Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Dies at 42 — Cause of Death Confirmed

Canadian comedian and actor Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has taken her own life, according to law enforcement sources.

The 42-year-old died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her residence in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, Calif. The Los Angeles Police Department and fire department responded to a call at approximately 6:40 p.m. on February 23. When officials arrived, Short was pronounced dead by paramedics.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a family representative said in a statement to TMZ. “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.”

Martin Short met actress Nancy Dolman in 1972 during the production of "Godspell". The couple married in 1980 and later adopted three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. Dolman died of ovarian cancer on August 21, 2010.

In the wake of the tragedy, Martin Short postponed several shows on his joint comedy tour with Steve Martin.

Their February 27 gig at the Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee was postponed because of "unforeseen circumstances," according to the venue’s website.

The duo’s performance scheduled for February 28 at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis was also postponed. “Tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date when determined,” a notice on the website said.

Short is nominated for best male actor in a comedy series at the upcoming Actor Awards for his performance as Oliver Putnam in "Only Murders in the Building".

Katherine Hartley Short earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from New York University in 2006 and later completed a master’s degree in social work at University of South California in 2010. She ran a private practice and also worked part-time at Amae Health, a psychiatry-led outpatient clinic. She was also involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, which focuses on ending the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, according to People.

The "Only Murders in the Building" actor also recently lost his longtime friend and collaborator, actress Catherine O’Hara, who died at age 71 on January 30, 2026. O’Hara, best known for her roles in "Schitt’s Creek", "Home Alone", and other productions, passed away due to a pulmonary embolism, with underlying rectal cancer listed as a contributing cause.

According to Los Angeles Times, Short paid a tribute to O’Hara during one of his tours, saying, “In all these years later, she has been the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel.”