Katherine Elizabeth Short Is a Licensed Social Worker: More about Martin Short's Daughter

Katherine Elizabeth Short is one of three children born to Martin Short and the comedian's late wife, Nancy Dolman. Although initially interested in an artistic career, she pursued a different path from her famous father.

Award-winning actor Martin Short joined Hollywood in the 1970s and received much acclaim for his artistic prowess over the last several decades. He later began writing and producing, but away from his work, Martin Short was a doting father and husband.

He revealed that only one of his children went into entertainment, and the rest pursued more conventional careers. Among the writer's brood is Katherine Elizabeth Short, now Katherine Hartley.

Katherine Elizabeth Short Is a Two-Time Graduate

Katherine attended New York University, where she studied Psychology and Gender Sexuality. She graduated in 2006 and pursued a Master's at the University of Southern California School of Social Work, which she attained in 2010.

During her Master's studies, Katherine built her work profile. She interned at a pro-bono law firm, providing family therapy, advocacy, and case management for various disadvantaged groups, including foster youth, low-income families, and political refugees.

She then trained at the West LA Veterans Administration, offering individual and group psychotherapy for veterans with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. After graduating, she worked at Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for four years.

After passing her licensure exam, Katherine moved to Camden Center, where she offered group and individual cognitive behavioral therapy. She now practices privately in Los Angeles, specializing in treating anxiety, depression, suicidality, and more.

Katherine Elizabeth Short Lost Her Mother in 2010

In August 2010, news broke that Katherine's mother, Nancy Dolman, had passed. At the time, her family kept the details of her death private, but her father later revealed she died fighting ovarian cancer. Concerning how his kids grieved, Martin noted they each had their way of dealing with the loss.

"One deals with it more aggressively; someone else maybe doesn't talk about it, but it doesn't mean that they're not all grieving," he said. In a 2014 interview, Martin, who was once assumed gay, shared how he, Katherine, and her siblings celebrated Nancy's life.

He explained that his wife had said she didn't want a funeral or a memorial service; she wanted her life celebrated, even suggesting a party. Despite the heartache of losing her, Martin honored her wishes, throwing a party with close friends and family at their lakehouse.

Katherine Elizabeth Short Would Have Gone to Broadway

It's unclear when her interest in the arts began, but Katherine played piano and wrote her own music. At 22, she reportedly expressed her desire to join Broadway; however, it appears to have fizzled.

Sharing insight about her childhood with Conan O'Brien, her dad said he encouraged Katherine and her siblings to go into show business. However, only her brother, Oliver Patrick Short, joined entertainment, but as a producer in sports.

Katherine's other brother, Henry Sayter Short, is a Veterinary Assistant. Speaking about raising them, her dad joked, "You must be sensitive to your children's needs and make sure your personal assistant fulfills them," saying that's how he approached "Hollywood parenting."