Martin Short Postpones Comedy Tour Following Daughter’s Death

Martin Short has stepped away from the spotlight after the sudden death of his daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Short. The actor and comedy legend halted multiple tour dates with longtime collaborator Steve Martin as his family reels from the loss. Venues in Milwaukee and Minneapolis confirmed the postponements earlier this week, telling fans their tickets will be honored at a later date.

A Family Hit by Tragedy

The news broke late Tuesday when a representative for Short confirmed that Katherine Short, 42, had died at her home in the Hollywood Hills. The family described their grief as “profound,” asking for privacy as they navigate the unimaginable. According to law enforcement sources cited in Deadline, first responders arrived after a call regarding a possible suicide.

Short, who adopted Katherine along with sons Oliver and Henry with his late wife Nancy Dolman, has always kept his family life relatively private. But his daughter occasionally appeared alongside him at red‑carpet events, a quiet presence next to a father whose public persona has always leaned toward big, bright comedy. Her death has shaken not only the family but also fans who have followed Short’s decades‑long career.

Comedy Tour Comes to a Halt

Short and Steve Martin were in the middle of their touring show, The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short, a live comedy production that blends music, storytelling, and the kind of sharp, self‑aware banter the pair have perfected over the years. But as the news of his daughter’s death reached the public, venues quickly announced that upcoming shows would not proceed as planned.

The Pabst Theater Group in Milwaukee released a statement saying, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin & Martin Short’s show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27th in Milwaukee, has been postponed. Tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date.”

A similar notice went out for the Minneapolis shows scheduled for February 28. Both venues emphasized that fans would be contacted once new dates are confirmed. For now, the next performance still listed on the tour calendar is March 13 in Washington, D.C., though that may change as Short continues to grieve.

A Daughter Remembered

Katherine Elizabeth Short lived much of her life outside the public eye, despite being the child of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedy figures. She earned degrees from New York University and the University of Southern California, building a career in social work and mental‑health advocacy. Her work included private practice and community outreach, with a focus on helping young people navigate emotional challenges.

Her family’s statement, shared with multiple outlets, read: “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”

Those who knew her described her as compassionate, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the well‑being of others—qualities that stand in stark contrast to the tragedy of her passing.

Martin Short’s Long Road Through Loss

This is not the first time Short has faced devastating loss. His wife, actress Nancy Dolman, died in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Short has spoken openly over the years about grief, resilience, and the strange ways life forces us to keep moving. In a past interview with Maclean’s Magazine, he reflected, “No one doesn’t have loss. No one doesn’t have pain… You can’t go through loss and just shuck it off the next day.”

Now, as he steps back from his comedy commitments, fans and colleagues alike have expressed support for the actor. Though he has not issued a personal public statement, the silence speaks for itself: this is a moment for family, not performance.

What Comes Next

For now, the future of the tour remains uncertain. Venues have reassured fans that rescheduled dates will be announced when appropriate, but no timeline has been given. Short’s priority is clearly his family, and the comedy world is giving him the space he needs.

As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: his daughter’s memory will endure, and Short—a man who has spent his life making others laugh—will be surrounded by support as he navigates yet another heartbreaking chapter.