Martin Short has addressed the death of his daughter, Katherine, describing it as “a nightmare for the family”.
Katherine died on 26 February, and her body was 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 she died by suicide.
Only Murders in the Building star Short, 76, spoke about Katherine’s death on CBS Sunday Morning, where he said: “The understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal.”
The actor, who is the subject of the new Netflix documentary Marty: Life is Short, was referring to the death of his late wife, Nancy Dolman, from ovarian cancer in 2010.
He continued: “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, the comedy actor’s representative 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 is the eldest of Martin and his late wife Nancy Dolman’s three adoptive children; the former couple are also parents to sons Oliver Patrick Short, 39, and Henry Hayter Short, 36. Dolman died in 2010 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
In 2006, Katherine graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University before moving on to receive her master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
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Katherine spent four years at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital before joining the dual-diagnosis outpatient program at the Camden Center. She later moved into private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also worked part-time at the clinic Amae Health.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
