Martin Short’s daughter Katherine Hartley Short dies at 42

martin short said his family is "devastated" after the death of his eldest daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, who was found dead at her Hollywood Hills home. The circumstances and timing of her death are now part of ongoing inquiries, and the loss has led to immediate changes to the actor’s live schedule.

How and where Katherine Short was found

Katherine Hartley Short, 42, was found deceased at her home in the Hollywood Hills on Monday. Los Angeles police and the fire department responded to the residence; one account places the discovery shortly after 6: 40 PM PT (about 9: 40 PM ET) while another describes the finding as around 6: 00 PM Monday evening, and the exact timing is unclear in the provided context. Law enforcement said her death was an apparent suicide and other accounts state she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Family statement and tributes

A representative for the family said: "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. " This is the second recent personal tragedy for the family after martin short paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara following her death last month.

Family background: parents, siblings and Nancy Dolman

Katherine was the eldest of three children adopted by actor and comedian Martin Short and his then-wife Nancy Dolman. Dolman first met Short in 1972 while they were working on a production of Godspell; they married in 1980 and later adopted Katherine and her younger brothers, Henry and Oliver. Nancy Dolman died of ovarian cancer in 2010 at age 58; she had been married to Short for 30 years.

Education and career as a social worker

Katherine trained as a social worker and worked in Los Angeles. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and earned a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. She went on to work in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also worked part-time at a clinic providing community outreach, peer support and psychotherapy.

Charity work, public life and last public sighting

She was involved with an organization named Bring Change To Mind (also referenced as Bring Change 2 Mind) that focuses on mental-health stigma; one description says the group works to break down stigmas connected to mental health issues while another says it aims to empower young people to build empathetic, supportive school communities where conversations about mental health are welcome and stigma-free. Katherine largely stayed out of the public eye but occasionally attended events with her father; she was last seen in January 2020 outside Craig’s, a world-famous restaurant in West Hollywood. A photograph from 2006 shows Katherine and Martin Short pictured together.

Martin Short’s tour dates, postponements and awards weekend

Martin Short is currently on a two-man comedy tour with his longtime friend and Only Murders in the Building co-star Steve Martin. He had shows scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee and Saturday in Minneapolis. Theater staff said it was unclear whether those shows would take place; the Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee announced that the show originally scheduled for Friday, February 27 had been postponed, and the Minneapolis appearance on Saturday, February 28 was also postponed. Short is also nominated for best male actor in a comedy series at this weekend’s Actor Awards for his role as Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building.

Support and crisis numbers

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the United States and Canada, people can call or text 988 to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123. In Australia, Lifeline is available at 13 11 14.

This article draws on a family statement, law-enforcement descriptions of the scene, educational and career details for Katherine Hartley Short, and announcements from venues regarding tour postponements.