Hollywood legend Martin Short has opened up about the tragic loss of his daughter Katherine, describing the experience as a “nightmare” for his family. The Father Of The Bride actor spoke publicly for the first time since confirming Katherine’s passing three months ago, explaining she had battled mental health issues for a long time. Katherine died by suicide in February.
She was the eldest of three children of Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 after battling ovarian cancer.
“It’s been a nightmare for the family,” Short told CBS Sunday Morning. “But the understanding that mental health and cancer, like my wife [had], 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, 76, said he now wants to help bring “mental health out of the shadows” so people are not “ashamed” to talk about it. “Not hiding from the word suicide but accepting that this can be the last stage of an illness,” he said.
The actor also reflected on the many losses he has experienced over the past year, including the deaths of his sister-in-law, his daughter, and celebrity friends Diane Keaton, Rob Reiner, Michele Reiner, and Catherine O’Hara. “It’s staggering,” Short said, adding he cannot fully wrap his mind around all the loss. “You just have to breathe in, breathe out.”
Short was speaking ahead of the release of his Netflix documentary Marty, Life Is Short, which offers an intimate look at his life and career. The film combines rare archival footage with new interviews. The trailer also shows Short discussing some of the personal losses he has experienced throughout his life. According to CBS Sunday Morning, the documentary is dedicated to both Short’s daughter and his longtime friend and collaborator, actress Catherine O’Hara. The documentary also features poignant final interviews with O’Hara.
O’Hara, star of Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, died in January aged 71 from a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs. A month later, Short lost his daughter, with the family confirming the news in a statement. “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the family said at the time. “The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 131114. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
