The highs and lows of a comedy legend.
Netflix’s latest documentary, “Marty, Life is Short,” offers an intimate look at the life and career of the celebrated comedian and actor, Martin Short. At 76, Short reflects on his journey along with insights from close friends like Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, and the late Catherine O’Hara.
The film delves into his remarkable career achievements while also touching on profound personal losses, notably the passing of his wife, Nancy Dolman, who succumbed to cancer in 2010.
While it avoids delving into rumored relationships, such as with Meryl Streep, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the triumphs and challenges that have shaped Short’s life.
Here are some of the most striking insights from “Marty, Life is Short,” now available for streaming.
Short’s wife, Nancy, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, and according to pal Eugene Levy, “At a certain point we kind of knew that it wasn’t going to work out.”
Tom Hanks recalls Short’s family’s attitude during the devastating battle was, “You’re not going to stop doing work because this malady is going to do its damage.”
Actress Andrea Martin says that Nancy “wanted to keep going until she couldn’t,” and Short was “a perfect partner because he let her. It was extraordinary to watch.”
After her death, Short coped by continuing to work.
His son Oliver says in the doc, “I don’t know what he would do if he wasn’t on the move.”
“Marty, Life is Short” is now streaming on Netflix.