It was an emotional night at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood as family, friends, and invited guests — including TV Academy members — gathered for the May 6 premiere of Marty, Life Is Short, the new Netflix documentary about Emmy-winning actor and comedian Martin Short.
From his breakout success on SCTV and Saturday Night Live to scene-stealing roles in beloved films and a Tony-winning run on Broadway, Short has built one of comedy’s most inventive and enduring careers. Now, Marty, Life Is Short takes an intimate look at his more than five decades in the spotlight.
Directed by four-time Oscar nominee Lawrence Kasdan, the documentary combines never-before-seen archival footage with exclusive interviews from a star-studded group of friends and collaborators to tell the story behind Short’s extraordinary career — and the deeply personal life behind the performer.
The documentary revisits everything from Short’s early days on SCTV and his iconic Jiminy Glick character to Broadway triumphs, blockbuster films, and even some of his most infamous flops. But some of its most affecting moments come from the extensive home video footage captured throughout his life.
Kasdan credited Short for the incredible archive, joking during his opening remarks, “I want to thank the cinematographer who’s been shooting this movie for 65 years, Mr. Martin Short.”
Those intimate home videos offer a window into Short’s private life alongside his wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 from ovarian cancer. The couple were married for 36 years after meeting in 1972, and the footage captures a life filled with laughter, friendship, and family gatherings away from Hollywood.
Many of the home videos feature celebrity friends who gathered at the couple’s home for dinner parties and weekends at their lake cottage in Canada. Among those appearing throughout the documentary are Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Steve Martin, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and John Mulaney. Home video footage also includes appearances from Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, and more.
Among those in attendance at the premiere was Kate Hudson, who appeared visibly emotional as the credits rolled. Following the screening, Hudson shared a tearful moment with Short as guests exited the theater.
The premiere also drew a notable crowd that included Levy, Martin, Billy Crystal, Paul Shaffer, Dennis Miller, and Short’s Only Murders in the Building co-star Selena Gomez.
Kasdan’s remarks early in the night hit hard by the film’s conclusion. “Making this movie was a joyful experience — wonderful — but it was interrupted more than once by the pain of devastating loss,” the director said.
While Short’s daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Short — who died by suicide in February — does not appear in the documentary, the film ends with an “In Loving Memory” tribute dedicated to both Katherine and Catherine O’Hara, accompanied by a photo of the two together.
Marty, Life Is Short premieres May 12 on Netflix.
