Bob Dolman
Bob Dolman is a Canadian screenwriter, actor, director, and producer whose career spans television and film in both Canada and the United States. He is best known for his foundational work on the classic sketch comedy series SCTV and for writing major Hollywood films such as Willow and Far and Away. His contributions to Canadian comedy and his involvement in high-profile fantasy and adventure projects have made him a notable figure in North American entertainment. Dolman has continued to work in the industry for decades, most recently returning to the Willow franchise as a writer and producer for the 2022 Disney+ television series.
Early Career and Breakthrough on SCTV
His major breakthrough came when he joined the writing staff of the celebrated Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV. He contributed to SCTV Network 90 from 1981 to 1983 and continued with the show when it was rebranded simply as SCTV from 1983 to 1984. During this period, Dolman worked alongside some of Canada's most notable comedic talents, helping to shape the satirical and innovative humour that defined the program. His work on SCTV established him as a skilled writer within the competitive world of television comedy and provided a springboard for his later ventures into film.
Transition to Feature Film Writing
His first major film credit was co-writing the screenplay for the 1988 fantasy adventure film Willow, directed by Ron Howard. This project began a long creative partnership with Howard, as Dolman next wrote the screenplay for the 1992 epic romantic drama Far and Away, which starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman and was also directed by Howard. These two films, both large-scale productions with significant budgets, demonstrated Dolman's ability to craft narratives for broad, mainstream audiences. The success of Willow, in particular, created a cult following and a franchise that Dolman would revisit decades later.
Work as a Director and Producer
He made his directorial debut with the 2002 comedy-drama The Banger Sisters, starring Susan Sarandon and Goldie Hawn, for which he also wrote the screenplay. Four years later, he directed, produced, and wrote the family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms, an adaptation of the classic children's novel. In 2010, he directed and produced the independent film Out of Brooklyn. This phase of his career demonstrated his versatility and desire to have greater creative control over his projects, moving from being primarily a screenwriter to a filmmaker with multiple responsibilities. Dolman's directorial projects are defined by their variety in genre and target audience. The following list details his three feature films where he served as director.
- The Banger Sisters (2002), A comedy-drama starring Susan Sarandon and Goldie Hawn.
- How to Eat Fried Worms (2006), A family comedy which he also produced and wrote.
- Out of Brooklyn (2010), An independent film which he also produced.
Return to Television and the Willow Series
After focusing on film for many years, Dolman returned to television in 2022 as a writer and producer for the Disney+ streaming series Willow. This project marked a full-circle moment, bringing him back to the fantasy world he helped create for the original 1988 film. The series served as a sequel to the movie, continuing the story decades later. Dolman's involvement provided a direct creative link to the source material, ensuring continuity for the franchise's dedicated fan base. His work on the series highlights the modern trend of revisiting and expanding upon beloved intellectual properties for new streaming platforms.
Filmography and Key Projects
Bob Dolman has worked in television and film for many years. His film credits include writing the screenplay for the 1988 film Willow. He also wrote the screenplay for the 1992 film Far and Away. He wrote, directed, and produced the 2006 film How to Eat Fried Worms. He also directed and produced the 2010 film Out of Brooklyn.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Willow | Screenwriter |
| 1992 | Far and Away | Screenwriter |
| 2002 | The Banger Sisters | Director, Screenwriter |
| 2006 | How to Eat Fried Worms | Director, Producer, Screenwriter |
| 2010 | Out of Brooklyn | Director, Producer |
Bob Dolman's television work includes writing for WKRP in Cincinnati in 1981. He wrote for SCTV Network 90 from 1981 to 1983. He also wrote for SCTV from 1983 to 1984. He was the executive producer for the 1987 series Cowboy Joe. He was a writer and producer on the 2022 Disney+ Willow TV series.
Personal Life and Family
Bob Dolman has family connections deeply intertwined with the Canadian and American entertainment industries. He was previously married to acclaimed Canadian actress and comedian Andrea Martin, a fellow SCTV alum. Together they have two sons, Jack and Joe Dolman. His son Jack Dolman has followed a creative path, becoming an Academy Award-nominated sound editor and music editor in Hollywood. Dolman's sister was the late actress Nancy Dolman, who was married to comedian and actor Martin Short. These familial ties place Dolman within a notable network of Canadian comedic and performing talent. He has been based in California for much of his professional career but maintains his Canadian identity.
Bob Dolman was previously married to actress Andrea Martin. They have two sons together. His sister was actress Nancy Dolman. Nancy Dolman was married to comedian and actor Martin Short. Bob Dolman's son Jack Dolman is an Academy Award-nominated sound editor and music editor.
- Andrea Martin, Actress and comedian, former spouse.
- Jack Dolman, Son, Academy Award-nominated sound and music editor.
- Joe Dolman, Son.
- Nancy Dolman, Sister, actress, wife of Martin Short.
- Martin Short, Comedian and actor, brother-in-law.
Artistic Pursuits Beyond Screenwriting
In addition to his work in film and television, Bob Dolman is also an accomplished painter and poet. These pursuits represent a more personal and introspective side of his creativity, separate from the collaborative and commercial demands of screenwriting. His painting and poetry allow him to explore different forms of expression and narrative, providing an outlet distinct from his cinematic work. While these works are less publicly documented than his screen credits, they form an important part of his artistic identity and reflect a broad creative life that encompasses both visual and written arts.
Bob Dolman is a Canadian screenwriter, actor, director, and producer. He is also a painter and a poet. He is based in California. His creative work spans several different artistic fields.
Questions about Bob Dolman
What movies has Bob Dolman directed?
Bob Dolman has directed three feature films. He made his directorial debut with the 2002 comedy The Banger Sisters. He later directed the 2006 family film How to Eat Fried Worms, which he also produced and wrote. His third directing credit is the 2010 independent film Out of Brooklyn, which he also produced.
What is Bob Dolman best known for?
Bob Dolman is best known as a screenwriter for major films and television shows. His most prominent film credits include writing the screenplays for Willow in 1988 and Far and Away in 1992. In television, he is recognized for his writing work on SCTV, SCTV Network 90, and WKRP in Cincinnati. He has also directed films such as The Banger Sisters and How to Eat Fried Worms. Dolman expanded his involvement with the Willow franchise by serving as a writer and producer for the 2022 Disney+ television series.
Did Bob Dolman work on the new Willow TV series?
Yes, Bob Dolman worked on the new Willow television series. He was a writer and producer on the 2022 Disney+ Willow TV series. This role marked his return to the franchise he helped to co create decades earlier. His involvement connected the new series directly to the original 1988 film for which he wrote the screenplay. This continued contribution shows his long standing creative connection to the Willow story universe.
Is Bob Dolman related to Martin Short?
Bob Dolman is related to Martin Short through his sister's marriage. His sister, Nancy Dolman, was an actress and the wife of comedian and actor Martin Short. This familial connection makes Martin Short Bob Dolman's brother in law. Nancy Dolman's career in acting paralleled the creative paths of both her brother and her husband within the entertainment industry.
Who was Bob Dolman married to?
Bob Dolman was married to actress Andrea Martin. From this marriage, they have two sons together. The couple also shares a grandchild. Andrea Martin is known for her own accomplished career in comedy and acting, particularly on shows like SCTV, which connects to Dolman's professional history. This marriage linked two prominent figures within the Canadian and American entertainment circles.
What other creative work does Bob Dolman do?
Beyond screenwriting and directing, Bob Dolman is also a painter and a poet. These artistic pursuits complement his primary career in film and television. His creative output spans multiple disciplines including writing, visual arts, and performance. This varied approach defines him as a Canadian screenwriter, actor, director, producer, painter, and poet based in California.
Sources and further reading
- Bob Dolman (Wikipedia)
- Bob Dolman: Movies, TV, and Bio, Filmography (primevideo.com)
Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-11-01.
