Martin Short’s new Netflix documentary Marty, Life Is Short is giving fans a rare look at the comedian’s life beyond the jokes. The documentary explores Short’s decades-long career in comedy, film and television, but it also spends a lot of time on the personal losses that shaped him. The film features interviews with Short himself, along with famous friends including Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Eugene Levy and the late Catherine O’Hara.
One of the biggest revelations is that Short does not believe his comedy comes from pain.
Despite losing his older brother David when he was 12, his mother when he was a teenager, his father soon after, his wife Nancy Dolman in 2010 and his daughter Katherine earlier this year, Short rejects the idea that his humor was born out of suffering.
Instead, he says his comedy came from love, attention and the warmth of his childhood.
Short also opens up about his marriage to Nancy Dolman, who died from ovarian cancer in 2010. The documentary presents their relationship as one many people admired deeply.
Catherine O’Hara even reveals that when she and her husband were once asked in therapy which couple they wanted to emulate, they immediately named Martin and Nancy. According to O’Hara, their therapist told them they were far from the only couple to give that answer.
The documentary also revisits a difficult period in Short’s career during the late 1970s. He recalls feeling overwhelmed and discouraged when his friend Bill Murray’s career was taking off while his own felt stalled.
Short says he had what he describes as a breakdown while walking to a dinner celebrating Murray’s success. He felt unsure about his future and unable to pretend everything was fine.
The film also reveals that Short and Nancy struggled with fertility issues before adopting their three children, Katherine, Oliver and Henry.
Short says they were stunned when they could not have a baby naturally, and Nancy’s medical treatments affected her moods. Eventually, he told her they should stop the drugs and adopt.
Another surprising detail is that Short hated his time on Saturday Night Live.
Although many comedians dream of joining the legendary sketch show, Short says his one-season run in 1984 was grueling. He disliked the pressure and the isolation of working alone in an office.
The documentary also explores Short’s attitude toward death and loss.
He recalls learning about his brother David’s death in a blunt and heartbreaking way while he was away at camp. Afterward, Short says he had a dream in which David told him he was fine and that they would see each other soon. Short says that dream gave him unexpected peace.
When discussing Nancy’s cancer battle, Short’s friends describe him as a deeply devoted partner.
Andrea Martin says Nancy wanted to keep living fully until she no longer could, and Short supported her through that. Tom Hanks says the family’s attitude was that Nancy’s illness would not stop them from continuing life as much as possible.
The documentary does not focus on Katherine Short’s death, which happened earlier this year. However, Short recently spoke publicly about the loss, calling it a nightmare for the family and explaining that Katherine had battled severe mental health issues for a long time.
Marty, Life Is Short is now streaming on Netflix.