Martin Short experienced a tragic family loss when his eldest daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, died by suicide at her home in Los Angeles on February 23. Despite this devastating event, the filming schedule for his Hulu series, Only Murders in the Building, remains unchanged. Short, aged 75, has postponed several comedy shows with his co-star Steve Martin and missed the 2026 Actor Awards, but the television show’s production is not currently underway.
Details Surrounding the Family Tragedy
Katherine Hartley Short, 42, was found deceased in her Los Angeles residence. According to law enforcement sources, foul play was ruled out following the investigation by homicide detectives. Prior to her death, Katherine had not been heard from for 24 hours, prompting a friend to alert the police. Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and was involved in mental health charity work. She was last seen publicly celebrating her 40th birthday with her father and notable celebrities including Catherine O’Hara, Bo Welch, Joni Mitchell, Kurt Russell, and Goldie Hawn.
Only Murders in the Building Series Update
Only Murders in the Building was renewed for a sixth season in October 2025. This popular Hulu series stars Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez as three New York City neighbors united by their fascination with true-crime podcasts. Their characters—Oliver Putnam (Short), a theater director; Mabel Mora (Gomez), a sharp-witted resident; and Charles-Haden Savage (Martin), a retired actor—join forces to investigate a murder in their building. Each season centers on a new case with different suspects. However, filming for the upcoming season, which is set to take place in London, will not begin for several months, ensuring production is unaffected by recent events.
Professional Commitments and Postponed Performances
Following Katherine’s death, Short canceled several upcoming performances including stops on The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short comedy tour in Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Both venues announced postponements with tickets to be honored on future dates. Despite these cancellations, other scheduled tour dates in March, April, and September have not been officially postponed. Meanwhile, the cast members of Only Murders in the Building have continued to support Short during his difficult time.
Short’s Absence from Major Acting Awards
Martin Short was notably absent from the 32nd Annual Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, despite receiving two nominations for his role in Only Murders in the Building. The nominations included Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, the latter in recognition of the show’s lead trio of Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez. Short’s absence was marked by a still photo displayed on-screen during the ceremony, while the other nominees were present in the audience. Steve Martin and Selena Gomez also skipped the ceremony in solidarity with Short.
Support from Friends and the Entertainment Community
In the wake of Katherine’s death, numerous friends and colleagues rallied around Martin Short. Fellow co-star Meryl Streep, along with Steve Martin, offered support to Short during this difficult period. A representative for Short released a statement expressing the family’s deep sorrow and request for privacy:
“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.” – Representative for Martin Short
Background on Katherine Hartley Short
Katherine was a dedicated clinical social worker who contributed meaningfully to mental health causes. She pursued advanced education and earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California. Her work in the mental health field underscored her commitment to helping others, making her loss deeply felt among those close to her and within the community.
What’s Next for Only Murders in the Building
While Martin Short continues to grieve, production for the sixth season of Only Murders in the Building is expected to proceed as planned once filming begins in London. The show remains a significant success, drawing audiences with its unique blend of mystery and comedy. As the cast and crew prepare for the next installment, the support from fans and colleagues highlights the show’s ongoing importance within the entertainment landscape.
Resources for Mental Health Support
This tragic event also brings attention to mental health awareness and support. Individuals struggling with difficult emotions are encouraged to seek assistance, such as contacting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Support services remain critical for those facing mental health challenges.
