Katherine Hartley Short, daughter of actor Martin Short, has died at the age of 42. A family representative confirmed the news, requesting privacy during this difficult time. She was found at her Hollywood Hills home, with reports stating her death was due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Notably, Katherine worked toward breaking the stigma around mental health issues.
Martin Short’s daughter Katherine dies at 42
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. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Katherine was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. TMZ reported, citing LAPD sources, that officials with the department, as well as fire department officials, responded to an incident at the Hollywood Hills home around 6:45 pm CT on Monday, February 23. 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.
Following his daughter’s death, Martin Short is taking a break from his comedy tour with longtime pal Steve Martin. The pair’s February 27 stop at Milwaukee’s Miller High Life Theatre for The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short tour has been postponed, in addition to two shows on February 28 in Minneapolis.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin & Martin Short’s show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27 in Milwaukee, has been postponed,” reads a notice on the venue’s website.
More about 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. She 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.
Katherine was involved with a nonprofit organization called Bring Change to Mind, which works to break down the stigma connected to mental health issues. While her father is obviously very famous, Katherine mostly stayed out of the public eye, attending a few events with him over the years.
