Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Short, has died at the age of 42 in an apparent suicide on Monday.
A representative for the “Only Murders in the Building” star confirmed the news to Page Six on Tuesday, 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.”
A representative for Martin Short told Page Six, “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short.”
According to TMZ, the 42-year-old social worker was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Hollywood Hills, California, home on Monday around 6 p.m. local time.
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed they responded to a 911 call at 6:41 p.m., stating, “Death was reported of a female.”
The statement added that Martin Short (seen here in 2006) 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,” the representative continued.
Katherine was the adopted daughter of Martin Short, 75, and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of cancer in 2010. The couple, who were married for 30 years, also adopted two sons together, Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.
Katherine earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender and sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, according to People.
Katherine (from left) is pictured in 2006 alongside her adoptive brother Henry Hayter, 36, her mother Nancy Dolman, her father Martin Short and her other adoptive brother, Oliver Patrick, 39.
In 2010, she earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.
Katherine worked as a social worker in private practice and part-time at Amae Health, an outreach clinic providing psychotherapy, in the years leading up to her death. She was also involved with Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
Though she largely remained out of the spotlight, Katherine occasionally attended public events with her father over the years.
Katherine (pictured above in 1989) worked as a social worker.
Katherine was last publicly seen with her father, Martin Short, in 2023 as they celebrated her 40th birthday at Grandmaster Recorders.
Prior to that, the pair stepped out together at a 2021 pre-Emmy celebration held at Kimpton La Peer Hotel.
Over the years, Short also brought Katherine to several industry events, including an after-party for the Los Angeles production of “The Producers” in 2003 and a 2005 benefit for the New York Restoration Project founded by Bette Midler.
