Katherine Hartley Short, Daughter of Martin Short, Dies at 42

Katherine Hartley Short, the eldest daughter of beloved comedian and actor Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, died Monday, February 23, 2026, at her home in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. She was 42.

Katherine Short's Cause of Death

Law enforcement sources confirmed that Katherine Short died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The LAPD and fire department responded to her Hollywood Hills home shortly after 6:40 PM PT.

Martin Short's representative issued a statement: "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."

Who Was Katherine Short?

Katherine Elizabeth Short was the eldest of three children adopted by the Only Murders in the Building star and his late wife Nancy Dolman. She was the oldest of Martin and Nancy's three kids, preceding younger brothers Oliver Short, 39, and Henry Short, 36.

Born on December 3, 1983, Katherine Short received a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from NYU in 2006 and her master's in social work from USC in 2010.

Following her master's program, Katherine worked at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for four years, becoming an expert in crisis management, advocacy, individual therapy, group psychotherapy, and supporting family members of persons with severe mental illness or substance abuse. She went on to work at the Camden Center, a mental health clinic in West LA, before starting her own private practice.

She also worked with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, which advocated for breaking down mental health stigmas.

Her Mother Nancy Dolman

Her passing comes 15 years after Nancy, an actress and singer, died of ovarian cancer at age 58. Martin Short had spoken openly about how devastating the loss of Nancy was for the entire family. After Dolman's death, Short said, "It's been a tough two years for my children. 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."

A Second Personal Tragedy for Martin Short

This is the second personal tragedy Short has faced in recent weeks, having recently paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara after she passed away last month. Short is currently on a two-man comedy-and-music tour with Steve Martin, with their next show scheduled for Friday at the Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee. Staff members at the theaters said it was unclear whether upcoming shows would take place.

Katherine Short: Key Facts

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.