The family of beloved comedian and actor Martin Short is mourning a heartbreaking loss after his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, died at the age of 42.
Found dead at her Hollywood Hills home
In a statement shared with People, the family confirmed the tragic news, 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.”
Emergency crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded Monday evening (Feb. 23) to a call at a home in the Hollywood Hills. Authorities later confirmed that Katherine, a licensed clinical social worker, died by suicide. TMZ was first to report the news, with additional details later confirmed by officials.
Katherine was one of three children adopted by Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. Alongside Katherine, the couple raised sons Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter.
A life devoted to helping others
Despite her famous father, Katherine largely stayed out of the spotlight and instead built a career centered on supporting others. She worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also held a part-time role at Amae Health, where she provided community outreach, peer support, family support groups, and psychotherapy.
Katherine Short (L) and Martin Short attend Vanity Fair\’s 17th annual Oscars party at the Sunset Tower Hotel. (Photo by Donato Sardella/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Her academic path reflected that mission. Katherine earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 before completing a master’s in social work at University of Southern California in 2010.
She also contributed to mental health advocacy efforts, including work connected to Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization focused on reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health among young people.
Quiet presence in a famous family
Though she preferred a private life, Katherine occasionally appeared alongside her father at public events over the years, including premieres, theater after-parties, and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Her passing marks another profound loss for the family, who previously faced tragedy when Dolman died after a long battle with cancer. Short later reflected on that difficult period, saying the years that followed were “tough,” noting that loss is something people often live in denial about until it happens.
