Martin Short recalls asking friend to check on daughter Katherine before tragedy: Reports

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Martin Short recently spoke about a deeply personal moment involving his daughter, Katherine Short, who died in February this year.

According to TMZ, the 'Only Murders in the Building' actor revealed that he had called a friend and asked them to check on Katherine shortly before her death. He did not identify the person and said the call happened around 24 hours before she died.

Short did not share further details about the conversation or the circumstances surrounding the call. The actor has continued to speak carefully about the tragedy as his family copes with the devastating loss.

He has previously experienced significant family loss. His wife, Nancy Dolman, whom he was married to for 30 years, died in 2010. Together, they adopted and raised three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry.

Katherine Short reportedly left a note before her death

Katherine died on February 23 at her home in Los Angeles, California. Reports stated that she died by suicide and left behind a note before her death. She worked as a licensed clinical social worker and was involved in mental health advocacy.

In a recent emotional interview, Martin Short described the loss as a “nightmare for the family,” explaining how deeply it affected him and those close to him. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report also stated that Short had contacted a friend before her death.

Katherine was known professionally for her work supporting people dealing with mental health challenges. Her death renewed conversations around mental health awareness and support. 

Martin Short reflects on Katherine Short’s mental health battle

Short previously spoke about the heartbreaking loss of his daughter during a May interview on 'CBS Sunday Morning'. He described the experience as devastating for the family and said they were still struggling to process it.

He first shared the family’s official statement following her death. He said, “The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time.” Another statement released after her passing read, “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short.”

The comedian also reflected on how he views mental illness, comparing it to serious physical diseases. He explained that both can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. He said, “But the understanding (is) that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal.”

Short further revealed that Katherine had struggled with mental health conditions for years, including borderline personality disorder. He said, “And 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.”