Emmys; one Tony |
| Nancy Dolman | Mother | Actress; retired in 1985 to raise family; died in 2010 |
| Katherine Elizabeth Short | Sister (older) | Licensed clinical social worker; mental health focus |
| Oliver Patrick Short | Self | Media production professional; born Apr 29, 1986 |
| Henry Hayter Short | Brother (younger) | Notre Dame finance graduate; veterinary assistant |
| Nora Short | Aunt | Private life |
| Charles Patrick Short | Paternal grandfather | Stelco executive; died 1970 |
| Olive Hayter | Paternal grandmother | Concertmistress; died 1968 |
| Jack & Joe Dolman | Cousins | Sons of Bob Dolman; part of the extended creative family |
Recent Mentions and Public Presence
As of 2025, Oliver maintains a deliberately low public profile. There are no significant recent news items focused on him, and he is not active in public-facing social media or publicity circuits. The family’s approach has long prioritized privacy over exposure.
The Character of a Career Off-Camera
To work behind the camera is to orchestrate without applause. Oliver’s trajectory through Warner Bros., FOX Sports, and NBC Sports places him inside the crucible where deadlines converge, rights windows close, and production teams knit together moving parts into a cohesive broadcast. It is a craft defined by trust: trust of colleagues, trust in timing, trust that the audience will notice nothing because everything works.
His path also reflects a broader family ethos: pursue excellence, stay grounded, and keep the people you love at the center. In a family acquainted with bright lights, Oliver’s choice reads like a counter-melody—distinct, calm, integrative.
FAQ
Who are Oliver Patrick Short’s parents?
Oliver is the son of actor-comedian Martin Short and actress Nancy Dolman.
When was Oliver Patrick Short born?
He was born on April 29, 1986.
How many siblings does Oliver have?
He has two siblings: older sister Katherine Elizabeth and younger brother Henry Hayter.
What does Oliver do for a living?
He works in media production, contributing behind the scenes in television and sports content.
Where has Oliver worked?
He has held roles at Warner Bros., FOX Sports, and NBC Sports.
What did Oliver study?
He earned a degree in film and television production from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.
Is Oliver involved in acting or comedy like his father?
No, he has pursued a behind-the-scenes career rather than performing.
What happened to Nancy Dolman?
She passed away from ovarian cancer in August 2010.
Are there recent news stories about Oliver?
No, he keeps a low public profile and is rarely in the media.
Are there YouTube videos featuring Oliver?
There are no publicly available YouTube videos centered on him, reflecting his preference for privacy.
