Comedian Martin Short made his first public appearance in over a month following the tragic death of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, in February. The 76-year-old actor was photographed in Santa Monica on Friday, March 27, sharing dinner with longtime friend and Star Wars director J.J. Abrams.
Photographs showed Short exiting a Santa Monica restaurant and entering the passenger seat of Abrams' vehicle. The comedian did not engage with photographers present at the scene. Short has maintained a notably low profile since issuing a statement confirming his daughter's passing on February 24.
"It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short," the family statement read. "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."
Investigators subsequently ruled Katherine's death a suicide. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a radio call regarding a possible suicide attempt in the Hollywood Hills on February 23, where they discovered a deceased woman on the property.
Katherine Hartley Short was one of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. Her siblings include Oliver Patrick Short, 39, a producer for NBC Sports, and Henry Hayter Short, 36, who works as a veterinary assistant. Dolman passed away in August 2010 at age 58 following a battle with ovarian cancer.
Katherine dedicated her professional life to mental health services in Los Angeles. In 2012, she filed court documents to officially change her name to Katherine Elizabeth Hartley for work purposes, citing concerns about potential harassment from patients due to her association with her famous father.
"My father is a public figure. I am a psychiatric social worker," Katherine wrote in the court filing. "I am concerned about potential harassment from future patients resulting from my association with my father." The name change was granted in 2013.
For 13 years, Katherine worked as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles. She also maintained a part-time position with the Amae Health clinic in the city, continuing her commitment to mental health services until her death.
The entertainment community has rallied around Short during this difficult period. Selena Gomez, his co-star on the television series Only Murders in the Building, has offered support. Additionally, Conan O'Brien, who hosted the 2026 Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, paid a subtle tribute to Short during the ceremony.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Short and his longtime comedy partner Steve Martin postponed several live performances. The duo is currently scheduled to resume their 2026 Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short Tour on April 11 at the Johnny Mercer Theater in Savannah, Georgia. The shows also feature Steve Martin's bluegrass ensemble The Steep Canyon Rangers and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Babko.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for confidential support.