The Private Lives Of Martin Short's 3 Children: Surprising Careers And How They Honor Nancy Dolman

Despite his decades-long career as one of Hollywood’s most energetic and beloved comedians, Martin Short has successfully kept his family life remarkably private. Fans of his work in Only Murders in the Building, SNL, and countless films are often curious about the people who ground the man behind the laughs: his three children. As of December 2025, Martin Short’s adult children—Katherine, Oliver, and Henry—are thriving in their own unique, non-Hollywood careers, carrying on the legacy of their late mother, Nancy Dolman, with grace and independence.

The lives of Martin Short’s children are a testament to the strong, loving, and private foundation built by the comedian and his wife before her untimely passing. While they are occasionally seen on the red carpet, their professional paths are a deliberate step away from the glare of the entertainment industry, focusing instead on meaningful work and personal passions.

Martin Short's Enduring Love Story and the Family He Built with Nancy Dolman

Martin Short's personal narrative is inextricably linked to his late wife, the actress and comedian Nancy Dolman. Their relationship is often cited as one of Hollywood's most enduring romances, a bedrock of stability that defined Short's life and fatherhood.

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Martin Short and Nancy Dolman: A Family Profile

• Martin Hayter Short, OC: Born March 26, 1950 (Age 75 in 2025)
• Nancy Dolman (Late Wife): Born September 26, 1951; Died August 21, 2010 (Age 58)
• Met: 1972, during the Canadian production of the musical Godspell.
• Married: 1980
• Children: Three, all adopted.
• Cause of Nancy's Death: Ovarian cancer.

The couple was married for 30 years until Nancy's death in 2010. Short has publicly spoken about the profound loss, noting that he continues to feel his wife’s presence and still "talks" to her, a deeply personal way of keeping her memory alive for himself and their children.

They chose to build their family through adoption, welcoming three children who now form the core of Martin Short’s world. The comedian has often expressed immense pride in the paths his children have chosen, praising their independence and their grounded approach to life outside the celebrity bubble.

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Katherine Elizabeth Short: The Social Worker Who Overcame Adversity

Katherine Elizabeth Short, the eldest of the Short children, was born in 1983, making her approximately 42 years old in late 2025.

A Career of Compassion and Healing

Unlike her famous parents, Katherine pursued a career focused on helping others. She is a licensed social worker, a profession that requires immense empathy and dedication, a path she chose after initially showing an interest in acting.

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Her work as a social worker is a quiet, powerful testament to her grounded nature. She has demonstrated incredible resilience, having successfully recovered from an aneurysm, an experience that has only deepened her commitment to life and her family.

Addressing the Rumor: Is Katherine Short Alive?

A persistent, yet entirely false, rumor occasionally circulates online suggesting that Martin Short’s daughter has passed away. This is incorrect. The rumor is likely a case of mistaken identity, confusing her with other individuals named Katherine Short. Martin Short and his family have been seen celebrating her 40th birthday in recent years, and she was present to mourn her mother in 2010.

Oliver Patrick Short: The Private Professional and Notre Dame Alum

Oliver Patrick Short, the middle child, was born in 1986, making him around 39 years old in late 2025.

Education and Independent Path

Oliver is a graduate of the prestigious University of Notre Dame, a common thread he shares with his younger brother, Henry.

He has deliberately carved out a professional life that operates entirely outside of Hollywood’s orbit. Sources describe him as a "respected professional" who charted his own independent path, a choice that reflects the value of self-reliance instilled by his parents.

While details of his specific career are kept private, his choice to pursue a non-celebrity path shows a clear commitment to a grounded and stable life, focusing on his work rather than the public spotlight.

Henry Hayter Short: From Finance to Full-Time Veterinary Care

Henry Hayter Short, the youngest of the three, was born on August 4, 1989, making him 36 years old in late 2025.

A Surprising Career Shift

Henry’s career journey is arguably the most surprising and heartwarming. Like his brother Oliver, he attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in finance. He initially began his professional life in the corporate world, following a traditional finance path.

However, Henry made a significant and passionate career pivot. Since January 2021, he has been working as a full-time Veterinary Assistant at the Malibu Coast Animal Hospital in California.

This dramatic shift from the world of finance to hands-on animal care highlights a deep commitment to his personal values and a desire for work that is directly impactful. His role showcases a life lived on his own terms, choosing fulfillment over a high-profile career.

The Martin Short Legacy: Grandchildren and a Private Life

Martin Short is not only a devoted father but also a proud grandfather. While he keeps his grandchildren’s lives even more private than his own children's, the family dynamic is clearly one of warmth and closeness.

The children—Katherine, Oliver, and Henry—have successfully navigated the challenges of growing up with a famous parent, largely thanks to the protective environment created by Martin and Nancy. They all share a bond of privacy and a mutual respect for a life lived away from the cameras.

Their careers—from social work and finance/business to veterinary assistance—demonstrate a collective commitment to meaningful, grounded professions. This dedication to authentic living is perhaps the greatest legacy of Martin Short's enduring love story with Nancy Dolman and the family they built together.