Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Died By Suicide as Family Seeks Privacy After 42-Year-Old's Death
martin short's representative confirmed the passing of his daughter Katherine Hartley Short at age 42, describing the family as devastated and asking for privacy after what has been characterized as an apparent suicide. The news has raised immediate questions about upcoming live dates and left colleagues and fans reacting to a second recent personal loss for the performer.
Martin Short family statement and immediate reaction
The Short family issued a formal confirmation of Katherine Hartley Short's death and requested privacy as they grieve. The family said Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world. This event follows another recent bereavement for the family after martin short paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara, who passed away last month, marking a second personal tragedy for the star in recent weeks.
Circumstances at the Hollywood Hills home
Katherine was found deceased at her Hollywood Hills residence on Monday evening. Emergency responders from the Los Angeles Police Department and the fire department arrived at the home shortly after 6: 40 PM PT, where she was located. The death has been described as an apparent suicide; the immediate cause noted was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Reports have indicated she was found in the early evening hours, with one account placing discovery at around 6: 00 PM and another specifying the 6: 40 PM PT response time.
Katherine Short's life, education and social work career
Katherine Hartley Short worked as a social worker in Los Angeles. Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree from New York University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. More detailed accounts list the bachelor’s field as psychology and gender sexuality studies, completed in 2006, and the master’s in social work completed in 2010. She worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and held part-time roles at a clinic providing community outreach, peer support and psychotherapy.
She was involved with a nonprofit focused on mental health stigma, referenced as Bring Change To Mind in some coverage and as Bring Change 2 Mind in other mentions. Katherine largely stayed out of the public eye, though she attended a few events with her father over the years and was last seen in January 2020 outside Craig's in West Hollywood. She was the eldest of the three children adopted by martin short and his then-wife Nancy Dolman.
Family background and earlier losses
Katherine was the daughter of martin short and Nancy Dolman. Dolman and Short first met while working together on a production of Godspell; one account notes they met in 1972 and that they married in 1980. Dolman was Martin Short's wife for 30 years and died in 2010 of ovarian cancer. Another account gives her age at death as 58. Katherine's younger brothers are named Henry and Oliver, and the children were adopted by Short and Dolman.
Tour dates, postponements and awards context
martin short is currently on a two-man comedy tour with Steve Martin. The next scheduled dates included a Friday performance in Milwaukee and a Saturday appearance in Minneapolis. The Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee announced that the Friday, February 27 show was postponed, and the Minneapolis appearance set for Saturday, February 28 was also postponed. Staff at the theaters have said it is unclear whether the shows will take place. Separately, martin short is 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 resources and closing notes
Those struggling with distress or suicidal thoughts are urged to seek immediate help. In the United States, the number 988 is available for calls or texts to reach crisis support. Recent updates indicate details may continue to evolve as the family and authorities address the situation.
