Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Dies at 42—Inside the Actor’s Family Amid the Heartbreaking Loss

Martin Short has been making folks laugh for years. Whether it’s his classic films like Father of the Bride or Three Amigos, or even one of his more recent hits like the beloved series Only Murders in the Building, the actor has brought endless hours of joy to people around the world—though he unfortunately has had to endure his fair share of heartache over the years. In 2010, Martin’s wife Nancy tragically passed of ovarian cancer, and today, it was revealed that his daughter, Katherine, died at the age of 42. “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the family shared with People in a statement. “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.” In the wake of Katherine’s tragic passing, Martin remembers her legacy alongside his two children. Here, all about the actor’s family. 

Martin Short’s marriage and fatherhood

Martin Short met his wife, Nancy Dolman, back in the 70s and by 1980, the duo tied the knot. While together, they adopted three children, and were happily married until 2010 when she passed away after battling ovarian cancer. Nancy’s passing rocked Martin’s world, but the life they shared and her legacy lives on through her memory and their children. 

“Our marriage was a triumph,” Short told AARP in 2019. “So it’s tough. She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time. It’s ‘Hey, Nan,’ you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids? 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.”

Katherine Short sadly passes at 42

Martin Short’s firstborn, Katherine, strayed as far away as possible from the bright lights of Hollywood, instead pursuing social work and dedicating her life to helping others. Though she’s stayed largely out of the limelight throughout her life, she was seen by her father’s side at several events over the years. Today, it was announced that she sadly passed away, and her family mourns the loss of their beloved sister and daughter. Though the family has not revealed details surrounding her death to the public, People further reported that the LAPD confirmed to them that the call initially made to the Los Angeles Fire Department was “regarding a possible suicide.” 

Oliver Short: Martin Short’s middle child

Martin’s son Oliver, 39, has gotten the closest to show business in terms of his career, studying television production in school. As of 2019, he was working as a Senior Associate Producer at NBC Sports, as revealed by his father on CONAN. Based on his LinkedIn, he has most recently enjoyed a career as an Event Producer with Cosm. 

Back in 2017, Short reflected on a memory of his son Oliver in conversation with Today’s Parents. “I don’t show my films in my household because then you’re always watching and saying, ‘They went with that take, huh?’ So, I remember my son Oliver coming home at 11 years old, and saying, ‘Hey, Dad, did you know you once made a western?’ Because he had never seen Three Amigos—because I never showed it to him.”

Henry Short: the youngest of Martin Short’s kids

Martin Short’s youngest son, Henry, 35, has also kept his distance from show business, instead working in finance for several years until recently shifting his focus, now working as a veterinary assistant, per his LinkedIn. 

As Martin Short and his family navigate this heartbreaking loss, they hold tight to the beautiful memories Katherine created and the profound impact she made through her work helping others. Through the enduring love Martin shared with Nancy and the three remarkable children they raised together—Katherine, Oliver and Henry—their legacy of kindness, compassion and dedication to making the world brighter continues to shine. Our hearts go out to the Short family during this incredibly difficult time, and we honor Katherine’s memory by celebrating the light and joy she brought into the world, just as her family described. May her spirit live on in the lives she touched and the love she shared.