Martin Short is widely known for his decades-long career in comedy and television, including his current role on “Only Murders in the Building.” Away from the screen, the actor built a close-knit family with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, and their three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry.
Short and Dolman were married for 36 years before she died in 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer. In February 2026, the family experienced another loss when their daughter Katherine died at the age of 42.
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman’s 36-Year Marriage
Short met Dolman in 1972 while performing in a Toronto production of the musical “Godspell.” According to Page Six, the couple married on December 22, 1980. Dolman later stepped away from acting to focus on raising their children.
“Our marriage was a triumph,” Short told AARP The Magazine in 2019. “So it’s tough. She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time.”
“It’s ‘Hey Nan,’ you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids,” he continued.
Short added, “I believe that when people die, they zoom into the people that love them. The idea that it just ends, and don’t speak of them — that’s wrong….to me, she’s still here.”
Short has also spoken about personal loss during his childhood, including the deaths of his brother and both parents.
In a 2012 interview with The Guardian, he said, “Those kinds of situations are horrible but I think that you are either empowered by them or you become a victim of them.”
Martin Short’s Three Children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry
Short and Dolman adopted three children during their marriage.
Katherine Elizabeth Short was born on December 3, 1983. She earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California. She worked as a licensed clinical social worker and supported mental health advocacy efforts, including work with Bring Change 2 Mind, according to a People profile.
In February 2026, the family confirmed that Katherine had died at age 42.
“Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world,” the family said in a statement to People.
Oliver Patrick Short was born on April 29, 1986. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in film and television production and has worked behind the scenes in media and sports production.
Henry Hayter Short was born on August 4, 1989. He also attended Notre Dame, earning a degree in finance. After beginning his career in banking, he later worked as a veterinary assistant in Malibu.
Despite Short’s success in entertainment, his children chose careers outside of performing. During an appearance on “Conan,” he joked, “None of them wanted to go into show business, and I pushed them.”
