Martin Short: martin short’s daughter Katherine Hartley Short dies at 42
Katherine Hartley Short, the 42-year-old daughter of Martin Short, was found dead at her Hollywood Hills home on Monday. Her death has been confirmed by the family as an apparent suicide, a loss that the family is calling devastating and for which they are requesting privacy.
Circumstances at the Hollywood Hills home and emergency response
Los Angeles police (LAPD) and the fire department responded to Katherine Short’s Hollywood Hills residence on Monday evening. She was found deceased shortly after 6: 40 PM PT; other accounts noted she was discovered around 6pm that evening. Authorities say she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Family statement and the Short family’s request for privacy
A representative for the family released a statement using Katherine’s full name, 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. " The family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
Education, career and mental-health work
Katherine Short held a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University and a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California. She worked as a social worker in Los Angeles, including in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and part-time at a clinic offering community outreach, peer support and psychotherapy.
She was involved with mental-health nonprofits, including Bring Change To Mind and Bring Change 2 Mind, organizations described in context as working to break down stigma around mental health and to empower young people to build connected, empathetic school communities.
Family background, adoption and public appearances
Katherine was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin Short and his wife Nancy Dolman. Nancy Dolman first met Short in 1972 when they worked together on a production of Godspell; they married in 1980 and later adopted Katherine along with two younger brothers, Henry and Oliver. Nancy Dolman died in 2010 of ovarian cancer at age 58; the couple had been married for 30 years.
Though her father is a public figure, Katherine largely kept out of the spotlight. She sometimes attended events and walked red carpets with her father and was last seen in January 2020 outside Craig’s restaurant in West Hollywood.
Martin Short’s schedule and recent losses
Martin Short is currently on a two-man comedy tour with longtime friend and co-performer Steve Martin. Shows were scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee and Saturday in Minneapolis; staff at the theaters have said it is unclear whether those shows will take place. In recent weeks Short had also paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara after her passing last month.
Help and crisis resources
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 in the United States. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached on freephone 116 123 or by email at jo@samaritans. org and jo@samaritans. ie. In Australia, Lifeline is available at 13 11 14. Other international helplines are also available.
For the Short family, the death of Katherine Hartley Short is the latest in a series of personal losses; they have asked for privacy as they mourn.
