Martin Short 2026: New Documentary, Tragic Loss, and a Comedy Legend's Indelible Light
At 75 years old, Martin Short remains one of the most beloved and enduring figures in comedy. His 2026 is shaping up to be a year of stark contrasts—marked by professional triumph and profound personal tragedy. As he prepares to be the subject of a major Netflix documentary and continues his celebrated partnership with Steve Martin, the comedy world has also rallied around Short following the devastating loss of his daughter, Katherine .
A Year of Milestones and Mourning
The Tragic Death of Katherine Short
On February 24, 2026, the Short family released a statement through a spokesman announcing the passing of Martin Short's adopted daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, at the age of 42 .
"It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. 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."
According to reports from the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to an emergency call at Katherine's home in the Hollywood Hills shortly after 6 p.m. on Monday, February 23 . The cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with TMZ reporting it as a suicide .
Katherine was one of three children Martin Short adopted with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010 . He is also survived by his sons Oliver and Henry .
A History of Loss
This tragedy adds to a pattern of profound loss in Short's life. He lost his brother David when he was just 12 years old, and his parents both died before he turned 20 . In a 2019 interview, Short reflected on how comedy became his coping mechanism:
"For me, comedy is the opposite of sadness. It's not the absence of it; it's the opposite of it. When you've experienced loss, you know the value of joy."
Career Highlights 2026: The Documentary
Despite the personal grief, Short's professional life continues to thrive. May 2026 will see the release of a major career retrospective.
'Marty, Life Is Short' – Netflix Documentary
Netflix will premiere the "definitive documentary" on Martin Short, titled "Marty, Life Is Short," streaming globally on May 12, 2026 .
Directed by the legendary filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan—responsible for classics such as The Big Chill, Body Heat, and the screenplay for Raiders of the Lost Ark—the documentary promises an intimate look at Short's rise and career longevity .
| Documentary Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Marty, Life Is Short |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Release Date | May 12, 2026 |
| Director | Lawrence Kasdan |
| Executive Producers | Brian Grazer, Ron Howard (Imagine Documentaries) |
| Content | Archival footage, new interviews with Short and famous friends |
The film will chronicle his journey from his Emmy-winning work on Canada's SCTV to his fan-favorite season on Saturday Night Live, where he created iconic characters like Ed Grimley, lawyer Nathan Thurm, and "legendary songwriter" Irving Cohen . It will also cover his film career, including Three Amigos, Father of the Bride, Innerspace, and Clifford, as well as his television work in Damages, The Morning Show, and the Hulu megahit Only Murders in the Building .
Netflix Is A Joke Festival Appearance
Prior to the documentary's release, Short will appear live in Los Angeles. On May 7, 2026, he will be the special guest of David Letterman at The Montalbán Theatre for the Netflix Is A Joke Festival . The event, titled "This Better Be Funny With David Letterman & Special Guest Martin Short," promises an evening of conversation and comedy between two legends .
The Steve Martin Partnership: Touring and Togetherness
"The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short" Tour
Short's enduring partnership with Steve Martin remains a central pillar of his career. The duo, who first met on the set of Three Amigos, will hit the road again in late 2026 for "The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short" tour .
The tour will include stops in South Carolina, with performances at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on December 4 and the Township Auditorium in Columbia on December 5 . They will be joined by Jeff Babko and the Grammy Award-winning Steep Canyon Rangers.
Promoters describe the show as redefining "the form of a comedy in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century" . The routine features the pair "lovingly (and relentlessly) roast[ing] each other" while mocking Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity .
"Only Murders in the Building" Season 6
The duo's chemistry continues to captivate audiences on Hulu's Only Murders in the Building. The show, which also stars Selena Gomez, remains Hulu's most-watched comedy series to date . Season 6 is currently in production following the show's impressive awards haul: seven Emmy wins from 56 nominations .
The Unbreakable Bond
Short's relationship with Martin goes beyond professional collaboration. In a recent interview, when asked who he would replace Martin with should the need arise, Short quipped:
"Oh, I'd phone Billy Crystal."
The joke underscores a friendship that has only deepened with time. Short has described their dynamic as "a genuine friendship that happens to be public," noting that they genuinely enjoy making each other laugh .
Light Moments: The Selena Gomez Wedding Cake Incident
Even in a heavy year, Short continues to deliver the light-hearted anecdotes his fans adore. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in January 2026, Short revealed that he nearly ruined his "Only Murders" co-star Selena Gomez's wedding to Benny Blanco .
The wedding took place in Santa Barbara in September 2025. Short, perhaps a little "inebriated," noticed a small wedding cake near his seating section. Assuming there were multiple cakes for different areas, he decided to cut a slice for himself and Steve Martin as Martin announced he was leaving .
"You can't leave yet without a piece of wedding cake."
It was only after taking a slice that he realized: "It was the wedding cake." A photo shown on the program revealed fork marks and a missing slice. A wedding coordinator and chef were called in to perform emergency "surgery" on the cake before Gomez could notice. Short admitted the team decided, "Guys, we can't let Selena know," with Martin suggesting they tell her "in a month or so" .
Barring the near-disaster, Short described Gomez as his "child" and Blanco as "the greatest guy" .
Career Snapshot: Martin Short Through the Decades
| Decade | Notable Work | Role/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s-80s | SCTV, Saturday Night Live | Emmy-winning sketch comedy, created Ed Grimley |
| 1980s-90s | Three Amigos, Father of the Bride, Innerspace, Clifford | Film stardom |
| 2000s | Primetime Glick, Damages | Television comedy and drama |
| 2010s | It's Only a Play (Broadway), An Evening You Will Forget (Netflix) | Tony-nominated stage work, reunion with Steve Martin |
| 2020s | Only Murders in the Building, Marty, Life Is Short (Doc) | Late-career renaissance, Emmy nominations |
A Legacy of Resilience
Martin Short's 2026 is a testament to a life lived fully—one that embraces both the pain of loss and the joy of making people laugh. His ability to find humor in the face of adversity has defined his career and his character.
As he navigates the grief of losing his daughter Katherine, he does so with the support of a vast community of fans, friends, and family. His late wife Nancy's memory, his children Oliver and Henry, his dear friend Steve Martin, and his countless admirers all form part of the tapestry of a life that, true to his upcoming documentary's title, proves that life is indeed short—but a life filled with laughter and love leaves an indelible mark.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or concerned about someone you know, help is available:
US: Call or text the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 .
Canada: Call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline .
UK: Call 111 or contact Samaritans at 116 123.
Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to connect with a crisis counselor .
This article was published on February 25, 2026, and reflects the most current information available about Martin Short's career and family.
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