Martin Short's Daughter Katherine: The Name Change Before Her Tragic Death

Katherine Short, daughter of actor Martin Short, changed her last name to Hartley in 2012 to focus on her career in social work. She passed away at the age of 42 on February 23.

Name Change for Professional Reasons

Katherine wanted to separate her professional life from her father's public image. In documents from 2012, she expressed concerns about potential harassment due to their association. The court granted her request in early 2013.

Career and Personal Struggles

Though Katherine lived a private life, she had a successful career in psychiatric social work and owned a private practice. She openly shared on her website about managing her mental health with the help of her service dog, Joni.

Community and Final Days

Neighbors described Katherine as friendly and outgoing despite her privacy. There was no indication of struggle before her tragic death by suicide. On February 23, emergency services responded to a call at her Hollywood Hills home.

A statement from the family expressed devastation over Katherine's passing and requested privacy. Katherine was adopted by Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, alongside their sons Oliver and Henry.

Katherine's last public appearance was celebrating her 40th birthday in Hollywood in October 2023.