Katherine Short, the daughter of renowned comedian Martin Short, has died at the age of 42. Authorities reached Katherine Short’s Hollywood Hills home on Monday evening, where she was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that officers from the Los Angeles Police Department and emergency services arrived shortly after 6:40 pm following reports from the scene. She was 42.
Katherine’s death marks a second significant loss for Martin Short in recent weeks, following the death of his longtime friend Catherine O’Hara last month. Those close to the Short family have noted that Katherine’s reserved nature and preference for privacy made her a cherished but rarely public figure, respected for her warmth and kindness by those who knew her personally.
A representative for the Short family confirmed her death in a statement, 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.”
Who was Katherine Short?
Katherine was the eldest of Martin Short’s three children and the daughter of the late Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. Though she maintained a low public profile, she occasionally accompanied her father to industry events. Her last known public sighting was in January 2020 outside Craig’s in West Hollywood.
Friends described her as warm, thoughtful and deeply committed to helping others.
What did she do professionally?
Katherine built a career in social work after earning a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a master’s degree from the University of Southern California. She worked in Los Angeles, supporting vulnerable members of the community.
She also supported Bring Change To Mind, advocating for greater awareness and openness around mental health.
What happens next for Martin Short?
Short is scheduled to perform alongside Steve Martin in Milwaukee and Minneapolis this week. Theatre staff have indicated it remains unclear whether the shows will go ahead.
The family has requested privacy as tributes continue to pour in.
