Martin Short has broken his silence on one of the darkest chapters of his life. The comedy icon opened up about his daughter Katherine's death by suicide in a candid new interview with CBS Sunday Morning, marking the first time he's spoken publicly about the tragedy that struck his family earlier this year.
Speaking ahead of the release of the Netflix documentary Marty: Life Is Short, Short reflected on a lifetime of loss. The 78-year-old lost an older brother and both his parents before he turned 20, his wife Nancy Dolman to cancer in 2010, his friend Catherine O'Hara in January, and then Katherine in February.
"You know, it's been a nightmare for the family," Short said. "But the understanding that mental health and cancer—like my wife—are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases, they are terminal."
Short credits his early tragedies with developing what he calls a "muscle of survival" and a perspective on grief. But losing Katherine has clearly shaken him, as it would any parent.
Short's willingness to speak about mental health as a disease rather than a character flaw comes at a significant moment. His equation of it with cancer, which the world recognizes as a legitimate illness, carries weight from one of entertainment's most beloved figures.
Fans and fellow celebrities have rallied around Short in recent months, with many praising his resilience. The upcoming Netflix documentary promises an intimate look at his legendary career, but this interview reveals the personal cost of his journey and the ongoing battle with grief that defines his life off-screen.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988.
