Martin Short looked serious while out and about in Santa Monica. It was his first public appearance since the sudden death of his daughter Catherine.
The “Only Murders in the Building” star wore what appeared to be a black blazer over a blue button-down shirt while having dinner with longtime friend J.J. Abrams in Beach City on Friday night. He chose a short jacket without a tie and was clean shaven.
Mr Short, 76, looked somber as he got into a car with the director of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” but the pair appeared to chat while out and about.
This outing came in the midst of a difficult year. According to TMZ, Martin’s only daughter, Katherine Short, died on February 24 at the age of 42 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to a death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” a rep for the comedian told Page Six last month.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss and requests privacy at this time,” the statement continued. “Catherine was loved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought to the world.”
Martin then chose to take some time off and postponed two shows previously scheduled with Steve Martin.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Steve Martin and Martin Short show originally scheduled for Friday, February 27th in Milwaukee has been postponed,” Pabst Theater Group wrote on its website Tuesday, adding that tickets “will be accepted for a future rescheduled date.”
The comedian duo also rescheduled their February 28 performance in Minneapolis.
Katherine, who Martin shared with his late wife Nancy Dolan and two adult sons, detailed his own struggles with mental health and revealed that he had adopted a service dog on a professional website that has since been taken down.
“Joni is my amazing service dog who has helped me battle my own mental illness for the past five years,” Katherine wrote alongside a photo of the dog, named after Joni Mitchell.
“Joni often joins me in the office and cuddles in bed,” the clinical social worker wrote. “She’s a really sweet person and just loves people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wag of her tail…and maybe even a kiss.”
Short received support from Hollywood after Catherine’s death – host Conan O’Brien paid tribute to the iconic actor during the March 15 Oscars ceremony as he closed out the broadcast.
“I love you, Martin Short! Goodnight!” said Mr. O’Brien.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
