Martin Short opened up about handling several devastating family losses throughout his life. The comedian explained why he never turned to therapy during those difficult periods. Instead, he said family, friends, work and time helped him continue.
Martin Short said he handled it all on his own after tragically losing his parents, brother, wife and daughter.
Martin discussed his experiences while promoting Netflix’s documentary Marty, Life Is Short. The film explores his career alongside several deeply personal tragedies. Short lost his parents and brother when he was still young.
He said he later experienced the devastating losses of his wife and daughter. Despite everything, Short revealed he had never attended therapy. The comedian said that option was simply not available to him.
“I’ve never been in therapy,” Short said to IndieWire. “Never. Never.” He recalled living in Hamilton, Ontario, after losing his brother and parents. Short said that during that period, “it was about no one.”
The actor explained that he learned to manage his grief himself. He spent time biking around the city, painting and writing. His surviving sibling also became protective and supportive of him.
Short said friends and family helped him through later tragedies. “So you find the light,” he explained while discussing grief. He also said meaningful work could provide relief during painful periods.
The actor stressed that sadness itself was not something that needed correcting. “I’m sad now, but you know what? I should be sad now,” Short said. “It’s OK to be sad.”
Short added that he would seek professional help if necessary. He said he would “run to a therapist” if depression came unexpectedly. However, he explained that he had never experienced grief that way.
The documentary also features the late Nancy Dolman and Short’s longtime friends. Short said watching old footage proved difficult but necessary. He continued working on Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin and Meryl Streep.
Martin Short said he learned to continue through unimaginable loss.
