Martin Short’s Daughter, Katherine, Dies at 42
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Katherine Short, the daughter of actor and comedian Martin Short, has died at the age of 42. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call Monday evening from a home in the Hollywood Hills regarding a female approximately 41 years old, according to reports.
A representative for Short confirmed her death on Tuesday, stating the family is “devastated by this loss” and requests privacy. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world,” the statement read.
While the cause of death was initially not disclosed, multiple sources, including TMZ, Parade, and Google News, reported that Katherine died by suicide.
Katherine Short was adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, along with two sons, Henry and Oliver. She largely lived a private life, though she occasionally accompanied her father to public events.
She pursued a career in clinical social work, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. She worked in private practice and also volunteered at a clinic, providing community outreach, peer support, and psychotherapy. She was also involved with Bring Change 2 Mind, a charity focused on mental health awareness.
Dolman died of ovarian cancer in 2010. Short spoke to The Guardian in 2012 about the difficulty of losing his wife, acknowledging the pain that accompanies such loss.
Martin Short is currently on a comedy tour with Steve Martin. Their next performance is scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee.
