Martin Short was not present at the 2026 Actor Awards as he continues to mourn a heartbreaking loss within his family. The 75-year-old actor did not attend Sunday’s ceremony on March 1 at theShrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, days after the death of his daughter, Katherine, who died by suicide at 42 on February 23.
GettyIn a quiet show of support, his “Only Murders in the Building” co-stars Selena Gomez and Steve Martin also chose to skip the event, standing by Short during an unimaginably difficult time.
Co-Stars Stand By Short During Difficult Time
Gomez, 33, and Martin, 80, opted not to attend the ceremony or walk the red carpet as Short grieves privately with his family.
Short had been nominated this year for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series. The award was ultimately presented to Seth Rogen.
Disney“Only Murders in the Building” was also in the running for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, though the honor went to the cast of “The Studio.”
Since its debut in 2021, “Only Murders in the Building” has received 11 Actor Awards nominations and secured two wins.
In 2025, Short took home Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, and the ensemble earned Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series, marking a high point for the acclaimed series.
Short’s absence from the awards was not the only public appearance he stepped away from.
According to TMZ, he has also postponed upcoming dates on his comedy tour as he grieves the sudden loss of his daughter.
The actor had been scheduled to perform alongside longtime friend and “Only Murders in the Building” co-star Steve Martin in Milwaukee and Minneapolis for their tour, “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short.”
Venue websites now list the shows as postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances,” with a notice stating:
“IMPORTANT: Steve Martin & Martin Short (2/27/26) POSTPONED Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin & Martin Short’s show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27, in Milwaukee, has been postponed. Tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date. We will be in contact with further news when it is available. Please email tickets@ptglive.com with any questions.”
What Did Martin Short Say About Daughter’s Tragic Loss?
Following Katherine’s passing, the Short family released a statement. The statement published by TMZ read:
“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,” the family said.
“Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Martin has not yet publicly commented on her daughter’s passing.
Katherine was one of three children Short shared with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. The couple adopted Katherine along with her brothers, Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.
TMZ was the first to report that the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at a Hollywood Hills home on the evening of February 23. The L.A. County coroner later confirmed that Katherine died by suicide.
In the days since, Short has stepped back from public events as he mourns privately. Friends, colleagues, and longtime collaborators have continued to surround him with support during this deeply painful time.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach the toll-free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (dial 888-628-9454 for assistance in Spanish). You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor anytime by texting HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
