Some news hits harder than others. On the evening of February 24, 2026, Hollywood came to a sudden, grief-stricken halt as veteran comedian and Only Murders in the Building star Martin Short lost his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, at just 42 years old. Our deepest condolences go out to the Short family during this unimaginably difficult time.
What Happened?
The LAPD and the fire department were called to Katherine’s house in the Hollywood Hills around 6:40 PM PT, where she was found deceased. Following this tragedy, the 75-year-old actor’s The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short comedy show was canceled via notices on the Milwaukee and Minneapolis locations’ websites.
The family released a heartfelt statement confirming the loss: “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.”
Katherine Short — A Life of Purpose
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| 👤 Full Name | Katherine Hartley Short |
| 🎂 Age at Passing | 42 years old |
| 📅 Date | February 24, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles |
| 🎓 Education | Bachelor’s – NYU; Master’s in Social Work – USC |
| 💼 Career | Social worker, non-profit organizations |
| 👨👩👧 Siblings | Henry Short, Oliver Patrick Short |
| 🎭 Father | Martin Short (actor, comedian) |
| 👩 Mother | Nancy Dolman (passed away 2010) |
Katherine was a social worker based in Los Angeles, having completed her bachelor’s education from NYU and a master’s degree from USC’s social work program. She was actively connected with non-profit organizations — a life lived quietly but meaningfully in service of others. ThePrint
A Family That Has Seen Deep Grief Before
Katherine, Henry, and Oliver were all adopted by Martin Short and his wife Nancy Dolman, who passed away in 2010 after battling ovarian cancer — having been married to Short for about three decades from 1980 onwards. ThePrint This marks a second profound loss for the Short family in just over a decade.
Martin Short’s scheduled appearances in Milwaukee and Minneapolis were postponed citing ‘unforeseen circumstances,’ with future scheduling remaining unclear. ThePrint
Martin Short is a Canadian-American comedian and actor celebrated for decades of work across Saturday Night Live, Father of the Bride, and most recently Only Murders in the Building. For more on Hollywood celebrity news and entertainment updates, stay tuned at TechnoSports, and check out our latest Hollywood and celebrity news coverage for more.
