Martin Short has spoken frankly about the heartbreak of losing his daughter Katherine earlier this year, sharing how he has tried to make sense of the tragedy.
While appearing on CBS News Sunday Morning on May 10, the 76-year-old actor and comedian addressed the loss publicly for the first time, describing what his family has endured since Katherine’s death. Katherine, 42, died in February after taking her own life.
Short said her death was “a nightmare for the family.”
He then went on to add: “But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal,”
Short continued “And my daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she couldn’t until she couldn’t.”
Following Katherine’s death, the family confirmed the news in a statement that said: “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
The Los Angeles coroner later ruled her death a suicide. Katherine was the eldest of three children adopted by Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 after ovarian cancer.
Unlike her father — known most recently for Only Murders in the Building — Katherine largely stayed out of public view, building a career centered on helping others as a social worker rather than following a path in entertainment.
She studied at New York University, focusing on psychology and gender sexuality studies, before moving back to Los Angeles. In 2010, she completed a social work degree at the University of Southern California.
Short’s life and career are also set to be examined in an upcoming Netflix documentary airing May 12, tracing his time in the spotlight and the challenges he has faced both professionally and personally.
The film, titled Marty, Life Is Short, is described as a close, personal portrait of the performer. It is dedicated to Katherine, as well as to his longtime friend Catherine O’Hara, who passed away at the age of 71 in January 2026.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.