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Martin Short is speaking publicly about the death of his daughter, Katherine Short, for the first time while encouraging more open conversations surrounding mental illness and suicide.
During a recent television interview, the actor and comedian described the past several months as deeply painful for his family. Katherine died by suicide in February at age forty-two, according to authorities in Los Angeles.
"It's been devastating for all of us," Short said. "But mental illness is still an illness, the same way cancer is an illness, and sometimes those battles become unbearable."
Short explained that Katherine, a licensed social worker based in Los Angeles, struggled for years with severe mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder. He said she worked tirelessly to help others despite carrying enormous personal pain throughout her adult life.
The comedian also reflected on the similarities between Katherine's final words and those spoken by his late wife, Nancy Dolman, before her death from ovarian cancer in 2010. According to Short, both women expressed a desire to let go peacefully near the end of their lives.
Short said the tragedy has strengthened his determination to support mental health advocacy and encourage honest discussions about suicide prevention. He has remained involved with Bring Change to Mind, the nonprofit founded by actress Glenn Close that focuses on ending stigma surrounding mental illness.
The actor is currently promoting his upcoming documentary, "Martin, Life is Short," which explores his personal life, career and experiences with grief and loss. The film also revisits the deaths of relatives, close friends and creative collaborators who shaped his life over several decades.
Although some people suggested delaying the documentary following Katherine's death, Short said he wanted the project to continue moving forward.
"It's about surviving grief without pretending it never happened," he explained. "You carry the sadness with you, but you still find a way to keep living and loving the people around you."
Short also said he hopes families facing similar tragedies understand they should never feel ashamed discussing mental health struggles openly, adding that silence often deepens emotional isolation for people already fighting behind closed doors
