Martin Short has been making us laugh for decades. From the 1980s to today, he’s won hearts with unforgettable characters on shows like SCTV and Saturday Night Live. Iconic roles include the quirky Ed Grimley and the sly lawyer Nathan Thurm. More recently, he stars as Oliver Putnam in the hit series Only Murders in the Building.
A new documentary, Marty, Life Is Short, dives deep into his life and career. However, the title carries a weighty reminder of his personal tragedy. Just months ago, Short’s daughter, Katherine, took her own life at 42. This heartbreaking event has cast a shadow over the film’s release.
In an interview, Short opened up about this trauma. He shared, “My daughter had a severe illness—mental illness. Like cancer, some diseases are terminal.” Initially, the documentary’s director, Lawrence Kasdan, considered delaying the release, but Short felt it was essential to go ahead. He said, “This film is about love, loss, and survival. We need to figure out how to cope with grief without ignoring its significance.”
The documentary also touches on Short’s long history of loss. He faced the deaths of his parents and brother by the age of 20. Later, in 2010, he lost his wife, Nancy Dolman, to ovarian cancer. A significant portion of the film features the couple’s joyful moments, shown through Short’s personal home videos. Reflecting on this footage, he remarked, “I didn’t realize Larry was in love with Nancy, too. It’s truly a love letter to her.”
In the wake of Katherine’s passing, mental health has become an even more pressing topic. According to recent data from the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness. The need for open conversations around mental health is greater than ever.
Marty, Life Is Short will stream on Netflix starting May 12. The film presents not just laughter but a heartfelt look at resilience.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a professional. You can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
