The best talk show guest of all time

Canadian comedian Martin Short, a figure who frequently divides audiences into those who see him as a genius and those who find him irritating, reflects on his career, stating, "80 percent of my career was a failure." This duality is explored in the new Netflix documentary "Marty, Life is Short," directed by Lawrence Kasdan.

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80 percent of my career was a failure.

Now 76, Short is experiencing a resurgence of critical acclaim and fame, largely due to his role in the Disney+ crime series "Only Murders in the Building." He stars alongside Selena Gomez and his close friend Steve Martin in the show, which follows three true-crime podcast enthusiasts who become amateur detectives. The series also features Meryl Streep, with whom rumors of a romance have circulated, though Short, a widower since 2010, guards his private life closely.

Loss has been a recurring theme in Short's life; he lost his brother, mother, and father before turning 20. He built a family with actress Nancy Dolman, adopting three children. Initially dreaming of becoming the "Canadian Frank Sinatra," Short was encouraged to pursue acting by fellow performer Eugene Levy after joining a theater group.

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You have to be an actor.

Many of Short's films were commercial or critical disappointments, despite potential. However, the comedy "Father of the Bride" (1991) was a hit, and his talent shone in the dark comedy "Clifford," where he played a 10-year-old boy. Following his wife's death, director Steven Spielberg expressed concern that Short might never be funny again, but Short channeled his energy into work. He maintains that his motivation isn't fame, but rather a desire to persist and enjoy himself. The New Yorker has recognized him as the "best talk show guest of all time."

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I don't care about fame, I just want to persist and have a good time.