A Love Letter to Family and Life
Martin Short, the acclaimed actor and comedian known for his role in Only Murders in the Building, is set to release a deeply personal documentary titled Marty, Life Is Short on Netflix on May 12, 2026. This film serves as a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, Nancy Dolman, and his daughter, Katherine Short, who passed away in February 2026. The documentary explores Short’s journey through life, his career, and the profound grief he has experienced following the loss of two loved ones.
Katherine Short, the eldest of three children adopted by Martin and Nancy, struggled with mental health issues throughout her life. She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and other conditions, which she fought against for many years. Her passing, reportedly due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, has left the family in deep sorrow. In a statement, Martin Short’s representative expressed the family’s devastation and requested privacy during this difficult time.
“Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world,” the statement read.
Opening Up About Grief
In a recent interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, Martin Short opened up about the impact of his daughter’s death on their family. “It’s been a nightmare for the family,” he said. “But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal.”
Short reflected on how his wife, Nancy, had also faced a terminal illness. “My wife fought for a long time with extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she couldn’t until she couldn’t.” He shared that both his wife and daughter had similar final words to him: “Martin, let me go.” For his daughter, it was, “Dad, let me go.”
Honoring a Friend and Colleague
In addition to dedicating the film to his family, Short also honored Catherine O’Hara, a close friend and fellow actor, who passed away in January 2026. “There was no one more brilliant,” he said. “There was no one sweeter. And there was no one funnier.” O’Hara, known for her work on SCTV, often provided creative input behind the scenes, offering suggestions that helped shape some of Short’s most iconic performances.
The Making of the Documentary
Marty, Life Is Short is directed by Lawrence Kasdan, a close family friend of Martin Short. Kasdan revealed that convincing Short to participate in the project was not an easy task. “It was not a natural instinct of his to want it; he’s not like that,” Kasdan said. “I had to sell him on it. I had to lie to him, tell him how much I loved him and I would never hurt him.”
The documentary includes rare home movies featuring Short’s friends, including Tom Hanks, Kurt Russell, and Steven Spielberg, offering a glimpse into his personal life and career.
Katherine’s Legacy
Katherine Short was not only a devoted daughter but also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. She worked as a social worker in Los Angeles and was involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. After graduating from New York University with a degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies, she earned a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California.
She worked at the University of California’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital before transitioning to private practice. Katherine also contributed to community outreach programs at Amae Health, where she provided psychotherapy, peer support, and family support groups.
A Tribute to a Life Lost
Nancy Dolman, Martin Short’s late wife, passed away in 2010 after battling ovarian cancer. In an interview with the Guardian at the time, Short spoke about the emotional toll of losing his wife. “It’s been a tough two years for my children,” he said. “This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does you gain a little and you suffer a little. There’s no big surprise.”
A Heartfelt Film
Marty, Life Is Short promises to be a mix of humor and heartbreak, capturing the highs and lows of Martin Short’s life. It is a celebration of love, loss, and resilience, offering a unique look into the life of one of comedy’s most beloved figures. As the film prepares to debut on Netflix, fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting its release.
