Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Dies at 42

Neighbors describe Katherine as a "great neighbor and gardener" but someone who mostly kept to herself.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Martin Short's daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has died at the age of 42 in an apparent suicide. According to her neighbors, Katherine was friendly but largely kept to herself at her Hollywood Hills home. The social worker's death has been described as "incredibly sad" by those who lived near her.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of Katherine Short, the eldest child of actor Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, has shone a light on the challenges of mental health and the need for greater awareness and support. As a private person who was involved in mental health advocacy, Katherine's story underscores how even those closest to us can struggle in silence.

The details

Katherine was reportedly found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Hollywood Hills home on Monday. Neighbors described her as a "great neighbor and gardener" who was "very nice" but largely kept to herself, not throwing loud parties. While Katherine attended some public events with her family over the years, she was private about her personal life.

  • Katherine Short died on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Katherine Hartley Short

The 42-year-old daughter of actor Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, who worked as a social worker and was involved with mental health advocacy.

Martin Short

The acclaimed actor and comedian, known for roles in "Only Murders in the Building" and other projects, who is grieving the loss of his eldest child.

Nancy Dolman

Martin Short's late wife, who passed away in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer.

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What they’re saying

“She was a great neighbor and gardener. This is incredibly sad.”

— Neighbor (Us Weekly)

“She was very nice. She didn't throw loud parties and largely kept to herself.”

— Neighbor (Us Weekly)

“She would wave 'hi' while out on her porch occasionally, but we didn't interact very many times.”

— Neighbor (Us Weekly)

The takeaway

Katherine Short's tragic death at just 42 years old is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support. As a private person who worked in social services, her story underscores how even those closest to us can struggle in silence, and the need for greater empathy and resources to help prevent such devastating losses.