LOS ANGELES — The world of entertainment and those who follow stories of real human resilience were shaken this week by the heartbreaking news that Katherine Hartley Short. The eldest daughter of celebrated comedian and actor Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, has died at the age of 42. Her death was officially ruled a suicide, and the devastation of her loss is being felt by family, friends, and the broader…
LOS ANGELES — The world of entertainment and those who follow stories of real human resilience were shaken this week by the heartbreaking news that Katherine Hartley Short.

The eldest daughter of celebrated comedian and actor Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, has died at the age of 42.

Her death was officially ruled a suicide, and the devastation of her loss is being felt by family, friends, and the broader community she served with compassion and dedication.

A Family Statement Amidst Grief
On February 24, 2026, the Short family released an official statement confirming Katherine’s passing: “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.”

Her sudden death came as a shock not only to her family but also to those who knew her personally or knew of her work in mental health advocacy.

The family has asked for space during this extraordinarily difficult time, a request that has reverberated across entertainment and mental health communities.

The Tragic Circumstances of Her Death

According to law enforcement and emergency response reports, Katherine Hartley Short was found deceased at her home in the Hollywood Hills on the evening of Monday, February 23, 2026.

Emergency crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call to her residence at around 6:40 p.m. local time.
Authorities later confirmed that her death was the result of a self‑inflicted gunshot wound. Friends, neighbors, and acquaintances have described the scene as deeply painful and shocking.Some neighbors reported that they had seen no obvious symptoms of her internal struggles, underscoring how silently mental anguish can operate even in people committed to helping others.

At this time, law enforcement has emphasized that while details of the investigation remain private, they classified the death as a suicide based on evidence at the scene and official reports from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.

An Educated and Compassionate Professional

Born on December 3, 1983, Katherine was the oldest of three children adopted by Martin Short and Nancy Dolman, an actress, singer, and performer who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010 after a long illness.

Unlike her father, who achieved international fame for his work on Saturday Night Live, SCTV, Only Murders in the Building, and countless films, Katherine chose a life of private service to others through the field of clinical social work.

After graduating from New York University (NYU) in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies, she went on to earn a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2010.

Throughout her career, Katherine worked as a licensed clinical social worker, including in her own private practice where she provided psychotherapy, therapy groups, and individual clinical care.She also held part‑time roles at psychiatric and outpatient clinics, most notably at Amae Health, where her responsibilities included community outreach, family support groups, peer support, and direct clinical service.

Her professional trajectory also included work with nonprofit organizations committed to mental health awareness and crisis intervention.

One of her most significant contributions was with Bring Change 2 Mind, a nonprofit co‑founded by actress Glenn Close that focuses on reducing stigma, facilitating open discussion about mental health, and providing support frameworks for young people.

These efforts showed Katherine’s deep commitment to using her clinical expertise not only to support individuals one‑on‑one but also to influence broader cultural narratives about mental health.

A Quiet Presence in the Public Eye
Although she grew up in a household with a high‑profile father, Katherine largely maintained a private life, choosing not to pursue celebrity or public recognition.

Friends say she preferred her work to speak for itself and that her closest relationships were built on trust, empathy, and shared commitments to community support.

Over the years, she occasionally appeared with her father at major public events and Hollywood premieres.

These included theater after‑parties and red carpet appearances such as the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2011, where she walked alongside her father in support of his work.

Despite these occasional public moments, Katherine’s life was defined far more by personal achievements, educational milestones, and her dedication to helping others than by public appearances or media attention.

Life Beyond Work: Personal Strengths and Compassion
To those closest to her, Katherine was known as a warm and generous spirit. Friends, colleagues, and those she counseled described her as someone who could balance professionalism with deep compassion, and whose insight into the human condition made her an effective therapist and advocate.

A close friend associated with her charity work shared that while Katherine did face mental health challenges privately, she still conveyed joy, laughter, and strength to those around her.

According to this friend, Katherine had checked herself into treatment facilities in the past and had worked hard to manage her struggles even as she supported others in theirs.

Despite her professional success and caring persona, those who knew her say that her internal challenges were profound — a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of resilience or accomplishments.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Support
Katherine’s legacy includes not only her direct work with clients and community groups but also her role in broader advocacy efforts.

Through her involvement with Bring Change 2 Mind, she helped destigmatize mental illness, encouraging open conversation and acceptance.

She believed that mental health support should be available, humane, and compassionate — a view she lived every day in her profession.

Her work with families, veterans, and individuals facing serious mental health challenges has touched many lives in Los Angeles and beyond, leaving an indelible imprint on the people she supported.

A Family Steeped in Humor, Art, and Resilience
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman were both deeply involved in the arts. They met in the early 1970s while working on the Toronto production of Godspell, and married in 1980.

Together they adopted three children: Katherine, and her younger brothers Oliver Patrick Short and Henry Hayter Short.

Just as Katherine chose a life away from the center of Hollywood’s spotlight, her brothers have also maintained relatively private lives, often supporting their father while pursuing their own professional paths.

The Short family has a long history of combining artistic creativity with grounded personal values — a blend that Katherine embodied in her own way through her dedication to helping others.

Martin Short’s Tour and Ongoing Work
In the days following Katherine’s passing, news outlets reported that Martin Short postponed several dates on his comedy tour with longtime friend Steve Martin to be with his family during this time of mourning.

Shows that had been scheduled in Milwaukee and Minneapolis in late February were delayed due to what venues called “unforeseen circumstances,” with assurances that ticket holders would be honored for rescheduled dates.

This decision, while disappointing for audiences, reflects the profound impact this loss has had on Martin, his family, and those who share his life and work.

Remembering Katherine: A Call to Awareness and Support
The death of Katherine Hartley Short brings forward an urgent reminder of the deep complexity of mental health.

Behind every person who chooses lives dedicated to helping others, there may also be hidden battles — battles that deserve compassion, understanding, and unwavering support.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 at any time to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with trained counselors who can provide confidential support.

Worldwide, local crisis hotlines and mental health professionals can offer help to those in need.

A Life Remembered
Katherine Hartley Short will be remembered not for how she died, but for how she lived: as a healer, a listener, a supporter, and someone who used her own understanding of human struggle to extend help to others.

Her legacy endures in the countless people she helped, the communities she supported, and the compassion she shared in every part of her life.

Her family’s request for privacy is a reminder that behind every public loss, there are loved ones grieving in silence — carrying memories, shared moments, and the deep pain of absence that words can never fully capture.