Martin Short’s daughter Katherine Elizabeth tragically dies at the age of 42

2026 is proving to be filled with devastating news. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has died at 42. 

A representative for the Only Murders in the Building star confirmed the news in a statement with TMZ. “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” they said. “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.”

© Joan Adlen Photography

Authorities responded to Katherine’s Hollywood Hills home on Monday evening, where she was found deceased. A law enforcement source told TMZ she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

The Los Angeles Fire Department told Page Six they received a call to 911. “At 6:41 p.m., we responded to a reported shooting at that address,” they said. “Death was reported of a female.”

Katherine was the adopted daughter of Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 from ovarian cancer. The couple, who were married for 30 years, also adopted two sons together, Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter. She was the oldest. 

© Joan Adlen Photography

Following the death of their mother, Martin told The Guardian in 2012, “It’s been a tough two years for my children.” “This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to our loved ones or us, and when it does, you gain a little, and you suffer a little. There’s no big surprise,” he continued.

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Though she largely stayed out of the spotlight, only attending a few events with her dad, she built a life rooted in care and service. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, followed by a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. 

After her Master’s, she worked at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for over four years before working at the dual-diagnosis outpatient program, Camden Centr.

© Gregg DeGuire

She went on to work as a social worker in Los Angeles, including roles in private practice and at Amae Health, focusing on mental health outreach. She was also involved with Bring Change To Mind, an organization dedicated to ending the stigma around mental illness.

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Her most recent public sighting with her dad was in 2023 for her 40th birthday at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood, per Page Six. Two years prior, in 2021, she attended a pre-Emmy celebration at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel. 

Her passing comes after Martin’s tribute to Catherine O’Hara. As noted by TMZ, Short is scheduled to perform a sold-out show this weekend in Minneapolis with Steve Martin. It’s unclear if he will still take the stage. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.