Comedian and award-winning actor Martin Short is facing an unimaginable family loss. His eldest daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has died at 42, according to TMZ.
The outlet reported that law enforcement sources said Los Angeles police and fire officials responded to her Hollywood Hills home Monday shortly after 6:40 p.m. PT, where she was found deceased.
Amid the grief, Short has understandably stepped back from his professional commitments as he grieves with his family.
Comedy Tour Dates Postponed Following Family Tragedy
GettyTMZ reported on Monday that Short has postponed upcoming stops on his comedy tour as he mourns the sudden loss of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short.
He had been set to take the stage alongside longtime friend and “Only Murders in the Building” co-star Steve Martin in Milwaukee and Minneapolis as part of their tour, “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short.”
Venue websites now indicate the performances have been postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Notice on the website states: “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.”
Short has not personally released a public statement. However, a family representative shared the following message with TMZ:
“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 family has asked for privacy as they grieve this devastating loss.TMZ was first to report Katherine’s passing.
Remembering Katherine Hartley Short: Her Life Beyond the Spotlight
Katherine was the daughter of Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 after three decades of marriage. She was the eldest of their three children and grew up largely shielded from the spotlight that surrounded her father’s career.
Born on December 3, 1983, Katherine devoted her life to helping others. According to People, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006. She went on to receive a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
While in graduate school, she interned at the pro bono law firm Public Counsel and trained at the West L.A. Veterans Administration.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, after completing her degree, she joined UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, where she worked for more than 4 years.
She later continued her work at the dual-diagnosis outpatient program Camden Center, focusing on mental health support and patient care.
Though Short became a household name through projects such as “Only Murders in the Building,” “Father of the Bride,” and “Saturday Night Live,” Katherine chose a quieter path.
She occasionally appeared alongside her father at public events but centered her life on her profession and the people she served.
As Short mourns this profound loss, friends, fans, and colleagues have shared messages of love and support.
Our thoughts are with Short and his family during this deeply painful time.
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