I Must Say
My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo first 3 months
Buy Now for $27.96
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Martin Short
-
Written by:
-
Martin Short
About this listen
In this engagingly witty, wise, and heartfelt memoir, Martin Short tells the tale of how a showbiz-obsessed kid from Canada transformed himself into one of Hollywood’s favorite funnymen, known to his famous peers as the "comedian’s comedian".
Martin Short takes you on a rich, hilarious, and occasionally heartbreaking ride through his life and times, from his early years in Toronto as a member of the fabled improvisational troupe Second City to the all-American comic big time of Saturday Night Live and memorable roles in movies such as ¡Three Amigos! and Father of the Bride. He reveals how he created his most indelible comedic characters, among them the manic man-child Ed Grimley, the slimy corporate lawyer Nathan Thurm, and the bizarrely insensitive interviewer Jiminy Glick. Throughout, Short freely shares the spotlight with friends, colleagues, and collaborators, including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Gilda Radner, Mel Brooks, Nora Ephron, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Paul Shaffer, and David Letterman.
But there is another side to Short's life that he has long kept private. He lost his eldest brother and both of his parents by the time he turned 20, and, more recently, he lost his wife of 30 years to cancer. In I Must Say, Short talks for the first time about the pain that these losses inflicted and the upbeat life philosophy that has kept him resilient and carried him through. In the grand tradition of comedy legends, Martin Short offers a show business memoir densely populated with boldface names and rife with re-tellable tales: a hugely entertaining yet surprisingly moving self-portrait that will keep you laughing - and crying - from the first page to the last.
Special Lyrics for "It's The Most Wonderful Show of the Year" and "Picture-Perfect Christmas In The Palisades" by Martin Short, Marc Shaiman, and Scott Wittman; Special Lyrics for “Marty Throws a Party Just to Sing" by Marc Shaiman.
©2014 Martin Short (P)2014 Harper Collins PublishersYou may also enjoy...
-
Born Standing Up
- A Comic's Life
- Written by: Steve Martin
- Narrated by: Steve Martin
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the mid-70s, Steve Martin exploded onto the comedy scene. By 1978 he was the biggest concert draw in the history of stand-up. In 1981 he quit forever. Born Standing Up is, in his own words, the story of "why I did stand-up and why I walked away".
-
-
Wonderful Memoir
- By Joelle on 2018-01-27
Written by: Steve Martin
-
Still Foolin' 'Em
- Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys
- Written by: Billy Crystal
- Narrated by: Billy Crystal
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Billy Crystal is 65, and he's not happy about it. With his trademark wit and heart, he outlines the absurdities and challenges that come with growing old, from insomnia to memory loss to leaving dinners with half your meal on your shirt. In humorous chapters like "Buying the Plot" and "Nodding Off," Crystal not only catalogues his physical gripes, but offers a road map to his 77 million fellow baby boomers who are arriving at this milestone age with him. He also looks back at the most powerful and memorable moments of his long and storied life.
-
-
The Best
- By Anonymous User on 2021-01-22
Written by: Billy Crystal
-
Rick Mercer Final Report
- Written by: Rick Mercer
- Narrated by: Rick Mercer
- Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rick Mercer can always be relied on to provoke a strong reaction - but what he said one fall day in 2017 truly shocked Canada. In a rant posted on social media, the great Canadian satirist announced loud and clear that the 15th season of the Rick Mercer Report - the nation's best-watched and best-loved comedy show - would be the last. This volume brings together never-before-published rants from the last five seasons of the show, plus a selection of the very best rants from earlier years.
-
-
A newer, truly Canadian satirist.
- By GDokk on 2018-11-13
Written by: Rick Mercer
-
So, Anyway...
- Written by: John Cleese
- Narrated by: John Cleese
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The legendary writer and performer of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers fame takes listeners on a grand tour of his ascent in the entertainment world John Cleese’s huge comedic influence has stretched across generations; his sharp irreverent eye and the unique brand of physical comedy he perfected now seem written into comedy’s DNA. In this rollicking memoir, Cleese recalls his humble beginnings in a sleepy English town, his early comedic days at Cambridge University (with future Python partner Graham Chapman), and the founding of the landmark comedy troupe.
-
-
excellent, as expected.
- By Zenith VCR on 2019-11-13
Written by: John Cleese
-
All About Me!
- My Remarkable Life in Show Business
- Written by: Mel Brooks
- Narrated by: Mel Brooks
- Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At 95, the legendary Mel Brooks continues to set the standard for comedy across television, film, and the stage. Now, for the first time, this EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner shares his story in his own words.
-
-
Huge Mel Brooks fan
- By Anonymous User on 2024-08-23
Written by: Mel Brooks
-
Blowing the Bloody Doors Off
- And Other Lessons in Life
- Written by: Michael Caine
- Narrated by: Michael Caine
- Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of our best-loved actors, Michael Caine has starred in over 100 films in his six-decade career, spanning classic movies like Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job (the inspiration for the book title) to playing Alfred opposite Christian Bale's Batman in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy. Caine has excelled in every kind of role - with a skill that's made it look easy. As he says, "Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it."
-
-
Wonderful
- By Lou on 2019-01-26
Written by: Michael Caine
-
Born Standing Up
- A Comic's Life
- Written by: Steve Martin
- Narrated by: Steve Martin
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the mid-70s, Steve Martin exploded onto the comedy scene. By 1978 he was the biggest concert draw in the history of stand-up. In 1981 he quit forever. Born Standing Up is, in his own words, the story of "why I did stand-up and why I walked away".
-
-
Wonderful Memoir
- By Joelle on 2018-01-27
Written by: Steve Martin
-
Still Foolin' 'Em
- Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys
- Written by: Billy Crystal
- Narrated by: Billy Crystal
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Billy Crystal is 65, and he's not happy about it. With his trademark wit and heart, he outlines the absurdities and challenges that come with growing old, from insomnia to memory loss to leaving dinners with half your meal on your shirt. In humorous chapters like "Buying the Plot" and "Nodding Off," Crystal not only catalogues his physical gripes, but offers a road map to his 77 million fellow baby boomers who are arriving at this milestone age with him. He also looks back at the most powerful and memorable moments of his long and storied life.
-
-
The Best
- By Anonymous User on 2021-01-22
Written by: Billy Crystal
-
Rick Mercer Final Report
- Written by: Rick Mercer
- Narrated by: Rick Mercer
- Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rick Mercer can always be relied on to provoke a strong reaction - but what he said one fall day in 2017 truly shocked Canada. In a rant posted on social media, the great Canadian satirist announced loud and clear that the 15th season of the Rick Mercer Report - the nation's best-watched and best-loved comedy show - would be the last. This volume brings together never-before-published rants from the last five seasons of the show, plus a selection of the very best rants from earlier years.
-
-
A newer, truly Canadian satirist.
- By GDokk on 2018-11-13
Written by: Rick Mercer
-
So, Anyway...
- Written by: John Cleese
- Narrated by: John Cleese
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The legendary writer and performer of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers fame takes listeners on a grand tour of his ascent in the entertainment world John Cleese’s huge comedic influence has stretched across generations; his sharp irreverent eye and the unique brand of physical comedy he perfected now seem written into comedy’s DNA. In this rollicking memoir, Cleese recalls his humble beginnings in a sleepy English town, his early comedic days at Cambridge University (with future Python partner Graham Chapman), and the founding of the landmark comedy troupe.
-
-
excellent, as expected.
- By Zenith VCR on 2019-11-13
Written by: John Cleese
-
All About Me!
- My Remarkable Life in Show Business
- Written by: Mel Brooks
- Narrated by: Mel Brooks
- Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At 95, the legendary Mel Brooks continues to set the standard for comedy across television, film, and the stage. Now, for the first time, this EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner shares his story in his own words.
-
-
Huge Mel Brooks fan
- By Anonymous User on 2024-08-23
Written by: Mel Brooks
-
Blowing the Bloody Doors Off
- And Other Lessons in Life
- Written by: Michael Caine
- Narrated by: Michael Caine
- Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of our best-loved actors, Michael Caine has starred in over 100 films in his six-decade career, spanning classic movies like Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job (the inspiration for the book title) to playing Alfred opposite Christian Bale's Batman in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy. Caine has excelled in every kind of role - with a skill that's made it look easy. As he says, "Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it."
-
-
Wonderful
- By Lou on 2019-01-26
Written by: Michael Caine
-
Canada
- Written by: Mike Myers
- Narrated by: Mike Myers
- Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Comedy superstar Mike Myers writes from the (true patriot) heart about his 53-year relationship with his beloved Canada. Mike Myers is a world-renowned actor, director and writer and the man behind some of the most memorable comic characters of our time. But, as he says, "No description of me is truly complete without saying I'm a Canadian". He has often winked and nodded to Canada in his outrageously accomplished body of work, but now he turns the spotlight full-beam on his homeland.
-
-
Love Mike Myers but...
- By Jardinpetitbasin on 2021-04-03
Written by: Mike Myers
-
Is This Anything?
- Written by: Jerry Seinfeld
- Narrated by: Jerry Seinfeld
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since his first performance at the legendary New York nightclub “Catch a Rising Star” as a 21-year-old college student in fall of 1975, Jerry Seinfeld has written his own material and saved everything. “Whenever I came up with a funny bit, whether it happened on a stage, in a conversation, or working it out on my preferred canvas, the big yellow legal pad, I kept it in one of those old school accordion folders,” Seinfeld writes. “So I have everything I thought was worth saving from 45 years of hacking away at this for all I was worth.”
-
-
GENIUS...!!! TRUST ME...IT'S FOR YOU!!!!
- By SB The Student on 2020-10-09
Written by: Jerry Seinfeld
-
Talking to Canadians
- A Memoir
- Written by: Rick Mercer
- Narrated by: Rick Mercer
- Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is Rick Mercer going to do now? That was the question on everyone's lips when the beloved comedian retired his hugely successful TV show after 15 seasons - and at the peak of its popularity. The answer came not long after, when he roared back in a new role as stand-up-comedian, playing to sold-out houses wherever he appeared. And then COVID-19 struck. And his legions of fans began asking again: What is Rick Mercer going to do now? Well, for one thing, he's been writing a comic masterpiece.
-
-
Don't pay for someone to scream at you for 10 hrs.
- By Kiki on 2022-01-09
Written by: Rick Mercer
-
Almost Interesting
- The Memoir
- Written by: David Spade
- Narrated by: David Spade
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
David Spade is best known for his harsh "Hollywood Minute" sketches on SNL, his starring roles in movies like Tommy Boy and Joe Dirt, and his seven-year stint as Dennis Finch on the series Just Shoot Me. Now, with a wit as dry as the weather in his home state of Arizona, the "comic brat extraordinaire" delivers a memoir.
-
-
Hilarious!
- By Bianca on 2024-10-04
Written by: David Spade
-
Yearbook
- Written by: Seth Rogen
- Narrated by: Seth Rogen, full cast
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hi! I’m Seth! I was asked to describe my audiobook, Yearbook for websites and shit like that, so...here it goes!!! Yearbook is a collection of true stories that I desperately hope are just funny at worst, and life-changingly amazing at best. (I understand that it’s likely the former, which is a fancy “book” way of saying “the first one.”) I talk about my grandparents, doing stand-up comedy as a teenager, bar mitzvahs, and Jewish summer camp, and tell way more stories about doing drugs than my mother would like.
-
-
hilarious
- By Leanna on 2021-05-15
Written by: Seth Rogen
-
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
- A Sortabiography
- Written by: Eric Idle
- Narrated by: Eric Idle
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We know him best for his unforgettable roles on Monty Python - from the Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life. Now, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this entertaining memoir that takes us on an unforgettable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theater, and film.
-
-
It's Eric Idle. Enjoy.
- By Zenith VCR on 2019-05-23
Written by: Eric Idle
-
The Boys
- A Memoir of Hollywood and Family
- Written by: Ron Howard, Clint Howard
- Narrated by: Ron Howard, Clint Howard, Bryce Dallas Howard
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Happy Days, The Andy Griffith Show, Gentle Ben - these shows captivated millions of TV viewers in the ’60s and ’70s. Join award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and audience-favorite actor Clint Howard as they frankly and fondly share their unusual family story of navigating and surviving life as sibling child actors.
-
-
Enjoyable
- By Renay on 2021-11-19
Written by: Ron Howard, and others
-
The Road Years
- A Memoir, Continued . . .
- Written by: Rick Mercer
- Narrated by: Rick Mercer
- Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the end of his memoir Talking to Canadians, Rick Mercer was poised to make the biggest leap yet in his extraordinary career. The Road Years picks up the story at that exciting point, with the greenlighting of what would become Rick Mercer Report. Plans for the show, of course, included political satire and Rick’s patented rants.
-
-
A great listen that will keep you laughing
- By Anonymous User on 2023-11-15
Written by: Rick Mercer
-
A Polaroid Guy in a Snapchat World
- Written by: David Spade
- Narrated by: David Spade
- Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Written and performed for the Audible experience, Spade’s new comic memoir takes listeners along for the sometimes embarrassing and always hilarious ride of getting older in our fleeting “Snapchat World”.
-
-
A tight 5 done in 6 hours
- By Mike Reiter on 2020-07-28
Written by: David Spade
-
Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama
- A Memoir
- Written by: Bob Odenkirk
- Narrated by: Bob Odenkirk, Steve Rudnick, Leo Benvenuti
- Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bob Odenkirk’s career is inexplicable. And yet he will try like hell to explicate it for you. Charting a “Homeric” decades-long “odyssey” from his origins in the seedy comedy clubs of Chicago to a dramatic career full of award nominations - with a side trip into the action-man world that is baffling to all who know him - it’s almost like there are many Bob Odenkirks! But there is just one and one is plenty. Featuring humorous tangents, wild characters, and Bob’s trademark unflinching drive, Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama is a classic tale told by a determined idiot.
-
-
Perfect listen for any fan of alternative comedy
- By Adam on 2022-08-17
Written by: Bob Odenkirk
-
No Time Like the Future
- An Optimist Considers Mortality
- Written by: Michael J. Fox
- Narrated by: Michael J. Fox
- Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The entire world knows Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, the teenage sidekick of Doc Brown in Back to the Future; as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties; as Mike Flaherty in Spin City; and through numerous other movie roles and guest appearances on shows such as The Good Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Diagnosed at age 29, Michael is equally engaged in Parkinson’s advocacy work, raising global awareness of the disease and helping find a cure through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the world's leading nonprofit funder of PD science.
-
-
A Canadian Hero
- By Dr4star on 2021-04-07
Written by: Michael J. Fox
-
A Life in Parts
- Written by: Bryan Cranston
- Narrated by: Bryan Cranston
- Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father, a struggling actor and director, cast him in a United Way commercial. Soon Bryan was haunting the local movie theater, memorizing and reenacting favorite scenes with his older brother. Acting was clearly the boy's destiny - until one day his father disappeared. Suddenly destiny took a backseat to survival. Seeking something more stable, perhaps subconsciously trying to distance himself from his absent father, Cranston decided on a career in law enforcement.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Marie on 2020-08-11
Written by: Bryan Cranston
What listeners say about I Must Say
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- winton henry
- 2020-06-02
Just brilliant
Just brilliant 👏. A funny but very informative look at one of Canada's great funny entertainer. what I got from this book was the rock of a matriarch, first with Mr shorts mom, then is amazing love story with is wife. love the ending. A conversation with Nan. just brilliant 👏.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- JF Brandauer
- 2022-04-06
La meilleure autobiographie produite? Peut-être...
Martin Short livre ici un petit chef-d'oeuvre, rien de moins. Rempli d'anecdotes savoureuses et de moments hilarants et touchants. La narration est nettement supérieure à la très grande majorité des autobiographies lues par l'auteur. Monsieur Short est un raconteur né et possède une plume vivante et captivante. Si vous pensez connaître Martin Short, détrompez-vous en écoutant ce récit étonnant et chaleureux. Inutile de vous préciser que je vous recommande fortement ce doux moment de folie et de bonheur!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tara Fawcett
- 2024-06-04
Laughed through the entire book!
Best part is the transcripbed word for word from a turkey dinner with his father and family 🤣😂
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Scott Duncan
- 2022-01-05
I am only a minor fan. Or was.
A fun and emotional listen. I am glad the author was the narrator as he did a fantastic job. Canadians will love the stories from Marty's past.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ryan
- 2023-01-30
Fantastic experiences
I really enjoyed listening to him tell us his story, what fun experiences he has had. I really enjoyed hearing about his relationship with his friends and family, especially Nancy.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jay
- 2023-04-25
The mind of one of the most naturally funniest
So wonderful to have an inside look at the life and mind of a true original.
In our time, Marty is in that class of superstars who was at the beginning of all the contemporaries. He's been in everything and has known almost everybody.
I'm awed by the quickness of his wit and humour. If I could have but five percent, I'd be a happy camper.
BTW, Jiminy is my absolute favorite!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lori
- 2023-11-21
A walk through life and times… with a smattering of Hollywood… I was here for the Love!
Martins relationship with Nan. Such a epic true heartfelt story of love, marriage and family. He lays it all out, your completely let in the door and given a seat at dinner. What a beautiful man, a truly wonderful human. I loved this book and am sorry it has finished.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Susan Bernier
- 2021-10-07
Entertaining just a little too long at points.
As a Canadian I loved hearing all about a much loved Canadian who did well. It did seem to be a bit long at points and seemed like a name dropping exercise but it is his life and he can tell as he wants. It was nice to hear how the famous live and see that sometimes they are just people like us regular folk.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2021-05-25
Lovely listen
I’ve enjoyed watching Martin Short movies since I was a kid and really neat to hear the stories behind his characters and the story of his life. He is a joy to listen to.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jimmy Cox
- 2021-08-07
Authentic, vulnerable, love him even more now
Simply fabulous.
Martin short took the chance and opened up to us all. One of the most authentic and vulnerable “celebrity” books ever.
I laughed, gasped and cried.
I almost feel like I know who Martin is. Like he’s a friend.
Just splendid
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!