Martin Short was reportedly seen in Los Angeles for the first time since the passing of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, in February.
TMZ shared images and videos showing Martin, 76, dining with his close friend, Star Wars director J.J. Abrams, in Santa Monica on Friday, March 27. The comedian was captured leaving a restaurant and getting into the passenger seat of Abrams’ vehicle, while not engaging with photographers present.
Us Weekly has contacted Short’s representative for a statement.
Since confirming his daughter’s death on February 24, Martin has largely avoided the public eye.
“With profound grief, we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and requests privacy at this time,” a family statement to Us said. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
The following day, Us reported that the investigation officially ruled Katherine’s death a suicide. An LAPD spokesperson confirmed to Us that officers responded to a call regarding a potential suicide attempt in the Hollywood Hills on February 23 and found a deceased woman at the location.
Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. The couple also adopted Oliver Patrick Short, 39, an NBC Sports producer, and Henry Hayter Short, 36, a veterinary assistant. Dolman passed away at 58 in August 2010 following ovarian cancer.
In 2012, Katherine filed to change her name to “Katherine Elizabeth Hartley” for work purposes, as revealed in court documents obtained by Us.
“My father is a public figure. I am a psychiatric social worker,” Katherine wrote in the documents. “I am concerned about potential harassment from future patients resulting from my association with my father.”
Katherine’s request for a name change was approved in 2013, after which she worked as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles for the following 13 years. She also worked part-time at the Amae Health clinic in L.A.
Martin’s friends and colleagues, including his Only Murders in the Building co-star Selena Gomez, have shown their support following his loss. Oscars host Conan O’Brien also paid a subtle tribute to Martin during the 2026 Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15.
Martin Short’s daughter Katherine Hartley Short appeared to keep her mental health struggles private before her tragic death. A neighbor told Us Weekly that the 42-year-old gave “no indication of struggle” before she passed on Monday, February 23. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us that this was the case.
Following Katherine’s death, her father and Steve Martin postponed several live comedy shows. As of now, the comedy duo plans to resume their 2026 Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short Tour on April 11 at the Johnny Mercer Theater in Savannah, Georgia. These performances also feature Steve’s bluegrass band, 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 chat at 988lifeline.org.
