Katherine Short, Daughter of Martin Short, Dies at Age 42
Katherine Short, one of the three adopted children of renowned actor Martin Short and his late wife, actress Nancy Dolman, has reportedly passed away at the age of 42. The news was confirmed by a representative for Martin Short in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, expressing profound grief on behalf of the family.
Family Statement and Details of Passing
In the statement, the representative said, "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." According to reports from TMZ, police indicated that Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to her residence in the Hollywood Hills on Monday night.
Katherine Short's Life and Career in Mental Health
Katherine Short was a dedicated social worker and therapist, focusing her professional efforts on treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and suicidality. She worked at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for four years and later contributed to the outpatient program at the Camden Center. Beyond her clinical work, she was a passionate advocate for mental health, collaborating with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Family Background and Personal History
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman first met in 1972 during a production of Godspell, and they married in 1980. Dolman passed away in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Following her death, Martin Short shared with The Guardian, "It's been a tough two years for my children. 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." Katherine is survived by her two younger brothers, Henry and Oliver.
Legacy and Impact
Katherine Short's life was marked by a commitment to helping others through her work in mental health. Her advocacy and professional contributions have left a lasting impact on the communities she served. The family continues to request privacy as they mourn this significant loss.
