Martin Short sets a date on first public appearance weeks after daughter Katherine's tragic death


The Only Murders in the Building star postponed multiple dates of his comedy tour with co-star and close friend Steve Martin


MATCH GAME - "Ego Nwodim, Jackie Tohn, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Andrea Martin, Thomas Lennon, Pete Holmes" -
Things get wildly BLANK with Martin Short and six hilarious celebrities on a brand-new episode of "Match Game" as contestants play to win $25,000.© Getty Images
Ahad Sanwari
Ahad SanwariSenior Writer - New York
March 29, 2026
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Martin Short will be making his very first public appearance since a tragic loss in the family in just a few weeks.

The actor, who turned 76 on March 26, will return to the spotlight on April 11 for the first stop on his comedy tour with Steve Martin since the death of his daughter Katherine Short.

Martin Short and Katherine Short attend Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project (NYRP) "HULAWEEN" Gala and Midlers 60th Birthday Celebration at Waldorf Astoria Hotel on October 31, 2005 in New York City.© Getty Images
Martin Short will make his first public appearance after his daughter Katherine's death on April 11

Katherine passed away at the age of 42 on February 23, which a rep for the actor confirmed in a statement shared with HELLO! at the time. "It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short."

The statement continued: "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."

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Katherine was the oldest of Martin's three kids. He adopted her and her younger brothers, Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter Short, with his wife of 30 years Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010.

On April 11, Steve, 80, and Martin will perform at the Johnny Mercer Theatre at Savannah Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia, after canceling prior performances in Milwaukee, Minnesota and Washington D.C. The shows will then continue on April 12 in Birmingham, Alabama, followed by performances on April 25 and 26 in Cleveland, Ohio, before breaking until September.

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin & Martin Short's show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27th in Milwaukee, has been postponed," a statement on the Miller High Life Theatre's website read. "Tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date. We will be in contact with further news when it is available."

Martin Short and Steve Martin at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on January 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California.© Getty Images
He will reunite with Steve Martin for their ongoing comedy tour

The pair were then set to perform at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis the day after. "Steve Martin & Martin Short's shows originally scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28 have been postponed. Tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date when determined," the statement on the Orpheum's website read.

The Steve Martin & Martin Short Tour is just the latest of the duo's nationwide comedic exploits, spanning the decades of their friendship (the two now executive produce and star in Only Murders in the Building with Selena Gomez).

Martin Short attends Cirque du Soleil's "KOOZA" Red Carpet Premiere at Santa Monica Pier on October 24, 2024 in Santa Monica, California.© Getty Images
The actor welcomed three kids with his late wife Nancy Dolman

"Purpose and scope in 2026: a U.S. national run with more than twenty engagements across major regions (West Coast, Midwest, South, and Northeast), with additional dates expected as venues add second shows," a mission statement for their tour on their website reads.

"Why see it now? Fresh material tailored to current events, new visuals, tightened orchestration, and spontaneous audience interaction keep every stop unique. It's a masterclass in timing you can't stream — be there when history is made."

Martin Short and Steve Martin December 1986© Getty Images
The duo have been friends and close collaborators since the 1980s

Just before the weekend, the actor was photographed out in Santa Monica, his first public sighting since his daughter's passing, with director and friend J.J. Abrams, grabbing what looked to be a belated birthday dinner.

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