Martin Short, known as Hollywood’s “funniest, nicest, best of them all” according to Vanity Fair, has navigated through life’s most devastating blows with enduring resilience and grace. While comedy often involves some degree of cruelty, Short’s humor has become a beacon of light that is untainted by malice.
In his autobiography, “I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend,” Short opens up about his early struggles, detailing his days of being miscast and seeing his friends’ careers skyrocket as his seemed stagnant. In 1976, amid frustration and resentment over missed opportunities, Short decided that he needed to persevere.
The depths of Short’s resilience become clearer as he reveals the tragic loss of his brother, David, who was killed in a car accident at 26. Young Martin idolized David and was shattered by the sudden loss. This tragedy, which Short recounts with poignant details in his memoir, deeply affected his family and had a profound impact on Short’s own religious beliefs, moving him to pray for strength and inspiration.
Further tragedy struck when Short’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. While she bravely battled the disease and miraculously outlived her initial prognosis, she ultimately succumbed to her illness in 1968 when Short was just 17 years old. Short’s father’s health was also deteriorating around this time, suffering from a series of strokes that eventually left him paralyzed. The stress of simultaneously managing his parents’ health and his brother’s wedding plans fell heavily on Short, who was still a teenager. His father passed away shortly after his brother’s wedding, rendering Short parentless at the age of 20.
Short’s early love life was marked by his passionate relationship with the celebrated comedian Gilda Radner. Despite the depth of their love, they had their struggles, stemming from age differences and Radner’s battle with depression. Although their romantic relationship ended, they maintained a close friendship until Radner’s untimely death due to ovarian cancer in 1989.
Adding to the series of profound losses in Short’s life, he faced the devastating death of his wife of 36 years, Nancy Dolman, to the same cancer that took Radner. Short recounted the heart-wrenching experience of losing his wife in his memoir, describing the agony of watching her health decline. Despite this unimaginable pain, Short remained a pillar of strength for his three children. After Nancy’s death in 2010, Short returned to work within four months, finding a semblance of normalcy in his professional life while grappling with the palpable void at home.
As Short navigated the loss of his wife, a steadfast friend, the iconic writer and director Nora Ephron, played a pivotal role in supporting Short and his family. In a tragic twist, Ephron’s own health deteriorated due to a rare blood disorder that eventually evolved into acute myeloid leukemia. She passed away in 2012, after helping Short plan his wife’s arrangements. Ephron’s last wish was for Short to speak at her memorial, and her son urged him to bring a touch of humor to his tribute, mirroring Ephron’s own wit and love of life.
Martin Short’s journey, marked by staggering personal loss, serves as a testament to the power of resilience, love, and humor. Despite facing some of life’s harshest blows, Short has managed to channel his pain into his craft, standing today as one of comedy’s kindest and most enduring figures. He continually illuminates the stages and screens with his work, offering solace and laughter to countless others, showcasing that life, with all its complexities and tragedies, can still be met with grace, humor, and unwavering strength.
