Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Dies at 42

Katherine Short, a Los Angeles social worker and the daughter of actor and comedian Martin Short, has died at the age of 42. Her death, which occurred on Monday at her home in the Hollywood Hills, has been confirmed by her family.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a family representative said in a statement. “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.”

Law enforcement sources have reported that Short died by apparent suicide. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at her home on Monday evening around 6 p.m., and paramedics pronounced her dead shortly after arriving. A note was reportedly found on the door of her residence.

While widely known as the daughter of a celebrated entertainer, Katherine Short forged her own path as a dedicated professional in the field of social work. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from New York University in 2006 and later obtained a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.

Professionally, Short operated a private practice and also worked part-time at Amae Health, a psychiatry-led outpatient clinic. Her commitment extended to charitable work as well; she was involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization focused on ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.

Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. Though she largely maintained a private life, she occasionally accompanied her father to industry events, including the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

The loss comes more than two decades after the death of Nancy Dolman, who passed away from ovarian cancer in August 2010 after a 30-year marriage to Martin Short. In a 2012 interview with The Guardian, Short described the years following his wife’s death as “tough,” acknowledging the inevitable pain and adjustment that accompanies such a loss. “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,” he said at the time.

Martin Short is currently on a comedy tour with Steve Martin, his longtime friend and co-star in the hit series Only Murders in the Building. Their next scheduled performance is Friday in Milwaukee. The tour is continuing as planned, though it remains to be seen how Short will navigate the personal tragedy while fulfilling his professional commitments.

The news has prompted an outpouring of support and remembrance, highlighting the profound impact Katherine Short had on those who knew her. Her dedication to her profession and her commitment to mental health advocacy will undoubtedly be remembered alongside the legacy of her father’s comedic brilliance.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. Additional support can be found at befrienders.org.