Life is Short
Last night, my partner and I watched Martin Short’s recently released documentary, Marty, Life Is Short. At first, we believed we were in for a quirky evening with a few good laughs, but by the end of it, I was completely in tears.
If you know me, I am not someone who is easily brought to tears. Sometimes, I find my own lack of emotion concerning–it makes me feel like I’m missing out on the drama of life–and at the same time it means that when I am emotional, it was for something truly impactful.
The documentary takes us through Martin Short’s life in comedy. His time in Hollywood, SCTV, and SNL, surrounded by all the other famous names we now relish today.
We see his life in Canada, his connection to Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Steve Martin, and the lovely lakehouse purchased for him by his wife, Nancy Dolman, where they hosted many a comedian-clad party filled with laughs and talent.
From 10,000 feet, he has lived a life worth envying; surrounded by good people and good times, lucky to have the community and connections he does. I also found myself very much lost in the nostalgia of the 80s and early 90s (even though, no, I did not personally live through any of those years).
Then, throughout the documentary, we learn that by 20, he had lost his oldest brother and both of his parents; in 2010, he lost his wife to cancer; and just this February, he lost his daughter to suicide.
Despite a life so outwardly filled with joy and success, Martin Short has also experienced tremendous loss and hardship. Yet, despite the difficulties and, as he says, “98% failure”, everyone who knows him best says that he is incredibly and always upbeat.
As someone determined to bring more joy and positivity into my life and to remove any sense of victimization, I found the “moral” of the documentary incredibly inspiring. Every day, you get to choose your attitude. No matter your losses or your failures, you get to choose to try again.
Some people are defined by their material successes, some by their accomplishments or accolades; Martin Short’s success is in the impact he has made on his closest friends, his family, and those who have enjoyed his comedic gift. Despite what he has suffered, he is known for lighting up a room, for being present, and for living his life to the fullest in honor of those he has lost.
If there’s one thing I think we can all take away from Martin Short, it’s that the complete enjoyment of life and the positive impact you can have on others is the most important success you can have in life.
