Martin Short has spoken publicly for the first time about the death of his daughter, Katherine, calling it “a nightmare for the family.” The 76-year-old actor, best known for his role in Only Murders in the Building, discussed the tragedy during an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning.
Details of the Tragedy
Katherine Short died on 26 February, with her body discovered at her home in the Hollywood Hills by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office later confirmed her death was by suicide.
Reflecting on the loss, Short said: “The understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal.” He was referring to his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010.
Mental Health Struggle
Short elaborated on Katherine’s long battle with mental health issues, stating: “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.”
When Katherine’s death was first announced, a representative for Short 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.”
Katherine’s Life and Career
Katherine was the eldest of Martin Short and Nancy Dolman’s three adopted children. She had two brothers, Oliver Patrick Short, 39, and Henry Hayter Short, 36. In 2006, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University, followed by a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
Katherine worked at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for four years before joining the dual-diagnosis outpatient program at the Camden Center. She later went into private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also worked part-time at the clinic Amae Health.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. In the UK and ROI, Samaritans can be contacted confidentially on 116 123, via email at jo@samaritans.org, or through their website. In the USA, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a free, confidential service available 24/7. For other countries, visit www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
