Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Dies at 42: Suicide Reported

Tragedy Strikes Martin Short: Daughter Katherine Passes Away at 42

The family of acclaimed actor Martin Short confirmed the passing of his eldest daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, at 42, with law enforcement sources reporting her death as an apparent suicide.

Aisha Palmer

Feb 25, 2026, 4:48 AM PT · 2 min read

Katherine Short, Martin Short's daughter, died by apparent suicide at 42.

THE RUNDOWN

Katherine Short, 42, daughter of Martin Short, passed away.
Family confirmed her death on February 24, 2026, requesting privacy.
Law enforcement sources reported her death as apparent suicide.
Katherine was a social worker and mental health advocate.
She was the eldest of three adopted children; her mother died in 2010.

Katherine Hartley Short, the beloved daughter of acclaimed actor and comedian Martin Short, has tragically passed away at the age of 42. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news on February 24, 2026, releasing a statement expressing their profound grief. “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a representative for the Only Murders in the Building star said. “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.”

Reports, citing law enforcement sources, indicate that Katherine was found deceased at her home in the Hollywood Hills on Monday, February 23, 2026, with her death being an apparent suicide due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Katherine, born in December 1983, was a dedicated professional who largely maintained a private life outside of the entertainment spotlight. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University and a master's in social work from the University of Southern California. She worked as a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Los Angeles and was actively involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization focused on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Katherine was the eldest of three adopted children of Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away in 2010 from ovarian cancer. She is survived by her father and her two brothers, Oliver and Henry. Martin Short had previously spoken about the difficulties his children faced following their mother's passing. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, upcoming shows for Martin Short and Steve Martin's comedy tour have been postponed.