I Must Say

1. Embrace Eccentricity and Find Joy in the Absurd

Outside my attic walls, the hip sentiment was the Who’s “Hope I die before I get old.” Me? I was hoping I’d get old before I turned seventeen.

Celebrating the unconventional. Marty's childhood was marked by a unique blend of traditional upbringing and imaginative play, highlighted by his attic performances as a crooner and TV host. This embrace of eccentricity, rather than conforming to societal norms, fueled his creative spirit and laid the groundwork for his comedic style.

Finding humor in the mundane. Even in ordinary situations, Marty found opportunities for humor and absurdity. His family's squabbles, his father's sarcastic wit, and his own misadventures became fodder for his comedic imagination. This ability to find joy in the everyday moments transformed ordinary life into a source of endless entertainment.

The power of imagination. Marty's attic performances were not just a hobby; they were a training ground for his future career. By creating his own television network and variety show, he honed his comedic timing, character development, and improvisational skills. This imaginative play instilled in him a sense of confidence and a willingness to take risks, which would serve him well in the competitive world of show business.

2. Family Bonds: The Foundation of Resilience

We were the type of family that went every weekend to the Hamilton Golf and Country Club for dinner...Believe me, we weren’t. I grew up thinking that our household was the strangest on the street, bordering on insanity.

Unconditional love and support. Despite the eccentricities and occasional chaos, Marty's family provided a foundation of unconditional love and support. His mother's encouragement of his musical endeavors and his siblings' tolerance of his antics fostered a sense of self-acceptance and confidence. This familial support system allowed him to pursue his dreams without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Shared experiences and memories. The Short family's shared experiences, from attending Sunday mass to squabbling over turkey at Christmas dinner, created a strong sense of connection and belonging. These memories became a source of comfort and strength, particularly during times of loss and adversity. The ability to laugh together, even in the face of hardship, helped them navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.

The importance of family history. Marty's exploration of his Irish heritage and his father's upbringing in Northern Ireland provided a deeper understanding of his family's dynamics. He recognized that his father's quick wit and verbal sparring were traits passed down through generations, shaping the family's communication style and comedic sensibilities. This connection to his roots instilled in him a sense of identity and pride.

3. Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Finding Light in Darkness

You froze good, kid.

Deflecting pain with laughter. The Short family's ability to find humor in even the darkest of situations served as a powerful coping mechanism. Marty's father's sarcastic wit, though sometimes cutting, was often followed by laughter, diffusing tension and creating a sense of camaraderie. This shared sense of humor helped them navigate grief, loss, and the everyday challenges of life.

Turning tragedy into comedy. Even in the face of profound loss, Marty found ways to incorporate humor into his experiences. His account of his brother's death and his mother's illness is interspersed with anecdotes and observations that highlight the absurdity of life. This ability to find humor in tragedy not only helped him cope with his own pain but also allowed him to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

The power of self-deprecation. Marty's willingness to poke fun at himself and his own shortcomings is a key element of his comedic style. By embracing his flaws and vulnerabilities, he creates a sense of relatability and invites audiences to laugh along with him. This self-deprecating humor serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it's possible to find joy and laughter.

4. The Power of Mentors and Lasting Friendships

Of all the people I have a fake show-business friendship with, Steve is the star I’m fake-closest to.

Guidance and support from mentors. Throughout his career, Marty benefited from the guidance and support of mentors who recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Andrew Alexander, the owner of Second City Toronto, gave him his first big break, while Eugene Levy consistently urged him to embrace the performing life. These mentors provided valuable advice, opportunities, and a sense of belief in his abilities.

The importance of collaboration. Marty's success was also shaped by his collaborations with other talented performers and writers. His work with Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, and the SCTV cast fostered a sense of camaraderie and creative synergy. These collaborations pushed him to new heights and helped him develop his unique comedic voice.

Enduring friendships as a source of strength. Marty's long-lasting friendships with Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and other figures in the entertainment industry provided a source of support, laughter, and shared experiences. These friendships transcended the superficiality of Hollywood and offered a sense of connection and belonging. The colonoscopy sleepovers with Steve and Tom exemplify the depth and humor of these enduring bonds.

5. Navigating Showbiz: From Cabaret to Comedy Icon

You froze good, kid.

Embracing diverse experiences. Marty's early career was marked by a willingness to try different things, from singing in cabarets to acting in minimalist prison dramas. While not all of these experiences were successful, they provided valuable lessons and helped him develop his skills as a performer. This openness to new challenges allowed him to grow and evolve as an artist.

Finding his niche in comedy. Marty's breakthrough came when he joined Second City Toronto and discovered his talent for improvisational comedy. He found that he could connect with audiences by committing to his characters and reacting authentically to the situations he was in. This realization led him to develop his signature comedic style, characterized by physical comedy, character work, and a touch of absurdity.

The importance of perseverance. Marty's journey to success was not without its setbacks. He faced rejection, criticism, and periods of unemployment. However, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a performer. His perseverance, combined with his talent and versatility, ultimately led him to achieve lasting success in show business.

6. Love and Loss: The Enduring Impact of Relationships

I was twenty years old, and parentless. I’ve ever since demarcated my life in those terms: Zero to Twenty, Marty with Parents; Twenty to the Present, Marty without Parents.

The transformative power of love. Marty's relationships with Gilda Radner and Nancy Dolman had a profound impact on his life and career. Gilda inspired him to embrace his comedic talents and take risks, while Nancy provided a stable and loving partnership that grounded him amidst the chaos of show business. These relationships shaped his values, his priorities, and his understanding of love.

Coping with grief and loss. Marty's life has been marked by significant loss, including the deaths of his brother, parents, and wife. These experiences taught him valuable lessons about resilience, the importance of cherishing relationships, and the enduring power of love. He learned to honor the memories of those he had lost by living his life to the fullest and embracing joy in the face of sorrow.

The enduring legacy of love. Even after Nancy's death, her presence continued to shape Marty's life. He honored her memory by raising their children with the same values and principles that she had instilled in them. He also found solace in the love and support of his friends and family, who helped him navigate the difficult journey of grief and healing.

7. The Importance of Versatility and Reinvention

I’m also reminded of a conversation I had with Stephen Colbert shortly after he roasted President George W. Bush as the keynote speaker of the 2006 White House Correspondents Dinner...“No. That day when I was a kid—then I was scared.”

Adapting to changing circumstances. Marty's career has been characterized by a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and reinvent himself. From his early days as a cabaret singer to his success as a sketch comedian, a Broadway performer, and a movie star, he has consistently sought out new challenges and opportunities. This versatility has allowed him to remain relevant and successful in a constantly evolving industry.

Embracing new challenges. Marty's decision to join Saturday Night Live in his thirties, after years of success in Canada, was a testament to his willingness to take risks and push himself outside of his comfort zone. While the experience was challenging, it ultimately broadened his horizons and opened doors to new opportunities. His ability to embrace new challenges has been a key factor in his long and successful career.

Finding new avenues for creativity. Even after achieving success in various fields, Marty has continued to seek out new avenues for creative expression. His work as a writer, producer, and director has allowed him to explore different aspects of storytelling and to collaborate with other talented artists. This commitment to lifelong learning and growth has kept him engaged and passionate about his work.

8. Authenticity and Individuality: The Key to Lasting Success

I’ve always been a top-feeder, drawn to the smartest people in the room, and the simple truth was that the smartest kids in the schools I attended were the Jewish ones.

Embracing his unique identity. Marty's success has been rooted in his ability to embrace his unique identity and bring his authentic self to his work. He has never tried to be someone he's not, and he has always remained true to his values and his comedic sensibilities. This authenticity has resonated with audiences and has helped him build a loyal following.

Drawing inspiration from personal experiences. Marty's comedy is often inspired by his own life experiences, from his childhood in Hamilton, Ontario, to his relationships with his family and friends. By drawing upon his personal history, he creates characters and stories that are both relatable and deeply personal. This authenticity gives his work a unique voice and perspective.

Celebrating diversity and inclusivity. Marty's upbringing in a diverse community and his friendships with people from all walks of life have shaped his worldview and his comedic sensibilities. He has always been drawn to the smartest and most interesting people, regardless of their background or beliefs. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is reflected in his work, which celebrates the richness and complexity of human experience.

9. The Show Must Go On: Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

When you’re met with fire early, you develop a certain Teflon quality.

Maintaining a positive attitude. Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges, Marty has always maintained a positive attitude and a sense of optimism. He has learned to focus on the good things in his life and to find humor in even the most difficult situations. This positive outlook has helped him persevere through adversity and maintain his passion for his work.

Learning from failures. Marty has never been afraid to take risks, and he has learned to view failures as opportunities for growth and learning. He has used his mistakes as fuel for his creativity, transforming them into comedic material and valuable life lessons. This willingness to learn from his failures has made him a more resilient and adaptable performer.

Finding strength in adversity. Marty's experiences with loss and hardship have instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and compassion. He has used his platform to raise awareness for important causes and to support those who are struggling. This commitment to giving back has given his life a sense of purpose and meaning beyond his own personal success.

10. The Gift of Perspective: Finding Gratitude in Every Moment

I don’t mean to sound facile, or to imply that David’s death doesn’t still pain me to this day. But I was glad of this lesson, because it would not be long before I was forced to heed it again.

Appreciating the present moment. Marty's experiences with loss have taught him to appreciate the present moment and to cherish the relationships he has with his loved ones. He has learned to live each day to the fullest and to find joy in the simple things in life. This gratitude for the present moment has made him a more grounded and centered person.

Finding meaning in life's journey. Marty's life has been a journey of self-discovery, marked by both triumphs and tragedies. He has learned to embrace the ups and downs of life and to find meaning in every experience. This perspective has allowed him to live a life of purpose, passion, and fulfillment.

Sharing his story with others. By sharing his story with others, Marty hopes to inspire them to embrace their own unique journeys and to find joy and laughter in the face of adversity. His honesty, vulnerability, and humor make him a relatable and inspiring figure, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.

Last updated: April 24, 2025