Canadian comedian and actor Martin Short has opened up about the sudden death of his daughter, Katherine, by suicide earlier this year. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Short, 76, said: 'It's been a nightmare for my family.'
Short reflected on the nature of mental illness, comparing it to the cancer that claimed his wife, Nancy Dolman, in 2010. 'But the understanding (is) that mental health and cancer, like my wife's, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal,' he stated. He noted that Katherine had fought 'extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder' among other issues for a long time, adding that she did 'the best she could until she couldn't.'
Details of Katherine's Death
Katherine died on Feb. 23 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Los Angeles home. She was 42. Law enforcement discovered a suicide note, though its contents remain undisclosed, according to TMZ. A spokesperson for Short told The Hollywood Reporter: '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 Only Murders in the Building star shared Katherine, along with sons Oliver and Henry, with Dolman. Katherine worked as a licensed clinical social worker in private practice and at Amae Health, providing community outreach, family support groups, peer support, and psychotherapy on a part-time basis, as reported by People. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
History of Family Tragedy
The Hamilton, Ontario native has endured significant family tragedy. Short's older brother, David, died in a car accident when the actor was 12. His mother, Olive, died of cancer when he was 17, and his father, Charles, passed away from stroke complications two years later, according to the New York Post.
In a social media post, CBS Sunday Morning highlighted Short's resilience: 'For more than 50 years, comedian Martin Short has been a bright spot on any stage or screen. And when you know what he has endured in his private life, his irrepressibly sunny attitude is all the more astonishing.'
The interview is part of Short's promotional efforts for his Netflix documentary Marty: Life Is Short, which explores both his comedic career and personal struggles.
