Martin Short and the Birth of Jiminy Glick

Martin Short tells Sam Jones about the real-life inspiration for his best-known alter-ego -- and how he might have evolved in the future.
If you liked this video, there's a lot more where it came from. This is a small excerpt from a much longer conversation that you can watch right here: offcamera.com/issues/martin-sh...
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[@ryanmcsherry110]

I might have an actual addiction to Jiminy Glick videos lol. They are absolute genius

[@justlisten2899]

AGREE

[@PeRogiTra]

haha me too xD those interviews are so funny. he is great

[@toevlugsoord]

I definitely do. I watch them all the time.

[@alexschroeder8902]

Damn. Do.we need a support group?

[@SuperNoncents]

"Do you think that urinal walls take away the fun of urinating in public?"

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

When Glick called Ice Cube... "Vanilla Ice" and then asked him.. "Why the name change?" I almost passed out - L O L

[@johnnydtractive]

This is just a little palate-cleanser as I approach the midway point of my Jiminy Glick binge-watch. You can't stop at just one.

[@einsteindarwin8756]

Better than Lays but pairs well with it?

[@classylady107]

Same

[@Greg07623]

Jiminy Glick for me is the funniest persona any comic has ever invented. Always cracks me up.

[@maxwellthompson4406]

Jiminy Glick and Alan Partridge.

[@gpatmac]

Ed Grimley!

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

*rest head on one hand *voice goes high pitched _N-n-now now why would you say that?_

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

*rest head on one hand *voice goes high pitched _N-n-now now why would you say that?_

[@rkardos4220]

Martin Short has developed two very iconic characters...i must say

[@spfccsmft]

The other one being Clifford, of course...

[@bwuh]

Onward to binge-watching Jiminy Glick videos...

[@lynnturman8157]

The one with Julia Louis Dreyfus is the funniest thing in comedy ever...

[@dimitreze]

me too!!

[@willminkorea2010]

Jeff Goldblum

[@TdcWillies]

@@lynnturman8157 Also, the big hellos he gave to Cheri Oteri and also to Ellen Degeneres: damn funny

[@Argonaut121]

Martin Short has been guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel lately (we're way into the future now - July 2024) and reprising Jiminy Glick. His interview of Melissa McCarthy is superb. She can hold her own as well as Dreyfus did,

[@sixofone1307]

Hard to believe Martin and Jiminy are the same person! I'm like other people here, I am ADDICTED to Glick. Or AGLICKTED. Hahahahaha! I LOVE it!

[@DunmoresMovieMania]

I imagined that forced laugh in his voice.

[@lungflogger9]

I love "What's your big beef with the Nazis?"....hilarious!

[@dielaughing73]

To ask Mel Brooks that question, of all people.

[@Mr_Spock512]

Man ... it takes guts to go there.

[@jakegulliver1370]

Yep, that was the best line I’ve seen so far

[@hyzercreek]

Mel laughed until he couldn't breathe, face all red.

[@alabarjhoni9742]

@@Mr_Spock512 no it fucking doesnt. to a gutless coward maybe, are you one?!

[@rubbersole79]

Martin may just truly be the most under rated comic gem out there. It just seems to come so easy for him.

[@NotAsGoodAsItUsedToBe]

The interesting part of Glick was how sharp Short is. His timing was phenomenal.

[@1stamendmentmedia464]

Martin Short cracking up Mel Brooks was one of the greatest things I've ever seen in comedy.

[@thisistheworldtoday]

4 strapping boys...Morgan Mason Matthew and Modine...and of course his wife Dixie...just hysterical

[@jamesblatchford3738]

Martin Short may be the most universally beloved comedian there is today. Never heard anyone say a bad word about him. Plus he’s a comedian’s comedian.

[@sr-ty7gb]

Well let me tell you! One time I saw him walking a few blocks away from me on a very busy street in Manhattan. He never once acknowledged me, in fact acted as if he didn't know my name. I find that rude. It definitely looked like him, it was several blocks away...so im almost certain it was him.

[@dionnet24]

Martin Short is a COMEDIC Genius.

[@dalriadajohannsen]

🤌🏼 He is perfection

[@carlasullivan3637]

I love when he checks his notes for the celebrities name......I am addicted to these videos. I threw away my anti-depressants and now I only need this to make me happy!!! Thank you Martin!!!!

[@weston407]

the "when are you gonna do the big one?" question to spielberg is one of my favorites

[@MikeGoesBadaBoom]

What’s your big beef with the Nazis?

[@truthseeker2000]

*Martin Short is my favorite comedian. I literally love every movie he's done. Just when I thought he couldn't get any funnier, he invents Jiminy Click. He's an underrated genius!!!*

[@mulemule]

Right?! He's only thrived in a cutthroat industry for 40 years with over 100 credits to his name (including being an actor, singer, dancer, writer, producer and director); starred in film, television and on Broadway; won two Emmys and received Canada's Lifetime Achievement Award; and, is revered by the likes of Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Jerry Seinfeld. Soooo "underrated."

[@user-vp1sc7tt4m]

I was made aware of Jiminy Glick just a few days ago and have been indulging randomly watching the interviews with many well known people. Martin took on the research about who he was interviewing an brought it to the table in a respectful but challenging way for so many of those he interviewed and for me. I got so much out of his exchanges in the way I was being.. not going to there in specifics. Jiminy brought that which was like all the momma's in that lived next to each other discussing and spouting their wisdom to all the dad's and kids to create alignment so things went well during the bake sale or getting all the kids ready for school, and better yet, getting us all prepped for life in our future. Yup. this was a ramble but some of you may get it.

[@laurencebarton276]

He modelled 80 percent of the character after Skip E Lowe. Watch a half dozen of his celebrity interviews and you will unlock the door to his genius.

[@hollis9627]

Whether intended or not, he reminds me of Merv Griffin in how he siddles up in those soft toned personal questions.

[@Greg07623]

Best comic character ever. Quicker witted than Robin Williams or Graucho Marx, timing at great as Jack Benny, silliness to rival Python.

[@RobHollanderMusic]

I always think my cell phone is ringing at the end of these clips. And Martin Short is a comedy genius. Saw him do his live one-man show and he just owned the audience. The laughs were so relentless you could barely catch your breath.

[@skullzrck14]

I've never seen Larry David laugh so freakin' hard.

[@skmc6915]

Unless he's laughing at his own jokes.

[@maryhurst4663]

Or Jon Stewart

[@PeaceFan1]

His Creation Jiminy is BRILLIANT... and his BEST interview WAS with Steven Spielberg...I cry when I watch that one " They tell me, you won an Oscar... How Come ?? " ... BAH HAHHAAAHAAAAA!!!!

[@LisaMitchellGD]

PeaceFan1 That is the all time best one for sure

[@MJ-dq8ik]

Short is amazing - his SCTV work is genius. A lot of Jiminy Glick is like local L.A. cable legend Skip E.Lowe

[@scottwasson]

I've got a huge man-crush on Martin Short. He's not your typical leading man or good looking fellow but he could charm anyone off their feet with anything from a song to a joke. So talented.

[@timothy4561]

'not your typical leading man or a good looking fellow' sounds like one of jiminy's compliments

[@kilroy987]

I like his Glick character - he jokes with the people he's talking to but highlights their history and some of their accomplishments. So he gives full regard to the people he's talking to and never tries to leave them with a sense of being insulted, ever.

[@moxxichannel5950]

I remember seeing this kid come onto SCTV show and I'm like, "This kid is NOT going to be funny." Well here I am over 40 years later and admitting I was incredibly wrong. Martin Short has been making me scream laughter for over 4 decades. It's almost a relief to see the SCTV cast get recognized for the comedic geniuses that they ALL are/were.

[@BrisLS1]

This was very good! I never knew Martin Short's Irish history, and saw him do Jiminy out of costume. Thanks!

[@stuartcoleman7196]

When he said to Spielberg 'so when are you doing the big one ' 😂😂😂😂😂

[@TonyStark-zz6rr]

I love the new ones on Maya & Marty. I loved Marty and thought he was hilarious ever "Chill!? I invented chill!"

[@glendale6]

Love when he takes a call from Dixie

[@sfhayesvalley]

I was slow in developing my adoration for Martin Short, but boy do I adore him now!

[@rmmr1168]

I miss this show so much

[@dcasey2574]

I just finished his book . . . . Love Martin Short . . . genius and yet kind and caring.

[@MrClitheroe]

Beautifully written book with some sad life events poignantly and sensitively dealt with (and one or two spooky goings-on). He is an awesome human being.

[@stephensylvester2006]

Jiminy Glick videos can keep me going for hours! I wish you could buy the seasons on DVD or Blu-ray. Last time I checked there was only a best of, which I bought

[@hawaiidispenser]

2:30 and onward is comedy gold.

[@NipItInTheBud100]

Off Camera was such a great interview show! I miss it!

[@thedon978]

Familiar with the surreal “interviewer of the stars,” Skip E. Lowe, when I first saw Martin Short as Jiminy Glick, I fell on the floor in a fit of laughter! Bravo, Martin!! Bravo!!

[@jamesblatchford3738]

Yes, I’ve even heard some of his interviews. Brilliant of Short to create Glick in his style.

[@MrPcrosby1]

Yes. Def Skip

[@deejaydfc]

THANK YOU SO MUCH MARTIN SHORT!!!...For all the great laughs and joy you've brought me throughout my life. ❤

[@ScottishMatters]

love Martin!!

[@utubeDaveutube]

have watched almost all of them ---- soooooooooooo funny!!!

[@ShebeJo]

Martin you are wonderful! Jiminy is just hysterical!

[@boris2835]

so happy he is back doing the iconic

[@jaantorv4991]

He's so quick and original and FUNNY! I'm talking about Glick.

[@nervetonic1]

I just can't believe Martin Short is there inside Jiminy Glick. I know he is. I know he's in there, saying all that Jiminy stuff, yet my mind can only think of them as two separate people.

[@HjCrawford]

I absolutely adore this man!!

[@kellyandmitchblessing1648]

OMG I'm loving this skit on Maya and Marty!!!

[@hyzercreek]

The best period of SNL was the Martin Short years. He was the best they've had in their 46 year run.

[@arnyarny77]

so funny glick is , i look at him and cant help but smile

[@Danimal77]

Wow, Martin's speaking voice has deepened a lot over the years.

[@bh8365]

The interviewer didn't seem to know that Martin Short is very funny and sarcastic when he is a guest. Sarcastic bantor in a showbizzy hilarious way. Very sharp mind.

[@daisyq3418]

Time is Ripe for Jiminy Glick to run for President!!

[@DemetriusFuller]

Wow. His Jiminy Glick impression is spot on.

[@144Donn]

I could listen to an hour of this!!

[@Kristbjorg-Nymann]

Jiminy binge watching!

[@benrifkin1981]

I bet you Martin shorts iq is above 160

[@waynehilson4417]

Wouldn't shock me one bit! Genius comedians are usually the most intelligent, insightful people there are!

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

In Tim Allen's 2017 appearance on Norm Macdonald's podcast they agreed that Short is the funniest comedian.

[@billhaduch5789]

Well lemme tell ya, I dressed as ed grimly for halloween in 1988, so Marty's been killing me for well over 30 years. And don't get me going on The Three Amigos. Dorothy Gish: "Sonny, you've GOT it!" Dorothy Gish!!!!

[@Ericwvb2]

He's definitely brilliant. He's very quick on his feet and throws in all sorts of complex material into the interviews.

[@glendale6]

I often rewind the video to catch what he says so quick!!

[@peterlogan2105]

Glick and Grimley are my favorite Martin Short personas

[@cjlewis79]

Seeing Martin short getting interviewed and being so reserved. Wow

[@hankberumen3804]

The best interviewer ever!

[@SuperToughnut]

He still does Glick on Maya and Marty right. Glick can be a prime time show right now! Bring it back!

[@theironclads]

I thought that Martin based his JG character upon Skip E.Lowe? Yet he never refers to Lowe.

[@rickhoppelcad]

@@ianbettinger4344 - Thanks for the link! You’re absolutely right!

[@rickhoppelcad]

@theironclads - A LOT of Jiminy’s mannerisms are just like Skip Lowe’s. I suspect he doesn’t mention Skip Lowe because it would turn an otherwise interesting character into an impressionist’s performance… From then on, the audience would be watching Jiminy thinking about how good an impression of Skip Lowe Martin is doing.

[@floxy20]

Sorry, not even close.

[@misteral1083]

@@ianbettinger4344 Thank you so much for that link! I only watched a little bit - it's uncanny! Didn't want to spoil Jiminy so didn't carry on but really appreciate the link :)

[@davidadams2395]

@@floxy20 It's so close, it's scary.

[@TemujinScott80]

Love Jiminy Glick videos!

[@eurouc]

Why did he not give Skip E. Lowe any credit? That’s 100% of the character and not this Irish side story

[@danhermon4922]

I’m a big fan of Virginia O’Brien and was looking for an interview with her and I’d heard the name Skip E. Lowe before but never seen him, and when I saw that interview here many years after I’d first seen Jiminy Glick I immediately thought, “Oh, that’s where he got it.” It was obviously an impression of him.

[@MrJDOaktown]

@@danhermon4922 What about Merv Griffin? I thought Martin Short was doing Merv.

[@erichaynes7502]

Celebs always have their own made up stories for interviews like this

[@joshuabyron4893]

I never thought Short was funny back in the SNL days, but the Jiminity Glick character is brilliant and genius. I love his interviews.

[@patriciahall2223]

I cant let my day end without a little Jiminy Glick ....Martin Short is such a talented wonderfully funny man ....God Bless Jiminy 🇨🇦

[@robertdougherty349]

Thank you.

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

Martin Short actually does have a little look of the leprechaun to him. And maybe he started out wanting to make Jiminy mean or a moron, but he's actually lovable, imo. I think that's Martin himself shining through.

[@theicyridge]

I can't stop watching Glick clips.

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

Marty, we love you.

[@anthonynavarro6074]

Jiminy Glick is so freakin funny. The bill Maher zinger was hilarious

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

Making Mel Brooks laugh is an accomplishment. The master.

[@gorkmusic]

The Eric Andre show and Between Two Ferns were both predicated by Jiminy Glick and Martin doesn't get enough credit for that. 🙌

[@OhJaniceWhyOhWhy]

I see a lot of Brian Linehan, circa 1980's in Glick. Those odd ball, fact based questions from 40 years ago is so Brian and Glick places it in every interview.

[@ACTUALLYRICH]

Martin Short, Steve Martin, John Candy, Eugene Levy. GOATS. And most are Canadian! 🇨🇦

[@DNYS8N]

It has to be in the top 3 characters of any comedian. Martin gave him such Hollywood life.

[@hejiragirl]

Dang, he looks good in black and white.

[@Cassiopeian4eva]

tru

[@kanealson5200]

He has retained some handsomeness.

[@markdezii]

Martin Short is so talented.

[@sharonedwards6010]

I rememberwatching a video where J.G. interviews a very good looking soap actor from Days of our lives. He asks him what he does to look so good and stay in shape, the actor describes his work out routine and 5 seconds in J.G. interrupts him an d changes the subject. Hilarious!

[@stevekenton9422]

If we could have Jiminy guest on Between Two Ferns...

[@rmleider]

Too bad you didn't get him talking about his neighbour, which inspired the voice..love to hear him talk about that.

[@artofsoul]

I am late to the game but I am in awe if this guys quick and biting humor. I mean, this guy does his homework. Hello, my name is Alfred, I am addicted to Glick.

[@nspector]

I love this man.

[@tryingtobefairandobjective3480]

`I grew up in Burlington. Just outside where Martin Short lived in HAmilton. Same relative age. My older brother and I shared a room growing up and listened late at night to Larry Glick out of Boston in the early 70's.. Think WBZ. Catch line was "we are Glicknicks". I was always wondering if Short listen to and had Larry in mind when he created Jiminy. Just wondered.

[@greenstar3411]

Well that interview Reeeeeaaally went deep🙀

[@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453]

Love him!! Sooo funny!!!

[@pty8s]

Jiminy sneaks out at night! And sometimes goes back home!!

[@dalriadajohannsen]

Jiminy Glick cured my crippling depression 🌹 Martin Short is an interesting man ☺️

[@alistairproductions]

You rock

[@bapper78ross28]

He's so funny...great comedian

[@user-zf5sq8lt2f]

I love Marty..

[@kellygervais3440]

Omg I love Jiminy....lmfao.... Martin is the best...

[@MS-wb5mf]

I saw Skip Lowe for the first time today and my God Martin is dead on.

[@kit2770]

Funniest man in the world. Martin Short.

[@shaymayo6]

HAHAHAHAAAA! IIIIIIIIIIIIII LOVE IT!

[@raoulhubris]

Glick is the cure for a news cycle.

[@camartinez6]

he is a genius... I love Jimmy Glick

[@site4soareyes]

Jiminy is da bombe!

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

Martin Short is scary brilliant. I MISS Jiminy Glick!!

[@bdyt]

Glick is Gold

[@sallysmith8081]

Jiminy Glick always reminded me of Merv Griffin interviews.

[@nambypamby2147]

Watch Skip E Lowe interviews.

[@ACTUALLYRICH]

“What a wonderful little, SSSSTORY YOU JUST TOLD……”