Katherine Hartley Short, the daughter of actor Martin Short, has died at age 42. TMZ was first to report the news of Short’s passing.
The family said in a statement: “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.”
Authorities responded to Katherine’s Hollywood Hills residence on the evening of Feb. 23 after receiving a call about a possible suicide. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed officers arrived shortly before 6:45 p.m. and opened an investigation after discovering a deceased woman at the home. The Los Angeles Fire Department also responded to the scene.
Katherine was the eldest of three children Martin shared with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010 at age 58. Married for three decades, the couple also adopted sons Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.
While her father built a career in comedy and film — including his current role on Only Murders in the Building — Katherine chose a different path. 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 University of Southern California in 2010.
Dedicated to mental health advocacy, Katherine trained with Public Counsel and the West L.A. Veterans Administration before spending four years at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, where she focused on crisis intervention, therapy and family support. She later worked at the Camden Center and established a private practice as a licensed clinical social worker. She also partnered part-time with Amae Health and supported the nonprofit Bring Change 2 Mind.
Though largely private, Katherine occasionally accompanied her father to public events, including a 2003 afterparty for The Producers and the 2011 ‘Vanity Fair’ Oscar Party.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
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