Martin Short breaks silence on daughter’s tragic suicide two months after her dying at 42

Martin Short has opened up about the tragic suicide of his daughter Katherine Hartley Short at 42 less than three months ago, calling it ‘a nightmare for the family.’

Katherine, who had worked with a mental health nonprofit called Bring Change To Mind, died via a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed in February.

Short, 76, spoke with CBS Sunday Mornings about the family tragedy, comparing it to the 2010 death of his wife Nancy Dolman via cancer.

‘The understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal,’ said the star of Father of the Bride, Three Amigos! and Only Murders in the Building.

He continued, ‘My daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she could until she couldn’t.’

A representative for Short confirmed the tragic passing in a statement in February. 

‘It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,’ Short’s representative said in a statement. 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 entertainer appeared on the network to promote his new Netflix documentary Marty: Life Is Short. 

According to a logline from the streamer, ‘Martin Short looks back on a life fueled by joy in this documentary with classic clips, fresh interviews and star-studded, never-before-seen home movies.’

Life Is Short debuts May 12 on Netflix.