Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Dead at 42
martin short’s adopted daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has died at 42 in an apparent suicide, and the family has asked for privacy as colleagues and venues weigh whether upcoming shows will go ahead.
Found at her Hollywood Hills home Monday evening
LAPD officers and the fire department responded to Katherine Short’s Hollywood Hills home on Monday shortly after 6: 40 p. m. PT, where she was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, TMZ reported; that outlet first published the news on Tuesday, February 24.
Representative issues family statement
A representative for the family released a statement naming her as Katherine Hartley Short and saying, "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. "
Her work, education and advocacy
Katherine Short worked as a social worker in Los Angeles after earning 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 worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and part-time at a clinic providing community outreach, peer support and psychotherapy. She was involved with mental-health groups listed in coverage both as Bring Change To Mind and Bring Change 2 Mind.
Family background and recent losses
Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman; she was the eldest of the three and attended some events with her father, most recently seen in January 2020 outside Craig's in West Hollywood. Nancy Dolman met Martin Short while they worked on a production of Godspell in 1972, the couple married in 1980, and Dolman died of ovarian cancer in 2010 at age 58. Martin Short, 75, also recently paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara after her death last month.
Tour dates and uncertainty over performances
Short is currently on a two-man comedy tour with Steve Martin. Staff at venues said it is unclear whether scheduled shows will take place; the run lists a show Friday in Milwaukee and a Saturday performance in Minneapolis, with some reports calling the Minneapolis date sold out and venue staff uncertain about whether Short will perform.
Help is available
If you or someone you know is struggling, U. S. crisis help is available by calling or texting 988. Other helplines listed in coverage include Samaritans in the UK and Ireland at 116 123 and Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14.
The family has asked for privacy. Further information about the circumstances is unclear in the provided context; outlets that first published the death cited law enforcement describing it as an apparent suicide. The next scheduled tour dates remain the Milwaukee show on Friday and the Minneapolis appearance on Saturday as noted in published schedules, with venue staff still assessing whether those performances will proceed.
