Martin Short opens up on daughter’s suicide: ‘It’s been a nightmare for the family’

The actor said Katherine did 'the best she could until she couldn't'

Published May 11, 2026  •  Last updated 21 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Katherine Short, daughter of Martin Short, has died at 42. Photo by Tiffany Rose /Getty Images

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.”

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“But the understanding (is) that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal,” he said, referencing his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010.

Short said Katherine had fought “extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder” among other things for a long time, noting she did “the best she could until she couldn’t.

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Left suicide note before gunshot wound

Katherine died on Feb. 23 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Los Angeles home. She was 42.

Law enforcement found a suicide note, though it’s unclear what was written, TMZ reported.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a spokesperson for Short told The Hollywood Reporter on Feb. 24.

“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 in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker, as well as at Amae Health to provide community outreach, family support groups, peer support and psychotherapy, on a part-time basis, People reported.

In 2006, Katherine received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University. In 2010, she earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.

Short history of family tragedy

The Hamilton, Ont. native has experienced much family tragedy in his life.

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, while his father, Charles, died from stroke complications two years later, per New York Post.

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   Katherine Short, daughter of Martin Short, dies at 42

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