Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez were absent from this year’s Actor Awards following the death of Short’s daughter, Katherine. The Only Murders in the Building co-stars were nominated for multiple awards at Sunday’s ceremony in Los Angeles, but did not attend. According to PEOPLE, Martin and Gomez chose to skip the event in solidarity with Short after the family tragedy.
Short’s absence was acknowledged during the telecast when Jenna Ortega announced the nominees for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series. While Adam Brody, Ted Danson, Seth Rogen and Ike Barinholtz were shown in the audience, Short was represented by a still photo.
Seth Rogen ultimately won the category. Only Murders in the Building was also nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, as fans await the show’s sixth season later this year.
Katherine Hartley Short died on February 23 at age 42. A representative for Short confirmed her death in a statement. “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the statement read. “The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Katherine, a psychiatric social worker, had previously written publicly about her struggles with mental illness. On her professional website, she once noted that her service dog had assisted her with her own mental health challenges.
Adopted by Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, Katherine legally changed her surname from Short to Hartley in 2012, citing her father’s public profile and her desire to maintain professional privacy.
She largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years and was last seen publicly celebrating her 40th birthday in 2023.
Reel 360 News extends our condolences to the Shorts.
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