Martin Short wore a serious expression while stepping out in Santa Monica — his first public outing since his daughter Katherine’s sudden death.
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 pal J.J. Abrams in the beach city on Friday evening. Short opted to go without a tie, and was clean shaven.
Short, 76, appeared somber while stepping into a vehicle with the “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” director, as the pair appeared to chat during the outing.
The outing comes amid a difficult year. Martin’s only daughter, Katherine Short, died on Feb. 24 at the age of 42 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to a death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Dept of Public Health, per TMZ.
“It is with profound grief 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 asks for privacy at this time,” the statement continued. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Martin has since opted to take some time off, with the actor postponing two shows that were previously scheduled with Steve Martin.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin & Martin Short’s show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27th in Milwaukee, has been postponed,” the Pabst Theater Group wrote on its website Tuesday, noting that tickets would “be honored for a future rescheduled date.”
The comedic pair also rescheduled a show on Feb. 28 show in Minneapolis.
Katherine — whom Martin shared with his late wife, Nancy Dolan, along with two grown sons — had shared details of her struggles with mental health, divulging in a since-deleted professional website that she’d adopted a service dog.
“Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years,” Katherine wrote alongside a photo of the dog, who was named after Joni Mitchell.
“Joni will often be in the office with me, cuddled up on her bed,” the clinical social worker wrote. “She is an absolute sweetheart and just LOVES people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail…and maybe even a kiss.”
Following Katherine’s death, Short had the support of Hollywood behind him — at the Oscars on March 15th, the show’s host, Conan O’Brien honored the iconic actor while closing out the broadcast.
“We love you, Martin Short! Good night!” O’Brien said.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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