Katherine Hartley Short, Martin Short's Daughter, Dies at 42
The entertainment world is mourning the sudden and devastating loss of Katherine Hartley Short, the eldest daughter of Only Murders in the Building star Martin Short. Katherine, 42, died Monday evening, February 23, 2026, at her home in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles.
Katherine Short's Passing Confirmed by Family
The Short family confirmed the news in a statement Tuesday morning: "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."
LAPD and the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to Katherine Short's Hollywood Hills home shortly after 6:40 p.m. PT on Monday. Katherine was found deceased at the scene. She was 42 years old.
Who Was Katherine Short
Katherine Hartley Short was born on December 3, 1983. She was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin Short, 75, and his late wife Nancy Dolman, a Canadian actress to whom Martin was married for 30 years. Katherine is survived by her father and her two younger brothers, Henry and Oliver.
Unlike her famous father, Katherine Short lived largely outside the public eye, dedicating her adult life to mental health advocacy and social work. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, and a master's in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. She went on to work at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital before entering private practice in Los Angeles as a licensed clinical social worker. She was also involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization dedicated to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.
A Family Shaped by Loss
Katherine's passing represents the second profound family tragedy in Martin Short's life. Her mother, Nancy Dolman, died of ovarian cancer in 2010 after a 30-year marriage to Martin. At the time, Martin Short spoke openly about the pain of that loss and its impact on his children. "It's been a tough two years for my children," he told The Guardian. "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." He added of Nancy: "I believe Mom has zoomed into our souls."
Katherine's death also comes just weeks after Martin Short publicly paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara, who passed away in January 2026.
Martin Short's Comedy Tour With Steve Martin
At the time of Katherine's death, Martin Short was mid-tour on a two-man comedy and music show alongside longtime friend and collaborator Steve Martin. The pair had shows scheduled for Friday, February 27, at the Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee, and Saturday, February 28, in Minneapolis. It remained unclear as of Tuesday afternoon whether those performances would proceed.
In Memoriam: Katherine Short at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Katherine Hartley Short |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1983 |
| Age at Passing | 42 |
| Parents | Martin Short and Nancy Dolman |
| Siblings | Henry Short, Oliver Short |
| Education | NYU (B.A. 2006), USC (MSW, 2010) |
| Career | Licensed Clinical Social Worker, private practice, Los Angeles |
| Advocacy | Bring Change 2 Mind (mental health stigma) |
The entire entertainment community has expressed condolences to Martin Short and his family. Katherine Short is remembered for her compassion, her commitment to mental health, and the quiet but meaningful impact she made in the lives of her clients and loved ones.
