Martin Short: Daughter Katherine Short, 42, Found Dead in Hollywood Hills; Family Says They Are Devastated

martin short's family has confirmed the death of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, at age 42, calling the loss profound and asking for privacy. The circumstances of her death include differing accounts about timing and cause, and the loss comes as the comedian and actor navigates multiple recent personal tragedies and industry obligations.

Martin Short family statement and immediate details

The family released a statement confirming the passing of Katherine Hartley Short and said the Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. The statement added that Katherine was beloved and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.

Emergency responders went to Katherine Short's Hollywood Hills home on Monday, with one account noting a response at about 6 p. m. and another noting arrival shortly after 6: 40 PM PT. Paramedics pronounced her dead shortly after the response. Law enforcement indicated her death was an apparent suicide, while another account described the death as from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Katherine Short's work, advocacy and public presence

Katherine Short worked as a social worker in Los Angeles. She operated a private practice and worked part-time at a psychiatry-led outpatient clinic called Amae Health. She was involved with mental health advocacy efforts and is noted in the record as having been associated with a charity referenced as Bring Change 2 Mind and, in another mention, Bring Change To Mind; the organization is described as working to end stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.

Katherine mostly stayed out of the public eye, attending only a few events with her father over the years. She was last publicly seen in January 2020 outside Craig's in West Hollywood.

Education and family background

Katherine earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender studies from New York University in 2006 and a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. She was the eldest of three children Martin Short adopted with his wife Nancy Dolman.

Nancy Dolman died of ovarian cancer in 2010. Martin Short and Nancy Dolman met in the early 1970s while working on the Toronto production of the rock musical "Godspell" and married in 1980. In a 2014 interview, Martin Short reflected on his wife's death and the persistence of life after loss, saying that after his wife died he realized people wake up the next day whether they think the world should stop or not — it doesn’t. That same year he published a memoir titled "I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, " which he dedicated to his children.

Timing with other recent losses and industry context

Katherine Short's death comes less than a month after the death of Catherine O'Hara, a close friend and longtime collaborator of Martin Short. O'Hara died of a pulmonary embolism after privately fighting rectal cancer. Martin Short and his co-star Steve Martin paid tribute to O'Hara during a recent stop on their joint comedy tour; Martin Short recalled meeting O'Hara when she was 18 and said she had been "the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel. "

The comedy duo had upcoming shows scheduled for Friday at Milwaukee's Miller High Life Theatre and for Saturday in Minneapolis. Staff members for the theaters said it was unclear whether those shows would take place.

Awards season, nominations and what comes next

martin short is listed as an acting nominee this weekend in the actor category for a comedy series for his portrayal of Oliver Putnam in "Only Murders in the Building. " The show, which co-stars Martin and Selena Gomez, is also nominated in the ensemble category. Catherine O'Hara is noted as nominated for her role as Patty Leigh in the entertainment industry satire "The Studio, " a program that earned five total nominations.

This is a developing and deeply personal story for the Short family. Details about the circumstances and timeline differ between accounts, and the family has asked for privacy. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 for support.