Katherine Short was found at her home in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, on Monday evening. A law enforcement source told the Los Angeles Times that her death is being treated as an apparent suicide.
In a statement, a representative for the Only Murders in the Building actor confirmed the news on behalf of the family.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the statement read. “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 was one of three children adopted by Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. While her father built a long career in comedy and film, she largely remained out of the public eye, occasionally accompanying him to industry events and red carpets.
She pursued a career focused on mental health and community support. Katherine earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, followed by a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. She later worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker. In addition to her clinical work, she was involved in community outreach and peer support initiatives. She also worked with Bring Change 2 Mind, a charity dedicated to reducing stigma around mental health and encouraging open conversations in schools and communities.
Her mother, Nancy Dolman, first met Martin Short in 1972 during a production of Godspell. The couple married in 1980 and went on to adopt Katherine and her two younger brothers, Henry and Oliver. Dolman died from ovarian cancer in 2010, aged 58.
Speaking in 2012 about the years following his wife’s death, Short said: “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.” Martin Short is currently touring with longtime friend and Only Murders in the Building co-star Steve Martin, with their next scheduled performance set to take place in Milwaukee on Friday.
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, support is available.
You can contact Samaritans Ireland on 116 123. Pieta operates a 24/7 freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444. Aware also provides support and information at 1800 80 48 48. In an emergency, contact 999 or 112.
