Netflix Lands Martin Short Documentary ‘Marty, Life Is Short,’ Sets May Release Date

Martin Short will be the subject of a new Netflix documentary.

“Marty, Life Is Short” will chronicle the rise and career longevity of the legendary comedian. The 75-year-old became famous as a writer and performer on “SCTV” in the 1970s and parlayed his sketch comedy success to big and small screen hits, including “Father of the Bride,” “Three Amigos,” “Damages” and “Only Murders in the Building.”

Lawrence Kasdan directed “Marty, Life Is Short,” described in a press release as the “definitive documentary” on Short. The film, which will include archival footage and new interviews with the influential funnyman and his famous friends, is set to debut on May 12.

Kasdan is best known for writing such blockbusters as “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Bodyguard” and several “Star Wars” films, including “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Return of the Jedi” and “The Force Awakens.” He’s also the director of “Body Heat,” “Grand Canyon” and “The Big Chill.” He and Short had previously collaborated on 1999’s “Mumford,” a comedic drama about a small-town psychologist who gives unconventional advice to neurotic residents.

“Marty, Life Is Short” was produced by Sara Bernstein, Meredith Kaulfers, Christopher St. John, Justin Wilkes, Kasdan and Blair Foster. Imagine Entertainment founders Brian Grazer and Ron Howard are executive producers on the documentary.

This is Short’s second project with Netflix following the 2018 comedy special “An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life,” which he made alongside Steve Martin. The two friends, who have become one of Hollywood’s most enduring duos, became close while shooting the 1986 film “Three Amigos” and then shared the screen in two “Father of the Bride” films as well as “Only Murders in the Building.” In a 2018 interview with Variety with Martin tied to “An Evening You Will Forget,” Short spoke about his approach to choosing the projects and parts that led to his long career in Hollywood.

“I’ve just gone from thing to thing, if it sounded fascinating or interesting or adventurous. I never really thought in terms of, ‘Oh, I’m on this medium or that medium.’ I’m a Canadian actor. There was no star system in Canada in the 70’s when I started, so you just played all mediums,” Short said. “You didn’t ask much about it — you were just thrilled for the opportunity to perform.”