Canadian actor Martin Short has confirmed the death of his daughter Katherine Hartley Short, aged 42, saying she “will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Katherine, the eldest of Short’s three children with his late wife, actress and singer Nancy Dolman, worked as a social worker, according to US media reports.
In a statement shared with BBC News, Martin Short’s 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.”
Authorities told The Los Angeles Times and TMZ that her death appeared to be suicide.
Shows Postponed
Following the tragedy, Martin Short has postponed several appearances on his joint comedy tour with Steve Martin.
The Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, announced:
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin & Martin Short’s show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27th in Milwaukee, has been postponed.”
A second appearance in Minneapolis, Minnesota, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, has also been postponed.
Award Nomination
Short is currently nominated for Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series at the upcoming Actor Awards, for his performance as Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building.
Family Tragedy
Katherine’s mother, Nancy Dolman, passed away in 2010 due to ovarian cancer, leaving Martin Short to raise their children — Katherine, Oliver, and Henry — as a single parent.