Tom Hanks once described Martin Short as a person who ‘operates at the speed of joy.’ When asked about this, Short replied, ‘If that’s his review for me, I’ll accept it. But I think I do have the happy gene. And I think my orientation is to be happy.’
For over five decades, Martin Short has been a lively presence on both stage and screen. His positive demeanor is even more impressive considering his personal challenges. Short is now featured in a new documentary, ‘Marty: Life Is Short,’ directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Kasdan, a family friend, had to convince Short to participate in the film. ‘I had to sell him on it,’ Kasdan said, explaining how he had to reassure Short.
The documentary includes home movies and appearances from friends like Tom Hanks, Kurt Russell, and Steven Spielberg. Despite numerous joyful moments, Short has experienced significant losses. He lost his brother in a car crash at 12 and both parents in his teen years. This taught him resilience in the face of grief.
‘What it developed in me was this muscle of survival and handling grief,’ Short explained. This perspective gave him the courage to perform on stage, as audience reactions became less significant.
In 1977, Short joined Toronto’s Second City, alongside Eugene Levy, John Candy, and Catherine O’Hara. The documentary honors O’Hara, whom Short described as brilliant and supportive. ‘There was no one funnier,’ he said.
Despite life’s challenges, Short maintains a humorous outlook. He reflects on his wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed from ovarian cancer in 2010. ‘It was an equal ping pong match,’ he noted about their relationship.
The film also dedicates to Short’s daughter, Katherine, who died by suicide earlier this year. ‘It’s been a nightmare for the family,’ Short shared, drawing parallels between mental health and physical diseases.
Short has lived in Pacific Palisades, California since the 1980s. After a fire destroyed his son’s home, he found solace in his grandchildren. Faced with overwhelming events, he realized family is a powerful motivator to keep going.
Currently, Short is part of the show ‘Only Murders In the Building,’ and considers a Broadway project with Meryl Streep. Jokingly, he said, ‘You never know how Meryl’s gonna do at the box office, but let’s hope!’
Ron Howard asked Short why he continues to challenge himself. Short replied, ‘It’s important, if you’re ‘gifted,’ to share that gift.’
Short’s ability to make people laugh, even during difficult times, is remarkable. When his wife was ill, she encouraged him to keep working. ‘I didn’t work as much,’ he recalled, appreciating how work provided some normalcy.
Despite personal obstacles, Short believes in perseverance. ‘The mark of the man is: Can you do it?’ he reflected on pushing through hard times. His motto: ‘You head for the light.’
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Chat is also available at their website. Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine can be reached for support and resources.