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Martin Short was reportedly spotted in Los Angeles for the first time since the death of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, in February.
TMZ published photos and videos showing Martin, 76, out for dinner with his longtime friend, Star Wars director J.J. Abrams, in Santa Monica on Friday, March 27. The comedian could be seen exiting a restaurant and entering the passenger seat of Abrams’ car but did not interact with photographers on the scene.
Us Weekly has reached out to Short’s representative for comment.
Martin has largely shied away from the spotlight since he confirmed the death of his daughter on February 24.
“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,” a family statement to Us read.“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 Katherine’s death was officially ruled a suicide by investigators. An LAPD spokesperson confirmed to Us that its officers originally responded to a radio call of a possible suicide attempt in the Hollywood Hills on February 23 and later found a deceased woman on the property.
Katherine was one of three children adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. (The couple also shared Oliver Patrick Short, 39, an NBC Sports producer, and Henry Hayter Short, 36, a veterinary assistant. Dolman died at age 58 in August 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.)
In 2012, Katherine officially filed to change her name to “Katherine Elizabeth Hartley” for work purposes, according to court documents obtained by Us.
Martin Short, his wife Nancy and daughter Katherine pose with actress Goldie Hawn in 2003. Kevin Winter/Getty Images
“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 name change was granted in 2013 and she spent the next 13 years working as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles. She also worked for the Amae Health clinic in L.A. on a part-time basis.
Martin’s friends and collaborators — including his Only Murders in the Building costar Selena Gomez — have shown the actor support in the wake of his loss. Oscars host Conan O’Brien also offered 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 seemingly kept her mental health struggles tight to her chest before her tragic death. One of Katherine’s neighbors exclusively told Us Weekly that the comedian’s 42-year-old daughter gave “no indication of struggle” before she died on Monday, February 23. (The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us that […]
In the immediate aftermath of Katherine’s death, her father and Steve Martin postponed a number of their live comedy shows. As of publication, the comedy duo are set to resume their 2026 Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short Tour on April 11 at the Johnny Mercer Theater in Savannah, Georgia. (These live shows also feature Steve’s bluegrass band, The Steep Canyon Rangers, and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Babko.)
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