Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Short Dies at 42

Katherine Short, the daughter of actor Martin Short, has passed away at the age of 42.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Martin Short's daughter, Katherine Short, has died at the age of 42. A representative for Martin Short confirmed the news, stating that the Short family is 'devastated by this loss' and asking for privacy. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call at Katherine Short's address on Monday evening for a possible suicide, where they found a deceased female. Katherine Short was one of three children that Martin Short shared with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010.

Why it matters

The death of Martin Short's daughter Katherine is a tragic loss for the family and the entertainment community. Katherine was an advocate for mental health and was involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind. Her passing at a young age raises awareness around mental health issues and the importance of support systems for those struggling.

The details

According to reports, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call at Katherine Short's address on Monday evening for a possible suicide. When authorities arrived, they found a deceased female. Katherine Short earned a bachelor's degree from New York University and a master's in social work from the University of Southern California. She worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also worked part-time at the clinic Amae Health.

  • On Monday, February 24, 2026, at 6:43 p.m. PT, a call came into Katherine Short's address for a possible suicide.
  • When LAPD and medics arrived, they found Katherine Short deceased.

The players

Martin Short

An actor known for his work in comedy, who was married to Nancy Dolman until her death in 2010. He and Dolman had three children together, including Katherine Short.

Katherine Short

The daughter of actor Martin Short, who passed away at the age of 42. She was a mental health advocate and involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind.

Nancy Dolman

The late wife of Martin Short, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010 after 30 years of marriage.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Martin Short's representative (ABC News)

The takeaway

The tragic passing of Martin Short's daughter Katherine at the young age of 42 highlights the importance of mental health awareness and support systems for those struggling. Katherine was an advocate for mental health and her loss is deeply felt by her family and the community.