76-Year-Old Hollywood Legend Reveals Harrowing Revelation in the Face of Unspeakable Tragedy

Martin Short is one of the funniest men in Hollywood. The 76-year-old legend has been a fixture of comedy for decades, most recently known for his role in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building.

He also has had to grapple with unspeakable tragedy this year after his daughter, Katherine, died by suicide in February. Short opened up to CBS Sunday Morning about how he and his family have been handling the devastating loss in the months since.

martin short talks poignantly about losing his daughter katherine pic.twitter.com/JUfXahwQ4z

— martin short 4ever (@martinhayter_) May 10, 2026

"It's been a nightmare for the family," Short said. "But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife's, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal. 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."

Short gives an incredible perspective on mental health illnesses and how to handle them as a family member or friend of someone who is suffering from one. So often, mental health is not thought of in the same way or given the attention that a physical illness is. People who are battling a mental health illness should be given the same resources as someone who has heart disease or cancer.

Short has had to figure out how to survive without a lot of loved ones who have passed away throughout his life. His wife, Nancy Dolman, died from ovarian cancer in 2010. The couple had been married since 1980. Short's brother died in a car accident in 1962 when Short was only 12.

Katherine was the oldest adopted child of Short and Dolman. The couple had two other kids besides Katherine, sons Oliver and Henry.

Despite the horrible events that have shaped Short's personal life, he continues to shine bright in the world of comedy and inspires millions to find joy in the face of sorrow.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.

For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 10, 2026 at 2:38 PM.