The Enduring Legacy Of Nancy Dolman: Her 7 Most Memorable Movies And TV Shows

The Canadian comedic actress Nancy Dolman, though she retired from the spotlight decades ago, remains a figure of enduring fascination, not only for her own sharp wit and stage presence but also as the beloved late wife of comedy icon Martin Short. Her career, while brief, was impactful, featuring roles in some of the most influential comedy and sitcoms of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The information available today, as of December 12, 2025, allows for a comprehensive look back at her life and work, highlighting a talent that was voluntarily set aside for family. From her foundational work in the legendary improv scene to her recurring role on a cult classic sitcom, Dolman’s contributions to television and film are a testament to her versatile comedic skill.

Nancy Dolman: A Complete Biographical Profile

Nancy Jane Dolman Short was a Canadian actress and singer whose career was primarily focused on stage comedy and television before her retirement in the mid-1980s. She was known for her effervescent personality and comedic timing, which she honed alongside many future comedy legends.

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• Full Name: Nancy Jane Dolman Short
• Date of Birth: September 26, 1951
• Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Education: York Mills Collegiate Institute (Toronto), Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario
• Spouse: Martin Short (m. 1980; died 2010)
• Children (Adopted): Katherine Short, Oliver Short, and Henry Short
• Career Highlights: Recurring role on the ABC sitcom Soap, appearances on SCTV, and stage work at Second City Toronto.
• Date of Death: August 21, 2010 (Age 58)
• Cause of Death: Ovarian Cancer

The Definitive List of Nancy Dolman's Movies and TV Shows

Nancy Dolman’s filmography is characterized by a mix of groundbreaking sketch comedy and traditional sitcom work, reflecting the transition of many Canadian comedy performers to American television. She was a fixture in the Toronto comedy scene before making her mark on network television. While her career was not long, the quality of her roles—especially her recurring part in Soap—has cemented her place in television history. Here are her most significant credits.

1. Soap (1977–1981) — Annie Selig Tate

This is arguably Nancy Dolman’s most recognizable role. She appeared as Annie Selig Tate, a recurring character on the groundbreaking and controversial ABC sitcom Soap. The show, a satirical parody of soap operas, was known for its outlandish plots and large ensemble cast, which included Katherine Helmond and Billy Crystal. Dolman’s character was part of the show’s sprawling and complex narrative, showcasing her ability to handle both dramatic and comedic material within a highly stylized format. Her work on Soap brought her initial widespread recognition to American audiences.

2. SCTV (Second City Television) (1976–1984)

Like her husband, Martin Short, Nancy Dolman was deeply involved with the legendary Canadian comedy troupe Second City. While her specific number of episodes on the television series SCTV is often debated, she was a crucial part of the extended Toronto comedy family that produced stars like John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Andrea Martin. Her involvement with the live stage version of Second City in Toronto was foundational to her career, where she honed the improvisational skills that would serve her well in her television roles.

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3. It’s a Living (1980–1989) — Suzy

Dolman’s career included a stint on the sitcom It’s a Living, where she played the character Suzy. The show, which focused on the lives of waitresses at a high-end restaurant in Los Angeles, was a staple of early 1980s television. While she did not stay with the series for its entire run, her presence on the show demonstrated her versatility in a traditional, multi-camera sitcom setting, a different comedic environment than the satirical world of Soap.

4. Martin Short: Concert for the North Americas (1985)

In 1985, Nancy Dolman appeared in her husband Martin Short’s TV movie/concert special, Martin Short: Concert for the North Americas. This appearance came just before her official retirement from the industry. It was a collaboration that allowed her to perform alongside her husband, offering a glimpse into their dynamic as a comedic couple before she stepped away from professional acting to focus on her family.

5. Butterbump in the 8th (1986)

This film is one of the later credits in Dolman's brief career, released after her official retirement. Details on the project are scarce, but its existence points to her continued, albeit limited, involvement in film projects during the mid-1980s. It serves as one of the final entries in her professional filmography before she fully embraced her role as a full-time mother and homemaker.

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6. Custard Pie (1977)

An early credit that showcases Dolman’s initial work in television, Custard Pie is a lesser-known title but an important entity in her filmography. It appeared in the same year as her debut on Soap, demonstrating that she was actively building her career in the late 1970s. This period was a boom time for Canadian talent, and Dolman was part of a wave of performers making the transition from the stage to the screen.

7. The Second City Stage Shows (1970s)

While not a movie or TV show in the traditional sense, her work on the live stage at Second City in Toronto is arguably one of her most significant contributions to comedy. It was here that she met Martin Short, and together, they were part of a legendary ensemble cast that defined a generation of sketch and improvisational comedy. Her work here was the bedrock of her professional life, influencing her subsequent television performances and her personal life.

The Decision to Retire: A Life Beyond the Camera

Nancy Dolman’s decision to retire from show business in 1985, at the height of her young career, was a deeply personal one made to prioritize family life. This choice, which is often referenced in articles about her, highlights her dedication to raising her three children—Katherine, Oliver, and Henry—whom she and Martin Short adopted. Dolman’s life became focused on her role as a wife and mother, a path she chose with the full support of her husband.

The couple's deep bond began when they met during the 1972 production of the musical Godspell in Toronto. The cast of that production was a who's who of future comedy and music stars, including Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, and Victor Garber. This shared history in the formative years of Canadian comedy established a partnership that lasted 30 years until her death in 2010 from ovarian cancer.

Her legacy, therefore, is twofold: a talented comedic actress whose work on shows like Soap and SCTV is still celebrated, and a devoted family matriarch whose influence on her husband and children is frequently and lovingly acknowledged by Martin Short today. Her story is a poignant reminder of the choices artists make between career ambition and personal fulfillment.

Topical Authority and Related Entities

To fully appreciate Nancy Dolman’s career, it is necessary to understand the ecosystem of comedy she was a part of. Her work is intertwined with the history of Canadian sketch comedy, particularly the Toronto scene. Entities like Second City Television (SCTV), the Toronto Godspell Production of 1972 (where she met Short), and her recurring role as Annie Selig Tate on the cult-favorite ABC sitcom Soap are crucial touchpoints. Other related figures include her co-stars John Candy, Gilda Radner, and Eugene Levy, all of whom emerged from the same creative crucible. Her life and career offer a unique lens into the golden age of improv comedy.

Her retirement and subsequent life as a full-time mother to her three adopted children, Katherine Short, Oliver Short, and Henry Short, underscore a personal journey that resonated with many. Her death from ovarian cancer in 2010 was a profound loss to the comedy community, but her spirit continues to be a major influence on her family and Martin Short’s ongoing career.