thestar.com

"I was amazed because those kids were too young to watch Saturday Night Live in 1985, the last time I did the [Ed Grimley] character," says [Martin Short], 38, an amiable man of slight build with an elfin face. "The only explanation I have is that they watched their parents' videos of old SCTV and SNL shows, plus my occasional specials on HBO. I was fascinated by this phenomenon, but didn't tell the kids who I was - I'm not that desperate for love."

The result is The Completely Mental Misadventures Of Ed Grimley, a half-hour weekly mixture of animation and live action set in Grimley's whimsically furnished apartment, which contains life-size portraits of his heroes: Wheel Of Fortune's Pat Sajak and Vanna White. The only live performer is Joe Flaherty as Count Floyd ("really scarrry"), who sets the theme for each show.

To ensure quality control, Short has enlisted the aid of family and friends: His brother, Michael, is one of the writers/story editors and his sister-in-law, Andrea Martin, will do the voices of several characters along with Catherine O'Hara and Jonathan Winters. Grimley's world will include Sheldon, his pet rat, Moby, his pet goldfish, and the doting Uncle Balfour, the family historian.