Katherine Hartley Short, the 42-year-old daughter of acclaimed actor and comedian Martin Short, has died in Los Angeles. Emergency responders were called to her Hollywood Hills home on Monday evening, where she was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. Law enforcement sources cited by multiple outlets reported that her death was an apparent suicide.
In a statement shared with the media, the Short family confirmed the loss and requested privacy as they grieve. Katherine, a licensed clinical social worker, had built a quiet life centered on helping others through mental health care and community support.
Key Facts About Katherine Hartley Short’s Death and Life
- Katherine Hartley Short died at age 42 at her Hollywood Hills residence.
- Emergency crews responded at approximately 6:41 p.m. on Monday.
- Law enforcement sources told TMZ and The Los Angeles Times that she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed responding to a reported shooting.
- The Short family released a public statement requesting privacy.
- She was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin Short and Nancy Dolman.
- She worked as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles.
- She earned degrees from New York University (2006) and the University of Southern California (2010).
- She was involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness.
- Martin Short is currently on tour with Steve Martin and nominated for an acting award for Only Murders in the Building.
Emergency Response and Official Confirmation
According to reports from TMZ and The Los Angeles Times, authorities were called to Katherine Short’s Hollywood Hills home shortly after 6:40 p.m. on Monday. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed receiving a 911 call regarding a shooting at the residence. Paramedics declared her dead soon after arriving at the scene.
A law enforcement source cited by The Los Angeles Times stated that her death was an apparent suicide. The Los Angeles County coroner later confirmed the manner of death in statements to PEOPLE.
In a statement released to media outlets, a representative for the family said:
“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.”
Who Was Katherine Hartley Short?
Born on December 3, 1983, Katherine was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, actress Nancy Dolman. She is survived by her father and her two brothers, Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.
Despite being the daughter of a well-known entertainer, Katherine maintained a largely private life. Friends and colleagues described her as thoughtful, warm and deeply committed to supporting others.
She occasionally accompanied her father to public events over the years, including:
- The Producers after-party in Los Angeles (2003)
- Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project event (2005)
- The Vanity Fair Oscar Party (2011)
- A pre-Emmy gathering in West Hollywood (2021)
- Her 40th birthday celebration at Grand Master Recorders in 2023
Education and Career in Mental Health
Katherine devoted her professional life to mental health advocacy and clinical practice.
Academic Background
| Degree | Institution | Year |
| Bachelor’s in Psychology and Gender Sexuality Studies | New York University | 2006 |
| Master’s in Social Work | University of Southern California | 2010 |
Following her studies, she worked as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles.
Professional Roles
- Operated a private practice providing psychotherapy
- Worked part-time at Amae Health, a psychiatry-led outpatient clinic
- Previously affiliated with UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital
- Associated with the dual-diagnosis outpatient program Camden Center
- Provided community outreach, peer support and family support groups
She was also involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
A Life of Public Success and Private Grief
Katherine’s passing comes amid a history of personal loss for Martin Short.
The actor lost his older brother, David, in a car accident when he was 12. His mother, Olive Hayter, died of cancer when he was 17. Two years later, his father, Charles Patrick Short, died following a stroke. By age 20, Short had lost both parents and a sibling.
In interviews with The Hollywood Reporter and CNN, Short reflected that life’s stresses either empower or defeat a person. He has often said that enduring those early tragedies strengthened his resilience and shaped his approach to performance.
His wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman, died in August 2010 after battling ovarian cancer. In interviews with The Guardian, Larry King and AARP, Short described her as brave and spoke about how each of their children grieved differently. He once remarked that real tragedy can make a person more daring — calling it the positive side of life’s darker experiences.
Short has also recalled a conversation with Stephen Colbert about loss. Colbert shared that he lost his father and two brothers in a plane crash at age 12. Short later reflected that he understood that kind of fear and grief deeply, having experienced profound losses in his own youth.
Recent Developments and Tour Status
Katherine’s death comes less than a month after the reported passing of Catherine O’Hara, a longtime friend and collaborator of Martin Short. During a recent stop on his comedy tour with Steve Martin, Short paid tribute to O’Hara, recalling meeting her when she was 18 and describing her as brilliant and kind.
At the time of his daughter’s passing, Short was on a comedy and music tour with Steve Martin. Reports from various outlets indicate that the status of upcoming shows in Milwaukee and Minneapolis remains uncertain, with some venues indicating postponements.
Short is also nominated for an acting award in the comedy series category for his role in Only Murders in the Building, the Hulu series co-starring Steve Martin and Selena Gomez, which has also received recognition for its ensemble cast.
Understanding Life and Loss Through the Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj
In moments of profound grief and unanswered questions, many seek deeper spiritual understanding about life, suffering and the purpose of human existence. According to the unique spiritual knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, human life is extremely precious and is meant for attaining true salvation through correct devotion as described in holy scriptures.
His teachings emphasize that worldly relationships, though deeply meaningful, are temporary, and that the soul is eternal. He explains that true peace can only be achieved by understanding the reality of birth, death and liberation as mentioned in sacred texts.
In times of tragedy, spiritual wisdom offers strength, clarity and direction — reminding humanity to seek lasting happiness beyond temporary worldly suffering.
A Life Dedicated to Service Remembered
Katherine Hartley Short chose a life defined not by celebrity, but by service. While her father’s career unfolded on global stages and screens, she built her own path in the field of mental health — offering care, empathy and professional support to individuals and families in need.
Her family’s statement reflects the depth of their loss and the private grief they now carry. Remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world, Katherine’s life leaves behind a legacy rooted in compassion, discretion and dedication to others.
If you or someone you know in the United States is struggling with emotional distress, help is available by calling or texting 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
FAQs on Katherine Hartley Short Dies at 42
1. Who was Katherine Hartley Short?
Katherine Hartley Short was a licensed clinical social worker and the eldest daughter of actor Martin Short and the late Nancy Dolman.
2. How did Katherine Hartley Short die?
Law enforcement sources reported that Katherine Hartley Short died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Hollywood Hills home in Los Angeles.
3. What was Katherine Short’s profession?
She was a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles, working in private practice and part-time at Amae Health, supporting mental health and community outreach programs.
4. Where did Katherine Hartley Short study?
She earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University in 2006 and a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
5. What did Martin Short’s family say about her death?
The family confirmed her passing in a statement, expressing profound grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
