Martin Shortwas reportedly spotted in Los Angeles for the first time sincethe death of his daughter,Katherine Hartley Short, in February.
TMZpublished photos and videos showing Martin, 76, out for dinner with his longtime friend,Star WarsdirectorJ.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 Weeklyhas 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.
Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Short's Neighbors React to Her Death at Age 42: 'It's Incredibly Sad'
"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 toUsread."Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."
The following day,Usreported that Katherine's death was officially ruled a suicide by investigators. An LAPD spokesperson confirmed toUsthat 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.
Advertisement
Katherine is one of three children adopted by Martin and his late wife,Nancy Dolman. (The couple also sharedOliver Patrick Short, 39, an NBC Sports producer, andHenry Hayter Short, 36, a veterinary assistant. Dolman died at age 58 in August 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.)
In 2012, Katherineofficially filed to change her nameto "Katherine Elizabeth Hartley" for work purposes, according to court documents obtained byUs.
"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 hisOnly Murders in the BuildingcostarSelena Gomez— have shown the actor support in the wake of his loss. Oscars hostConan O'Brienalsooffered a subtle tributeto Martin during the 2026 Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15.
Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Short Showed 'No Indication' She Was Struggling Before Her Death
In the immediate aftermath of Katherine's death, her father andSteve Martinpostponed a number of their live comedy shows. As of publication, the comedy duo are set to resume their 2026Best of Steve Martin & Martin ShortTour 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-instrumentalistJeff Babko.)
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at988lifeline.org.