Martin Short’s daughter Katherine Hartley Short dies at 42 in Hollywood Hills

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The family of beloved comedian Martin Short is mourning a devastating personal loss.

Katherine Hartley Short, the actor’s daughter, died on February 24 at the age of 42. A representative confirmed the heartbreaking news on February 25, sharing a brief statement on behalf of the family.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the rep said. “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 Hartley Short found dead at home

According to reports cited in the initial coverage, Katherine was found dead at her Hollywood Hills, California, home on Monday, Feb 23, evening. 

The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that emergency crews were dispatched to the residence. “At 6:41 pm, we responded to a reported shooting at that address,” the department said, noting that “death was reported of a female.”

Authorities have not publicly released additional details beyond the initial response information.

Katherine Hartley Short championed mental health advocacy

Though she largely stayed out of the public spotlight, Katherine built a professional life focused on helping others.

She graduated from New York University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies. Four years later, she earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.

In the years leading up to her death, Katherine worked as a social worker in private practice and part-time at Amae Health, an outreach clinic that provides psychotherapy services.

She was also involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. 

Katherine Hartley Short’s family and public moments

Katherine was the adopted daughter of Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of cancer in 2010. The couple had been married for 30 years. In addition to Katherine, they adopted two sons, Oliver Patrick, now 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.

While she generally kept a low public profile, she occasionally accompanied her father to industry events over the years.

Their most recent public outing together was in 2023 during her 40th birthday celebration at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood. Before that, the father-daughter duo attended a pre-Emmy bash in 2021 at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood.

Earlier appearances included a 2003 after-party for the Los Angeles production of 'The Producers' and a 2005 event for Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project.

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