Katherine Hartley Short, the eldest daughter of acclaimed actor and comedian Martin Short, has died at the age of 42. Her passing, confirmed by family representatives on February 24, 2026, has sent ripples of grief through both Hollywood and the Los Angeles mental health community, where Katherine made her mark as a dedicated social worker. The cause of death, reported by multiple outlets and confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office, was suicide.
For many, the Short name conjures images of red carpets, laughter, and the bright lights of show business. But Katherine Hartley Short’s life was defined by a quieter kind of influence—one rooted in empathy, resilience, and service. As her family expressed in a statement released to USA TODAY, “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.”
Born into a family synonymous with entertainment, Katherine chose a different path. After graduating from New York University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies, she returned to California to pursue her master’s at the University of Southern California’s School of Social Work, completing her degree in 2010. Her academic journey reflected a deep commitment to understanding and supporting those grappling with mental health challenges. According to People, Katherine specialized in adoption, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and loss, suicidality, and relationship difficulties, operating a private practice in Los Angeles.
Katherine’s professional life was marked by a steady devotion to her clients and the broader mental health community. She worked part-time at Amae Health, a psychiatry-led outpatient clinic, and contributed to the nonprofit Bring Change 2 Mind, which is dedicated to ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. The organization’s mission—to “empower young people to build connected, empathetic and supportive school communities where conversations about mental health are welcome and stigma-free”—echoed Katherine’s own philosophy and approach to her work.
Her impact extended beyond individual counseling sessions. While studying for her master’s, she led group and individual therapy sessions for veterans diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and spent four years working at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. Colleagues and friends described her as someone who brought “light and joy” to those around her, a sentiment echoed repeatedly in the family’s public statements.
Yet, for all her professional accomplishments, Katherine largely stayed out of the public eye, choosing to focus on her clients, her community, and her family. She attended a few Hollywood events with her father over the years, but never sought the spotlight herself. As Martin Short recounted in a 2019 appearance on “Conan,” none of his children were interested in following him into show business, despite his encouragement. “I pushed them. I wanted them to go into show business,” he said, but respected their decisions to forge their own paths.
Katherine’s death comes as the latest in a series of personal losses for the Short family. Martin Short’s wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman, died in August 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer—the same year Katherine completed her graduate studies. The couple, who met in the early 1970s while working on a Toronto production of “Godspell,” adopted three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. Nancy’s passing left a profound mark on the family, with Martin Short reflecting in a 2012 interview with The Guardian, “This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does you gain a little and you suffer a little. There’s no big surprise.”
The circumstances surrounding Katherine’s death are both tragic and, sadly, all too familiar for many families. Law enforcement and fire department personnel responded to her Hollywood Hills home on the evening of February 24, after a friend, concerned about not hearing from her for over 24 hours, requested a welfare check. Officers found a note on the door and discovered Katherine deceased inside. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office later confirmed the manner of death as suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Her passing has reverberated not just within her immediate family, but also among friends and colleagues in the mental health field. Katherine’s work with Bring Change 2 Mind and her private practice touched countless lives, and her legacy is one of compassion, advocacy, and a tireless commitment to helping others. As TMZ reported, “While her father is obviously very famous, Katherine mostly stayed out of the public eye ... attending a few events with her father throughout the years.”
The timing of Katherine’s death comes amid another recent loss for Martin Short: the passing of close friend and longtime collaborator Catherine O’Hara, who died less than a month ago. Short and his “Only Murders in the Building” co-star Steve Martin paid tribute to O’Hara during a recent stop on their joint comedy tour, recalling her as “the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel.” The duo’s next show is scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee, though staff members for the theaters told TMZ it’s unclear whether the performances will go ahead as planned.
As news of Katherine’s death spread, tributes poured in from friends, colleagues, and those who had been touched by her work. The outpouring of support underscores the impact she had, even as she maintained a low public profile. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the silent battles many face, regardless of background or circumstance.
The Short family has requested privacy as they navigate this devastating loss. In their words, Katherine “will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.” For those struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of suicide, resources are available. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support, and organizations like Bring Change 2 Mind continue to fight stigma and offer hope.
Katherine Hartley Short’s life was a testament to the power of empathy and the importance of mental health advocacy. Though her time was cut tragically short, the legacy she leaves behind—of service, kindness, and resilience—will not be forgotten.