Martin Short’s First Red Carpet Since Daughter’s Death

Martin Short stepped back into the spotlight Wednesday night — and he didn’t do it alone. The comedy legend made his first red carpet appearance since the death of his daughter Katherine, flanked by his two sons at the Los Angeles premiere of his new Netflix documentary, Marty, Life Is Short.

The screening at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre marked a quietly significant moment: Short, 76, dressed sharply in a black suit with a checkered tie, smiling for cameras alongside sons Oliver, 40, and Henry, 36 — both dapper in their own suits — and their wives, Haylen and Elissa Short. Three months after an unimaginable loss, here was the family, together, showing up.

Katherine Short, a social worker and Short’s eldest child, died by suicide at age 42 in February. She was found at her Hollywood Hills home. “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a rep confirmed 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.”

Katherine had previously opened up about her own mental health journey on a since-deleted professional website, where she wrote about her service dog — named Joni, after Joni Mitchell — who had been helping her navigate her struggles for five years. “Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years,” she wrote. “She is an absolute sweetheart and just LOVES people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail…and maybe even a kiss.”

A Documentary About a Life That Hasn’t Been Easy

The timing of the documentary’s release carries a weight that no one planned for. Marty, Life Is Short, directed by Oscar nominee Lawrence Kasdan, promises “beautiful, intimate, never-before-seen archive” footage chronicling Short’s decades across film, comedy, theater and television — but it also goes deep into the personal. In the trailer, Short jokes to his brother Michael that he “had a speed dial to the funeral parlor,” a line that lands differently now.

Over the years, Short has lost his parents, Olive Hayter and Charles Patrick Short, at a young age. His eldest brother David. His wife Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 after thirty years of marriage — the woman with whom he adopted all three of his children. And now Katherine.

His longtime friend Andrea Martin, who appears in the documentary, puts it simply in the trailer: “Being a dad — it’s as genuine as his breath.”

The premiere drew a remarkable crowd of people who clearly wanted to be there for him. His Only Murders in the Building co-star Selena Gomez attended with her husband Benny Blanco. Kate Hudson, Billy Crystal, Eugene Levy and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos were also in the room.

Finding His Way Back

Short has been easing back into public life carefully. His first outing after Katherine’s death came about a month later — a quiet dinner with longtime friend J.J. Abrams in Santa Monica, where he appeared somber in a black blazer and blue button-down. He also postponed two shows on his comedy tour with Steve Martin in the immediate aftermath, but has since returned to the road.

Wednesday night felt different. This wasn’t a quiet dinner. This was a red carpet, cameras, a crowd — and Short standing at the center of it with his sons beside him, smiling.

Marty, Life Is Short premieres May 12 on Netflix.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.