Katherine Short, the daughter of Martin Short, died this week on Monday in Los Angeles at the age of 42. According to TMZ, law enforcement sources said she died by suicide from a gunshot wound.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a representative for the Tony and Emmy-winning comedian and actor said in a statement. “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.”
Katherine was one of three adopted children of Short (“Saturday Night Live,” “Only Murders in the Building”) and actress Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. In a past interview with The Guardian, Short said the years following his wife’s death had been especially hard on his children and reflected on how people tend to live in denial about the possibility of tragedy striking their own families.
Katherine Short earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with studies in gender and sexuality from New York University in 2006 and later completed a master’s degree in social work at the University of Southern California. She worked at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital before moving into private practice.
Following the news, it was announced that Short is taking a break from his comedy tour with longtime friend Steve Martin. “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Steve Martin and Martin Short show originally scheduled for Friday, February 27 in Milwaukee has been postponed,” a statement on the venue’s website said.
If someone around you is in crisis or may be suicidal, do not hesitate to speak with them, encourage them to seek professional help and stress the importance of doing so. You can also contact local mental health professionals or national support services for assistance.
First published: 09:34, 02.25.26