TRAGIC: Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Dies By Suicide

This is very sad.

The daughter of famous actor and comedian Martin Short has tragically passed away after committing suicide.

She was only 42 years old.

🕊️ Martin Short's daughter Katherine has died by s*icide.

What we know: https://t.co/01NyxQw4z9 pic.twitter.com/254fUDrklR

— TMZ (@TMZ) February 24, 2026

Katherine Short, one of the three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, actress Nancy Dolman, has died at age 42.

Read the full report: https://t.co/mKa1IoVYv0 pic.twitter.com/d5H6pFTuvA

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 24, 2026

Katherine was Martin Short’s oldest child.

She was adopted by Martin and his wife, Nancy Dolman.

TMZ reported on Katherine’s death:

The 42-year-old died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound … law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

LAPD and the fire department responded to her Hollywood Hills home Monday, shortly after 6:40 PM PT, where she was found deceased.

A representative tells 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.”

Despite having a famous father, Katherine mostly stayed out of the spotlight. She was employed as a social worker and therapist.

Sadly, this marks the second heartbreaking tragedy in Martin Short’s life.

In 2010, he also lost his wife of 30 years to ovarian cancer.

More from People:

Katherine was the adopted daughter of Martin and his late wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. The couple shared two other children via adoption, Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.

Katherine worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also part-time at the clinic, Amae Health, to provide community outreach, family support groups, peer support and psychotherapy.

She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and went on to earn her master’s in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.

Katherine mostly remained out of the public eye, but attended a few events with her father over the years, including the afterparty for The Producers in 2003 and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2011.

Please pray for Martin Short and his family in their time of immense loss and grief.