Katherine Short, the 42-year-old daughter of acclaimed actor and comedian Martin Short, has died at her home in the Hollywood Hills. The tragedy occurred on Monday evening, with a representative for the Only Murders in the Building star confirming the devastating news. Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, and had dedicated her career to mental health advocacy and social work.
According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Katherine Short was found dead around 6pm on Monday. A law enforcement source told the Los Angeles Times that the death appeared to be a suicide, though official details have not been fully released. The Short family issued a statement expressing profound grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Career Dedicated to Mental Health and Social Work
Katherine Short largely remained out of the public spotlight despite her father’s celebrity status. She pursued a meaningful career in mental health, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006. Additionally, she obtained a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
Following her education, Katherine worked as a licensed clinical social worker in private practice. According to People magazine, she also dedicated time to community outreach, providing peer support and psychotherapy at a clinic. Her commitment to mental health advocacy extended to her work with Bring Change 2 Mind, a charitable organization focused on reducing mental health stigma among young people.
Family Background and Personal Life
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman first met in 1972 while working on a production of Godspell. The couple married in 1980 and went on to adopt Katherine and her two younger brothers, Henry and Oliver. However, the family faced tragedy when Dolman died from ovarian cancer in 2010 at age 58.
In a 2012 interview with the Guardian, Martin Short reflected on the difficult years following his wife’s death. He acknowledged the universal nature of grief while noting the profound impact it had on the family. Katherine occasionally attended public events and walked red carpets with her father, though she maintained a relatively private life focused on her professional work.
Martin Short’s Current Professional Commitments
The loss of Katherine Short comes while Martin Short is actively touring with his longtime friend and Only Murders in the Building co-star Steve Martin. The two comedians have maintained a close friendship spanning over three decades and are currently on a two-man comedy tour. Meanwhile, authorities have not confirmed whether the scheduled performance in Milwaukee on Friday will proceed as planned.
The family spokesperson emphasized that Katherine was “beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.” In contrast to her father’s high-profile career in entertainment, Katherine chose a path dedicated to helping others through mental health services and advocacy work.
Representatives for Martin Short have not announced whether upcoming tour dates will be affected by this family tragedy. The entertainment community and fans have begun expressing condolences, though the family has requested privacy as they process this devastating loss.
