Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Short, was last publicly photographed in October 2023 while celebrating her milestone 40th birthday in Hollywood, more than two years before her passing at age 42.
According to Page Six, Katherine was seen on Oct. 12, 2023, outside Grand Master Recorders, a popular Hollywood restaurant and event space. She wore a knit dress and a “Birthday Girl” headband, smiling as she exited the venue with several to-go bags and a tote in hand. Newly surfaced images and video, later published by the Daily Mail, show her in a sequined dress and tiara during the star-studded celebration.
Her father, Martin Short, was also photographed outside the restaurant speaking on the phone. Guests at the gathering reportedly included Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Bo Welch, Joni Mitchell, Julianne Phillips and the late Catherine O’Hara.
Family Confirms Passing
News of Katherine’s passing was confirmed on Tuesday, Feb. 24. In a statement to Us Weekly, a representative for the Short family said, “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.”
The Los Angeles Police Department told Us Weekly that officers responded to a radio call regarding a possible suicide attempt at a Hollywood Hills residence on the evening of Feb. 23. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that crews were dispatched to the address.
TMZ reported that Katherine was found at her home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities have not publicly released an official cause of death.
A Career Dedicated to Mental Health
Katherine worked as a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, specializing in psychotic disorders, anxiety and borderline personality disorder. According to People, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from New York University before completing a master’s in social work at the University of Southern California.
She also worked part-time at Amae Health and had previously shared on her now-deleted website that she relied on a service dog named Joni, inspired by Joni Mitchell, to assist with her own mental health challenges. She described the dog as accompanying her to the office and providing support over several years.
Martin Short adopted Katherine along with sons Oliver, 39, and Henry, 36, with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away in 2010. Over the years, Short has spoken openly about navigating grief with his children, once sharing that after loss, “We go on.”
