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- Life with Nancy Dolman: a long partnership and sudden loss
- Children of Martin Short: who they are and what they do
- Early family tragedies that shaped his outlook
- Anecdotes on grief and empathy with fellow comedians
- Public life, career notes and how he keeps loved ones close
- Support resources for readers
Martin Short, the celebrated comedian and star of Only Murders in the Building, has weathered a series of family losses across decades. From childhood tragedies to the deaths of his wife and, most recently, his eldest daughter, Short’s private life has been shaped by grief and resilience.
Life with Nancy Dolman: a long partnership and sudden loss
Short met Nancy Dolman while working on a Toronto stage production in the early 1970s. They married in December 1980 and built a life together that blended comedy and family.
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- Nancy Dolman left performing to raise their three children.
- The couple were together for 36 years until Nancy’s death from ovarian cancer on Aug. 21, 2010.
- Short has often spoken about keeping her memory alive and consulting her “in spirit” when making decisions for their family.
He described their marriage as a triumph and has said he feels her influence when he weighs parenting choices.
Children of Martin Short: who they are and what they do
Katherine Hartley Short — eldest daughter
- Born: Dec. 3, 1983.
- Education: Graduated from New York University in 2006 with a degree in psychology and gender and sexuality studies.
- Career: Worked as a social worker and appeared with her father at several public events.
- Death: On Feb. 23, 2026, Katherine died by an apparent suicide at her Hollywood Hills home. She was 42.
A family representative said the Short family is devastated and asked for privacy as they mourn.
Oliver Patrick Short — film and sports media
- Born: April 29, 1986.
- Education: University of Notre Dame, degree in film and television production (2008).
- Career path: Began as an executive assistant at Warner Bros. and moved into sports broadcasting. Credits include Fox Sports, MLB Network and NBC Sports Group.
- He has accompanied his father at red carpets and benefit events over the years.
Henry Hayter Short — finance to animal care
- Born: Aug. 4, 1989.
- Education: University of Notre Dame, degree in finance (2012).
- Work: Held roles at the Royal Bank of Canada as a consultant and analyst; later worked as a veterinary assistant at Malibu Coast Animal Hospital.
- Henry has been a familiar presence alongside his parents at public fundraisers and premieres.
Early family tragedies that shaped his outlook
Short’s experience with loss began in childhood. When he was 12, his older brother died in a car crash in Montreal. Tragedy followed when his mother died of cancer at 17.
Two years later, his father passed away after complications from a stroke. These consecutive losses left a lasting mark.
Short has credited a strong family foundation for helping him move forward. In interviews he has said such pain can either break a person or empower them.
Anecdotes on grief and empathy with fellow comedians
Short has spoken candidly about identifying with other performers who carry deep personal sorrow. He once shared a conversation with Stephen Colbert, who told him that youth tragedies shaped his fear and stage persona.
The exchange underscored how both men translated private loss into public wit and resolve.
Public life, career notes and how he keeps loved ones close
- Martin Short remains a regular in television and film, balancing projects with family commitments.
- He often honors Nancy and their children in interviews, saying he feels their presence when making choices.
- Short’s public appearances with his children have included benefit galas and industry events.
Support resources for readers
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
