Martin Short Makes First Appearance After Daughter Katherine’s Death

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Martin Short is holding his family close. 

On May 6th, the 76-year-old attended the Los Angeles premiere of the new Netflix documentary, Marty, Life is Short. It was his first time appearing in public since his daughter, Katherine Short, passed away in February.

He was joined at the event by his stepsiblings, Oliver Short, 40, and Henry Short, 36, along with their wives, Haylen and Elissa. They are the children of his late stepmother, Nancy Dolman.

The three men, all dressed in suits, looked happy as they celebrated the new book, Marty, Life is Short. It details the career of Only Murders in the Building star Steve Martin – covering his work in movies, comedy, theater, and TV – and also offers a glimpse into his personal life away from the public eye.

According to Andrea Martin, a close friend of Steve Martin, his dedication to fatherhood is completely natural and authentic – as essential to him as breathing.

Martin had already faced immense hardship, losing both his parents when he was young and his wife, Nancy, in 2010 after three decades together. Sadly, his pain continued in February when his oldest daughter, Katherine, tragically took her own life at the age of 42.

The Short family is heartbroken and has asked for privacy following this difficult time, according to a statement from Martin’s representative. Katherine was loved by everyone and will be fondly remembered for her positive energy and happiness.

Unlike her famous parents, Katherine Johnson preferred a private life. After earning a degree from New York University and a master’s from the University of Southern California, she became a licensed clinical social worker.

According to her profile, Katherine was skilled at helping people through difficult times, providing support and therapy to individuals and families affected by serious mental health issues or substance abuse, and connecting them with helpful resources.

Interestingly, none of Martin and Nancy’s children became famous like their parents, which Martin found amusingly disappointing.

I didn’t want any of my kids to avoid show business, so I really encouraged them to pursue it,” the Hollywood veteran jokingly explained on Conan back in 2012. “I’d even make them run laps every morning, and I’d sit on the balcony with my coffee, yelling, ‘Don’t give up! Keep going!’

But that commitment to joy—even in the darkest of times—is a throughline of Marty, Life is Short. 

As John Mulaney explains, Marty taught him the importance of maintaining a good attitude and composure when going through difficult times, noting that Marty is simply good at navigating life.

For more insight into Martin’s most joyful times with his family, read on. 

Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, had three children: Katherine Short, born December 3, 1983, and sons Oliver Short, born April 29, 1986, and Henry Short, born August 4, 1989.

In 2006, the family went to see comedian Martin Short’s Broadway show, Fame Becomes Me, on its opening night.

Martin and Katherine joked around during a 1989 photo shoot.

Martin and Nancy, who married in 1980, took their daughter to the 1997 premiere of Jungle 2 Jungle.

In 2004, the couple and their youngest son, Henry, attended the premiere of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Martin chose a business casual outfit, but Katherine dressed more formally for Bette Midler’s 60th birthday party on Halloween in 2005.

In July 2017, Martin and his youngest son, Henry, shared a hug at a fundraising event called Take Off, EH! hosted by The Second City.

The family hung out with Goldie Hawn during the Los Angeles premiere of The Producers in May 2003.

In October 2006, Martin was accompanied by Katherine and Oliver at Comedy Central’s Night of Too Many Stars, a charity event.

Martin unveiled his star on Canada’s Walk of Fame as his son Henry and niece Lena Dolman looked on.

In March 2006, Katherine attended and supported her father during his appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman.

Martin and Henry went to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 6, 2026, to see the premiere of You Had to Be There.

Martin brought Katherine as his plus-one to Vanity Fair‘s Oscars after-party in 2011.

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2026-05-07 18:19