Katherine was the eldest daughter of Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. She was discovered deceased in her Hollywood Hills home, an event that has left her family and the entertainment community in deep mourning following the tragic news.
Adopted by Martin and Nancy in 1983, Katherine grew up alongside two brothers, Oliver and Henry. Her mother, actress Nancy Dolman, previously passed away in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer, a loss that Martin described as being very difficult for his children.
Katherine avoided the spotlight of show business, instead building a career as a social worker. She held a master's degree from USC and worked at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. She was also an advocacy worker dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Law enforcement sources have indicated the death was a possible suicide, with reports specifying a self-inflicted wound. While an official cause of death hasn't been publicly released by the family, the LAPD confirmed responding to a call regarding a suicide at the residence.
A representative for the Only Murders in the Building star released a statement remembering Katherine for the "light and joy" she brought to the world. Fans and colleagues have shared condolences online, expressing heartbreak for the actor who has now lost both his wife and daughter.