Katherine Hartley Short, the beloved daughter of actor and comedian Martin Short, tragically passed away at her home in the Hollywood Hills on Monday at the age of 42.
A representative for Martin Short expressed their grief, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is heartbroken by this loss and respectfully requests privacy during this difficult time. Katherine was cherished by all and will be remembered for the warmth and positivity she brought into the world.”
According to TMZ, Katherine was discovered deceased on Monday evening around 6 PM. Law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times that her death was an apparent suicide. Katherine was a dedicated social worker, committed to supporting mental health and community outreach.
Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. While she kept a low profile, she occasionally appeared at events and accompanied her father on red carpets. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, followed by a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
She dedicated her career to helping others through her work in private practice and community outreach, including collaborations with charities like Bring Change 2 Mind, which promotes mental health awareness.
Her mother, Nancy Dolman, whom Martin Short met in 1972 and married in 1980, passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010 at age 58. Katherine and her brothers, Henry and Oliver, faced significant challenges following her mother’s passing, a period Martin Short described as “tough.”
Despite her private life, Katherine was known within her community for her compassion and dedication to mental health advocacy. Currently, Martin Short is performing on a two-man comedy tour with Steve Martin, with the next show scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee.
