Martin Short Breaks Silence On Daughter Katherine’s Death

Martin Short recently participated in his first on-camera interview following the tragic passing of his 42-year-old daughter, Katherine Hartley Short.

Katherine Short, the oldest among the three children adopted by Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, died by suicide in February, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.

In an interview with “CBS News Sunday Morning,” Short described the situation as a “nightmare for the family.”

He explained that both mental health issues and cancer, like my wife [had], are diseases, and sometimes result in terminal outcomes.

Short shared that his daughter, who worked as a licensed social worker in Los Angeles, struggled with severe mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder, for a long time, doing her best until she could no longer cope.

He also noted the poignant similarity in the last words of his wife, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010, and his daughter. Both expressed a desire to be let go, with his wife saying, “Mart, let me go,” and Katherine echoing, “Dad, let me go.”

Short expressed a strong commitment to bringing mental health issues to light, mentioning his involvement with the Glenn Close-founded nonprofit Bring Change to Mind, where his daughter had also contributed.

He emphasized the importance of not being ashamed of mental health challenges, not avoiding the word suicide, but recognizing it as a potential outcome of serious illness.

“That’s my approach to this,” Short concluded.

Short is currently promoting his upcoming Netflix documentary, “Martin, Life is Short.”

The documentary covers Short’s early life, which was marked by the deaths of his brother, mother, and father before he turned 20.

In his CBS interview, Short reflected on the recent months, describing them as “staggering,” due to the loss of his sister-in-law, as well as Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, and Rob and Michele Reiner.

“Staggering, staggering,” he repeated.

During an appearance on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” Short disclosed that the documentary’s director, Lawrence Kasdan, suggested delaying the release due to Katherine’s death.

However, Short felt differently.

“Because it’s about love, loss, and survival,” he explained. “I think we proceed. We must figure a way to survive through grief without denying it or without in any way undermining its importance.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.