LOS ANGELES — In a tragic turn of events for the beloved comedy icon, Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Short, has passed away at the age of 42. According to reports released on February 24, 2026, law enforcement sources confirmed that she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The news comes as a devastating blow to the 75-year-old actor and comedian, who has long been celebrated for his vibrant energy and close-knit family ties. Katherine was one of three children Short shared with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010. The family has not yet released an official statement regarding the tragedy.
A Career Defined by Laughter and Resilience
Martin Short, a dual Canadian-American citizen, is a titan of the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over five decades, he rose to prominence on SCTV and Saturday Night Live, creating iconic characters like Jiminy Glick and Ed Grimley. He is a multi-award winner, holding two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award for his work in the Broadway musical Little Me.
In recent years, Short has seen a massive career resurgence starring alongside his longtime friend Steve Martin and Selena Gomez in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building. The duo was currently in the midst of their “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short” tour, with scheduled stops in Charleston, St. Louis, and Columbia throughout the winter and spring of 2026.
Recent Public Appearances and Support
Just days before this tragedy, Short was active in the community, headlined a “Comedy for Cancer” benefit at the Classic Cinemas Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove to support The H Foundation. He also recently made headlines when Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder revealed that a humorous “roast” from Short actually inspired the singer to quit smoking.
The entertainment community has previously rallied around Short during times of personal loss. Recently, stories resurfaced about how his Captain Ron co-star Kurt Russell provided immense emotional support following the death of Short’s wife in 2010. Fans and colleagues are expected to offer similar support as the actor navigates this profound family loss.
Legacy of the Short Family
Katherine was the eldest of the three children adopted by Martin Short and Nancy Dolman. While her father lived a life in the spotlight, his children largely maintained private lives. Short has frequently spoken in interviews about the importance of his family and how they remained his primary focus following the loss of his wife.
As of Tuesday afternoon, it remains unclear how this news will affect the upcoming tour dates for “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short,” which were slated to continue through October 2026.
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