Martin Short Opens Up About Daughter Katherine’s Tragic Death and Her Private Mental Health Struggles

Martin Short is speaking publicly for the first time about the death of his daughter Katherine, who died by suicide earlier this year at age 42. In a new documentary, the actor reflects on grief, family loss, and the mental health struggles Katherine faced for years.

Martin Short has spent decades making audiences laugh through films, television, and live performances, but the comedian is now sharing details about one of the most painful chapters of his life.

The actor, 75, opened up about the death of his daughter Katherine in the new documentary “Marty: Life Is Short,” which was directed by longtime family friend Lawrence Kasdan. The film examines both Short’s career and the personal tragedies he has faced throughout his life.

Katherine, a social worker and one of Short’s three children with late wife Nancy Dolman, died by suicide in February 2026 at age 42. Beyond a statement released through his representative at the time, this marks the first time Short has publicly discussed her death and the years she struggled with mental illness.

Martin Short Reflects on Katherine’s Mental Health Battle

In the documentary, Short spoke candidly about the impact Katherine’s death has had on their family.

“It’s been a nightmare for the family,” Short said. “But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal. 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.”

Short also connected Katherine’s final moments to the death of his wife, Nancy Dolman, who died from ovarian cancer in 2010 after nearly 30 years of marriage.

“So, Nan’s last words to me were, ‘Martin, let me go,’” he recalled. “And what she was just saying [was], ‘Dad, let me go.’”

The actor shares sons Oliver, 40, and Henry, 36, with Dolman.

'Marty: Life Is Short' Explores Years of Personal Loss

The documentary also revisits the losses Short experienced long before becoming a household name.

According to the film, grief entered his life early. Short was only 12 years old when his older brother was killed in a car accident. During his teenage years, he also lost both of his parents.

Despite the repeated tragedies, Short became known for his energetic comedy style and upbeat personality through work on “SCTV,” “Saturday Night Live,” films including “Father of the Bride,” and his longtime friendship and collaborations with Steve Martin.

Short Questioned His Future After Katherine’s Death

During the conversation, Short admitted he struggled to find purpose immediately after Katherine died.

“I was getting in the car that day,” he revealed. “And I was thinking, ‘Okay, I’m 75. Why am I continuing? Like, really? What is the point of this?’”

He said his outlook shifted during a visit with his son Oliver and daughter-in-law in Newport.

“I got to Newport, and these two grandsons, five and four just jumped, ‘Let’s play giant,’” Short said. “And suddenly go, ‘Oh, that’s why. That’s why.’”

The actor said the moment reminded him of the importance of family and continuing forward despite overwhelming grief.

Family Remains Central in Short’s Life

Short and Dolman were married in 1980 and remained together until her death in 2010. Over the years, Short has frequently spoken about his close relationship with his children and grandchildren.

Katherine worked as a social worker and largely stayed out of the public spotlight despite her father’s fame.

The documentary’s dedication to Katherine serves as a tribute to her life while also drawing attention to mental health struggles that often remain unseen.

Short’s comments also reflect a growing willingness among public figures to discuss mental illness openly, particularly the long-term effects it can have on individuals and families.

Documentary Offers Rare Personal Insight

While “Marty: Life Is Short” covers many of the actor’s professional achievements, the emotional core of the documentary centers on how he endured repeated loss while continuing to perform and entertain audiences.

Throughout his career, Martin Short has become known for bringing humor and energy to nearly every project he joins. The documentary shows that much of that positivity existed alongside private heartbreak.

By sharing details about Katherine’s struggles and death, Short offered one of his most personal interviews to date.

The film also highlights the support system surrounding him, including his children and grandchildren, who continue to help him navigate life after devastating loss.

Fans can watch "Marty: Life Is Short" on Netflix, available worldwide.