On March 1, 2026, Martin Short, along with Steve Martin and Selena Gomez, did not attend the Actor Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, following the tragic death of Martin’s daughter, Katherine Hartley Short. The cast of Only Murders In The Building, who were nominated for several awards, chose to forgo the event as a sign of respect amid the family tragedy.
Cast Members Show Solidarity by Missing Ceremony
The absence of Martin Short was publicly acknowledged during the ceremony when Jenna Ortega announced the nominees for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series. While actors like Adam Brody, Ted Danson, Seth Rogen, and Ike Barinholtz were present, Martin was represented on screen with a still photograph, underscoring his absence. Though Seth Rogen took home the award, Martin, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez were also contenders for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, a category closely watched by fans anticipating the show’s sixth season later this year.
Details Surrounding Katherine Short’s Passing
Katherine Short, aged 42, was found dead on February 23, 2026, with authorities confirming that she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A representative speaking to Page Six issued a formal statement on behalf of the family. They stated:
“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.”
– Representative
According to a neighbour who spoke with Us Weekly, Katherine appeared outwardly well and did not display visible signs of distress prior to her death. The neighbour described her personality, saying,
“Katherine was a private person but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t friendly. She was quite outgoing.”
– Neighbour
The same neighbour recalled moments of joy, adding,
“hear and see her laughing with friends”
– Neighbour
Katherine’s Work and Personal Challenges
Katherine was a psychiatric social worker who had openly addressed her struggles with mental illness. On her now-deleted professional website, she shared her experience with the assistance of a service dog named Joni, inspired by singer Joni Mitchell, explaining,
“Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years.”
– Katherine Hartley Short
In 2012, Katherine legally changed her surname from Short to Hartley to maintain a degree of separation from her famous father. In related documents, she explained,
“My father is a public figure and I am a psychiatric social worker.”
– Katherine Hartley Short
She expressed concern over potential harassment due to their association, stating,
“I am worried about potential harassment from future patients resulting from my association with my father.”
– Katherine Hartley Short
Katherine preferred to keep a low profile in public and was last seen at her 40th birthday celebration in 2023.
Impact on the Cast and Upcoming Projects
The decision by Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez to skip the Actor Awards exemplifies the emotional toll this tragedy has had on the Only Murders In The Building cast. Their solidarity highlights the close bond among the co-stars as they navigate personal grief. As fans await the release of the highly anticipated sixth season, the cast’s absence from the awards serves as a somber reminder of the challenges behind the scenes.
This moment also sheds light on mental health issues and the importance of privacy and support during difficult times. The family’s request for space honors Katherine’s memory while the entertainment community mourns the loss.
