Martin Short Discusses Daughter's Suicide and Mental Health Advocacy

Actor and comedian Martin Short has spoken publicly about the profound impact of his daughter Katherine's suicide on his family. In an interview with CBS' Sunday Morning, Short described the experience as "a nightmare," following Katherine's death in February at the age of 42.

Katherine was one of three children Short adopted with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from cancer in 2010. Reflecting on his wife's final moments, Short recalled her last words: "Martin, let me go." He noted a similar sentiment from his daughter, stating, "And she was just saying, 'Dad, let me go.'"

Addressing the challenges of mental health, Short emphasized that both mental health issues and cancer are diseases, adding that "sometimes with diseases they are terminal." He shared that Katherine "did the best she could until she couldn't," highlighting her struggles with various mental health issues before her death.

In response to his daughter's passing, Short has become involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health. He noted that this cause was also supported by Katherine.

Short's recent losses are part of a series of personal tragedies, including the deaths of his parents and younger brother before he turned 20. He was 12 when his older brother, David, died in a car accident; 17 when his mother died of cancer; and three years later, his father died from a stroke.

The actor's experiences with grief and resilience are explored in the upcoming Netflix documentary Marty, Life Is Short, directed by Lawrence Kasdan. The film, set to premiere on May 12, combines archival footage and interviews to provide an in-depth look at Short's life and career.

Short also shared that his late wife had encouraged him to continue working during her illness. Reflecting on this, he said, "People have to do things in difficult times. And the mark of the man is: Can you do it?"