The Untold Story: Is Martin Short Married? Unpacking His Enduring Love, Widowhood, And Meryl Streep Rumors

The question of whether Martin Short is currently married is a deeply personal one, inextricably linked to one of Hollywood's most enduring and heartbreaking love stories. As of late 2025, the beloved Canadian comedian and actor is not married; he is a widower. His wife of 30 years, actress Nancy Dolman, tragically passed away in 2010. While his current relationship status is officially single, a persistent and high-profile rumor involving his Only Murders in the Building co-star, Meryl Streep, continues to captivate the public, making his love life a subject of constant speculation and curiosity.

The true answer to the question "is Martin Short married" lies in the profound nature of his first and only marriage—a bond he has described as "extraordinary" and one that continues to influence his life and family to this day. His commitment to his late wife, Nancy Dolman, and his candidness about their relationship after her death, offer a rare and touching glimpse into the private world of one of comedy's most public figures.

Martin Short: A Complete Biography and Profile

Martin Hayter Short, a Canadian-American actor, comedian, singer, and writer, has built a career spanning over five decades, becoming a staple in comedy and film. Known for his energetic, character-driven performances, Short's life off-screen has been marked by both incredible professional success and profound personal loss.

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• Full Name: Martin Hayter Short OC
• Date of Birth: March 26, 1950
• Place of Birth: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Age (as of December 2025): 75
• Nationality: Canadian and American
• Alma Mater: McMaster University (Social Work)
• Spouse: Nancy Dolman (m. 1980; d. 2010)
• Children: Katherine Elizabeth Short, Oliver Short, and Henry Short (all adopted)
• Major Career Highlights:
  • Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV (1982–1984)
  • Cast member on Saturday Night Live (1984–1985)
  • Film roles in Three Amigos! (1986), Innerspace (1987), and Father of the Bride (1991)
  • Broadway success, winning a Tony Award for Little Me (1999)
  • Current role as Oliver Putnam in the critically acclaimed series Only Murders in the Building (2021–present) alongside long-time friends Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.

The Enduring Legacy of Martin Short’s Marriage to Nancy Dolman

The core of Martin Short's personal life narrative centers on his 30-year marriage to actress and comedian Nancy Dolman. Their relationship began in the early 1970s and is a testament to a deep, lifelong bond that transcended the pressures of Hollywood.

How Martin Short and Nancy Dolman Met

Short and Dolman first met in 1972 during the Toronto production of the musical Godspell. This production was a breeding ground for future comedy stars, with a cast that included Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, and Gilda Radner, whom Dolman understudied.

They married eight years later, in 1980. Nancy Dolman, a talented actress in her own right, had a recurring role as Annie Selig Tate on the popular sitcom Soap and appeared in *SCTV* alongside Short.

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Nancy Dolman’s Life and Retirement

Born Nancy Jane Dolman on September 26, 1951, in Toronto, she was the sister of director Bob Dolman. After her brief but notable career in television and comedy, Dolman made the decision to retire from acting in 1985 to focus on raising her family.

Martin and Nancy adopted three children: daughter Katherine Elizabeth, and sons Oliver and Henry. Their family life was deliberately kept private, away from the constant glare of the entertainment industry, a choice that allowed them to maintain a strong, stable home.

The Tragic Loss and Martin Short’s Widowhood

Tragedy struck the family in 2010 when Nancy Dolman passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with ovarian cancer.

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Her death left a profound void, and Martin Short has been remarkably open about the nature of his grief and his continued connection to her. He has publicly stated that he still feels his wife’s presence and speaks to her regularly.

In interviews, Short has explained that he considers himself married, even in widowhood. He has stated that he had an "extraordinary marriage" and that he has never felt the need to remarry because, in his heart, he is still connected to Nancy. This perspective offers a moving and unique answer to the question of his marital status: legally single, but spiritually and emotionally, still married to his great love.

Martin Short's Current Relationship Status: The Meryl Streep Rumors

Despite Martin Short’s declaration that he hasn't felt the need to remarry, public interest in his love life remains high, especially since his return to the spotlight with *Only Murders in the Building*. The most persistent and widely discussed speculation involves his co-star, the legendary actress Meryl Streep.

The Spark on Set

The rumors began to swirl following Streep's appearance on the Hulu series as Loretta Durkin, a love interest for Short’s character, Oliver Putnam. The on-screen chemistry between the two veterans of comedy and drama was undeniable, leading many fans and media outlets to speculate that their romance had moved off-screen.

The speculation intensified in late 2023 and has continued into 2025, fueled by their joint public appearances and seemingly close relationship. The timing was particularly notable as Meryl Streep had recently confirmed her separation from her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, a separation that had quietly occurred years prior.

The Official Statement vs. Insider Gossip

The official word from both parties' representatives has consistently been a denial of any romantic involvement. They have repeatedly stated that Martin Short and Meryl Streep are "just very good friends."

However, this official stance has done little to quell the rumors. Tabloids and "insider sources" continue to suggest that the two are, in fact, dating, and some unverified reports even went so far as to claim they were secretly engaged or planning a wedding in 2025.

For the record, there has been no credible or official confirmation of a romantic relationship between Martin Short and Meryl Streep. Their bond appears to be a deep, supportive, and professional friendship, which is common among the tight-knit cast of *Only Murders in the Building*, including their dear friend and frequent collaborator, Steve Martin.

Conclusion: The Definitive Answer to His Marital Status

To definitively answer the question, Martin Short is not currently married. He has not remarried since the passing of his beloved wife, Nancy Dolman, in 2010. His status as a widower is a choice rooted in his profound and lasting love for his late wife, a relationship he openly cherishes and maintains a spiritual connection with.

While the highly publicized rumors about a romance with Meryl Streep continue to dominate celebrity news, the official word remains that they are simply close friends. Martin Short’s life is a powerful example of how a great love story can continue to define a person long after their partner is gone, proving that for him, marriage was a once-in-a-lifetime bond.