She began working in films for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1933 on a trial basis.

In November 1933, a court in California approved a seven-year contract, with options, between the 18-year-old actress and the studio.

[3] Short married actor Dave O'Brien[4] in 1936, the same year they appeared together in the low-budget exploitation cheapie Reefer Madness, which in modern times has become a well-known cult film.

She often appeared alongside her husband in various 'B' pictures and the Pete Smith series of comedy shorts, in which O'Brien played the lead on many occasions during the 1940s.

After their divorce in 1954, Short retired from film acting, and died nine years later at age 47.