Actor and comedian Martin Short has spoken publicly for the first time in detail about the death of his daughter, Katherine, describing the loss as “a nightmare for the family” and reflecting on her long battle with mental health challenges.
The “Only Murders in the Building” star shared the emotional comments during an interview on CBS News Sunday Morning. Short, 76, discussed the impact of his daughter’s death and the difficulties she experienced over many years.
Katherine Short died in February at the age of 42.
Interview
During the interview, Martin Short addressed both grief and mental health, comparing psychological illness to physical diseases.
“You know, it’s been a nightmare for the family,” Short said.
He continued by explaining how he views mental illness in the context of serious medical conditions.
“The understanding that mental health – and cancer, my wife had – are both diseases,” he said.
“And sometimes with diseases, they are terminal.”
Short said his daughter had struggled for years with severe mental health conditions.
“My daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder and other things as well,” he explained.
“And did the best she could, until she couldn’t.”
Family
Short also reflected on similarities between his daughter’s final struggles and the death of his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 following ovarian cancer.
According to Short, his wife’s final words to him were:
“Mart, let me go.”
He said his daughter later expressed similar sentiments, recalling:
“She was just saying, ‘Dad, let me go.’”
The interview marked one of the actor’s most personal public discussions about family loss.
Investigation
Authorities previously confirmed that Katherine Short was found dead inside her Hollywood Hills home after police responded to a call regarding a possible suicide.
According to reports, she was discovered behind a locked door inside the residence.
An official death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated that she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The document also confirmed that she was later cremated.
Police reportedly recovered a note at the scene, though officials have not publicly disclosed its contents.
Mental Health
Short’s comments have drawn attention to broader conversations surrounding mental health awareness and the long-term impact mental illness can have on individuals and families.
Borderline personality disorder, which Short referenced during the interview, is a mental health condition that can involve emotional instability, difficulties with relationships, and intense emotional distress.
Mental health advocates often emphasize the importance of treatment access, long-term support, and reducing stigma surrounding psychiatric conditions.
Short’s decision to speak openly about his daughter’s struggles was viewed by many as part of a wider effort to encourage more honest discussions about mental health challenges.
Career
Martin Short has remained one of the most recognizable figures in comedy and television for decades. He is widely known for his work on “Saturday Night Live,” “SCTV,” and more recently the Hulu comedy series “Only Murders in the Building,” where he stars alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.
Despite maintaining an active public career, Short has experienced significant personal loss over the years, including the death of his wife more than a decade ago.
His recent interview reflected both personal grief and a message about understanding mental illness as a serious health condition rather than a personal failing.
Awareness
Mental health professionals often note that family members supporting loved ones with severe mental illness can experience emotional strain, grief, and feelings of helplessness over long periods of time.
Short’s comments highlighted those realities while also acknowledging his daughter’s efforts to cope with her condition.
The interview has prompted renewed discussion online about compassion, mental healthcare resources, and the importance of recognizing mental illness as part of broader healthcare conversations.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, support is available through mental health professionals and crisis support services, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.
FAQs
Who was Martin Short’s daughter?
His daughter was Katherine Short, age 42.
What did Martin Short say about her death?
He called it “a nightmare for the family.”
What condition did Katherine reportedly battle?
She reportedly struggled with mental health issues.
When did Katherine Short die?
She died in February 2026.
What show does Martin Short currently star in?
He stars in “Only Murders in the Building.”
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