I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend

Martin Short recounts his path from aspiring performer in Canada to comedy star in Hollywood. Through personal anecdotes and career milestones, he chronicles his years with SCTV, Saturday Night Live, and his transition into film and theater. The memoir details Short's family life, relationships, and collaborations with fellow comedians like Steve Martin, Eugene Levy, and Tom Hanks. He shares stories from behind the scenes of iconic productions and describes the development of his memorable characters, including Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick. Short reflects on both triumphs and hardships throughout his decades in entertainment. His experiences in television, movies, and Broadway form the foundation of a career that spans multiple entertainment genres. The book presents an examination of how comedy and performance can help navigate life's challenges. Short's approach to his craft reveals the intersection of professional dedication and personal resilience.

Readers describe the audiobook version as superior to the print edition, with Short's impressions and character voices adding significant entertainment value. Many note the book's balance of humor and emotional depth, particularly around Short's relationship with his wife Nancy. Liked: - Behind-the-scenes stories from SNL, SCTV, and Broadway - Frank discussion of celebrity friendships (Steve Martin, Tom Hanks) - Personal stories about family life and loss - Comedy techniques and career advice Disliked: - First chapters about childhood feel slow - Name-dropping can be excessive - Some comedy bits don't translate well to text - Too much focus on recent TV appearances Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (11,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,800+ ratings) Audible: 4.8/5 (5,000+ ratings) One reader noted: "The print version is good, but the audiobook is like getting a 9-hour Martin Short performance." Another wrote: "Skip the first 50 pages - it really picks up after his early years."

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🎭 Martin Short wrote the entire memoir longhand on yellow legal pads, refusing to use a computer or typewriter for the initial drafting process. 🌟 The book's title "I Must Say" comes from one of Short's most famous characters, Jiminy Glick, who habitually used this phrase during celebrity interviews. 💔 Short's memoir reveals that he lost both his parents and his oldest brother by the time he was 20, shaping his perspective on life and comedy. 🎬 Before fame, Short studied social work at McMaster University and planned to become a social worker until a role in "Godspell" changed his career trajectory. 👥 The book details Short's membership in the "Nine Categories" friend group with Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and other celebrities, who rate each other's performances in categories like "best host" and "most likely to visit you in the hospital."