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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayMartin Short's Daughter Katherine Short Dead at Age 42
Martin Short is holding his family close.
The 76-year-old stepped out for the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s forthcoming documentary Marty, Life is Short on May 6. The occasion marked his first public appearance since the death of his daughter, Katherine Short, in February.
By his side at the event were Martin and late wife Nancy Dolman’s other two children, sons Oliver Short, 40, and Henry Short, 36, as well as their respective wives Haylen Short and Elissa Short.
Clad in suits, the trio of men were all smiles as they celebrated Marty, Life is Short, which not only chronicles the Only Murders in the Building star’s decades of work across film, comedy, theater and television, but also gives fans a peek into his rich life outside the spotlight.
“Being a dad,” Andrea Martin, Martin’s longtime friend, tells cameras in the doc’s trailer, “it’s as genuine as his breath.”
But Martin’s life at home—which had already weathered the loss of his parents at a young age, followed by the death of his wife Nancy in 2010 after thirty years of marriage—suffered another tragedy in February when his eldest child Katherine died by suicide at age 42.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time,” Martin’s rep shared in a statement with E! News at the time. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
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During her life, Katherine veered away from the spotlight her parents had lived in, working as a licensed clinical social worker after graduating from New York University followed by a master’s degree at University of Southern California.
Throughout her career, Katherine became an "expert in crisis management, advocacy, connecting clients to resources, individual therapy, group psychotherapy, and supporting family members and loved ones of persons with severe mental illness or substance abuse," per her profile.
In fact, none of Martin and Nancy’s kids followed their parents into the spotlight—much to Martin’s lighthearted chagrin.
Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic
"None of them wanted to go into show business, and I pushed them," the pillar of Hollywood joked during a 2012 appearance on Conan. "I wanted them to go into show business. I make them do laps in the morning and I go to the balcony with my coffee and say, 'Quitter! Do it again!'"
But that commitment to joy—even in the darkest of times—is a throughline of Marty, Life is Short, brought to life by production company Imagine Documentaries.
As John Mulaney tells cameras, “Marty showed me it’s very important how you carry yourself through all these experiences. Marty is good at life.”
For more insight into Martin’s most joyful times with his family, read on.
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Family Man
Martin Short and his late with Nancy Dolman shared three kids: daughter Katherine Short (born Dec. 3, 1983) as well as sons Oliver Short (born April 29, 1986) and Henry Short (born Aug. 4, 1989).
The family had a night out at the Broadway opening night of the comedian's Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me in 2006.
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Dad & Me
Martin and Katherine joked around during a 1989 photo shoot.
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Red Carpet Ready
Martin and Nancy, who married in 1980, took their daughter to the 1997 premiere of Jungle 2 Jungle.
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Eventful Day
The couple brought their youngest son Henry to the Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events premiere in 2004.
Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Hello, Halloween
While Martin kept it business casual, Katherine dressed up for Bette Midler's 60th birthday celebration on Halloween 2005.
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Father & Son
Martin shared a hug with his youngest son Henry at The Second City's Take Off, EH! benefit in July 2017.
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Golden Moment
The family hung out with Goldie Hawn during the Los Angeles premiere of The Producers in May 2003.
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Night Out
Martin was joined by Katherine and Oliver at Comedy Central's Night of Too Many Stars benefit in October 2006.
Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images
Walk This Way
Martin unveiled his star on Canada's Walk of Fame as his son Henry and niece Lena Dolman looked on.
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Late Night
Katherine was on hand to support her dad's appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman in March 2006.
Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Film Fanatics
Martin and Henry attended the Santa Barbara International Film Festival premiere of You Had to Be There on Feb. 6, 2026.
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Vanity Fair
Martin brought Katherine as his plus-one to Vanity Fair's Oscars after-party in 2011.
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