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 –
TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2011 /CNW/ – 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.
Images and biography available at www.rogersmediatv.ca
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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.
Tim Hortons is proud to be a founding partner of Canada’s Got Talent. Tim Hortons’ sponsorship components are multiplatform in their
execution and extend across a myriad of Rogers media platforms.
Canada’s Got Talent is the largest national talent search in Canadian television history
and will feature a colourful array of hopeful stars, including
comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians,
ventriloquists, dancers and singers all vying for a chance to perform
on national television and win the coveted title. This original series
is part of the hit international franchise and a tribute to the rich
talents that define and characterize Canada’s diversity.
Citytv™ television stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and
Winnipeg offer viewers intensely-local, urban-oriented,
culturally-diverse television programming. A distinct alternative to
other conventional television stations, Citytv engages its viewers with
dynamic on-air personalities and delivers an entertaining mix of news,
local-interactive formats such as: Breakfast Television and CityLine;
as well as local Canadian and US acquired prime time entertainment
programming. Citytv is a part of Rogers Broadcasting Limited, a
division of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI and NYSE: RCI) which
is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. For more
information on Citytv stations and programming, visit www.citytv.com
Insight Production Company Ltd, headed by John Brunton & Barbara Bowlby has become an industry leader
in the creative development, financing and production of highly rated
television programs and cutting edge multiplatform content for the
global market in every genre. Since 1979, it has been recognized for
its reputation for outstanding quality as the recipient of numerous
International awards, including multiple Gemini’s. The company has
created thousands of hours of groundbreaking television that continues
to be broadcast over major networks worldwide. Recent hits include,
Battle of the Blades, Top Chef Canada, Canadian Idol, The Juno Awards
and Canada Sings. For more information visit www.insighttv.com
About FremantleMedia FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of
entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL
Group, Europe’s largest television and radio broadcast company, which
is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world’s major
media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia’s worldwide
production arm is responsible for many of the world’s highest rated
prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment
programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of
FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing,
Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. For more
information, visit www.fremantlemedia.com.
About Syco Entertainment Syco Entertainment is a global joint venture between Simon Cowell and
Sony Music Entertainment focused on the production and exploitation of
music, television, film and digital content. Syco TV and Music includes
the global television franchises The X Factor and Got Talent which currently air in over 60 countries. Syco Music roster includes
superstar artists such as Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle and Il Divo. In
2009, Britain’s Got Talent launched the global music career of Susan Boyle, whose debut album is
world’s fastest selling album in history. Syco Entertainment is based
in London and Los Angeles with a staff of
30+.