Martin Short means different things to different people. Elitist comedy nerds can discuss the merits of Short’s SCTV Ed Grimley versus the Saturday Night Live version, while suburban Rom Com fans recognize the name from blockbuster sweet-tarts like Father of the Bride. And you can always count on beer-pong bros to have Innerspace, Three Amigos! and Mars Attacks in their massive DVD collections. Known as one of the most likable comedians in show business, Short is a treasured American icon (he’s actually Canadian, shhh) who will be performing at an Innovage Foundation fundraiser this Saturday, February 23.

We recently caught up with Short to pick his brain about comedy history and technique, Billy Crystal and why you’re allowed to be more weird in Canada.