Canadian actor and comedian Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, has died, her family confirmed in an emotional statement.
The 42-year-old social worker was found dead in her home in Hollywood Hills on Monday with a self-inflicted wound, according to TMZ reports from first responders.
‘It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,’ a representative for the Only Murders in the Building star, 75, shared.
‘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.’
Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman (who died of ovarian cancer in 2010). They also adopted two sons, Henry, 36, and Oliver, 39.
After graduating from New York University with a degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies, she received a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California.
She later worked in a private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also worked closely with Bring Change 2 Mind, according to People.
According to the website, this is a charity co-founded by actress Glenn Close, ’empowering young people to build connected, empathetic, and supportive school communities where conversations about mental health are welcome and stigma-free.’
Her Emmy-winning father was currently on tour with his longtime friend and collaborator (and Only Murders in the Building co-star), Steve Martin, and has delayed upcoming shows of The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short tour in the wake of the tragedy.
A notice on the venue website for their next shows reads: ‘Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin and Martin Short’s show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27th in Milwaukee, has been postponed.’
Their next ones are scheduled for Washington DC in March.
Martin has publicly reflected on grief before.
A couple of years after the death of his 58-year-old wife, he told The Guardian: ‘This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does you gain a little and you suffer a little. There’s no big surprise.’
Later, in 2019, he told AARP he ‘still communicates with her all the time’ about her reaction to his decisions, especially regarding their three children.
‘I believe that when people die, they zoom into the people that love them.
‘This idea that it just ends, and don’t speak of them – that’s wrong. That’s based on denial that we’re all going to die. So to me, she’s still here.
‘At the same time, her death emboldened me to take risks. With real tragedy, you become a little more daring. It’s the yin to the yang: the positive part of life’s dark side.’
Need support?
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
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