The Definitive Timeline: Are Meryl Streep And Martin Short Dating In 2024? 5 Key Moments That Fuel The Rumors

The question of whether Meryl Streep and Martin Short are dating is one of the most intriguing and persistent celebrity mysteries of 2024. The two legendary actors, who co-star as the unlikely romantic pair Loretta Durkin and Charles-Haden Savage in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, have sparked a real-life romance rumor mill that simply refuses to stop churning. As of late 2024, the official word remains a firm denial of a romantic relationship, yet their constant, affectionate public appearances continue to suggest something deeper than just a close Hollywood friendship.

The speculation started almost immediately after Meryl Streep joined the cast for Season 3 of the popular murder-mystery comedy. The on-screen chemistry between her character, Loretta, and Short’s character, Charles, was palpable, leading fans to hope the connection extended beyond the set of the Arconia apartment building. This article dives into the complete profile of both stars, the definitive timeline of the rumors, and the public statements that make this one of the most fascinating stories in Tinseltown today.

Meryl Streep and Martin Short: Complete Biographical Profiles and Relationship History

To truly understand the context of the current speculation, it is essential to look at the personal lives and long-standing careers of two of Hollywood’s most respected and beloved figures. Both Streep and Short have navigated decades of fame while maintaining relatively private personal lives, marked by deep, long-term relationships.

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Meryl Streep (Mary Louise Streep)

• Born: June 22, 1949 (Age 75 in 2024)
• Birthplace: Summit, New Jersey, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time, with a record 21 Academy Award nominations (winning three) and 33 Golden Globe nominations (winning nine). Key films include Kramer vs Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, The Devil Wears Prada, and Out of Africa.
• Significant Past Relationships:
  • John Cazale: Streep was engaged to actor John Cazale (Fredo Corleone in The Godfather) until his death from lung cancer in 1978. Their relationship was a significant and tragic chapter in her early life.
  • Don Gummer: She married sculptor Don Gummer in September 1978, just six months after Cazale’s death. They were married for 45 years and share four children: Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa. In October 2023, it was confirmed that Streep and Gummer had been separated for "more than 6 years". This separation news is a key factor fueling the Short dating rumors.
• Current Status: Separated from Don Gummer; officially single.

Martin Short (Martin Hayter Short)

• Born: March 26, 1950 (Age 74 in 2024)
• Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Career Highlights: A celebrated comedian, actor, and writer known for his work on Saturday Night Live, SCTV, and films like Three Amigos and Father of the Bride. He is known for his energetic characters, including Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick.
• Significant Past Relationships:
  • Gilda Radner: Short dated fellow comedian Gilda Radner in the early 1970s.
  • Nancy Dolman: He married actress Nancy Dolman in 1980. Their marriage was one of Hollywood's most enduring, lasting 30 years until Dolman's death from ovarian cancer in 2010. They have three adopted children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry.
• Current Status: Widowed; officially single.

5 Key Moments That Sparked the Meryl and Martin Dating Rumors

The rumors that Meryl Streep and Martin Short were dating began as whispers but quickly escalated into front-page news. This timeline details the key public appearances and statements that have kept the world guessing about their true relationship status.

1. The Golden Globes and the Viral Photos (January 2024)

The most significant moment that launched the speculation into the mainstream was the 81st Golden Globe Awards in January 2024. Streep and Short were seated side-by-side, frequently leaning in to share laughs and intimate conversations. The pictures of their undeniable joy and comfort together went viral instantly, with fans analyzing every gesture and smile. Their appearance at this major awards ceremony, looking like a devoted couple, immediately cemented their status as the subject of the year's biggest celebrity dating rumor.

2. Martin Short’s Public Denial (Early 2024)

In response to the intense media frenzy, Martin Short took a clear, definitive stance. In multiple interviews, including an appearance on the Club Random with Bill Maher podcast, Short stated that he and Streep are "not a couple" and are "just very close friends". His representative also issued a statement, clarifying that the two are "just friends, nothing more". This official denial, however, has done little to quell the public's desire for a real-life romance, especially given their subsequent public outings.

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3. The Undeniable On-Screen Chemistry in OMITB

The entire basis for the rumor stems from their work on Only Murders in the Building. Meryl Streep's character, Loretta Durkin, a passionate but struggling actress, develops a genuinely sweet, unexpected romance with Short's character, Charles-Haden Savage, in Season 3. The show’s co-creator, John Hoffman, even commented on the magic, describing the chemistry between the two actors as "delighted in each other" off-screen and calling their on-screen romance "one of the most unexpected turns" of the season. This professional chemistry provides a topical authority that reinforces the public’s belief in a real-world connection.

4. Holding Hands at the Season 4 Premiere Afterparty

Despite the explicit denials, Streep and Short continue to be inseparable at industry events. Reports indicate that at an afterparty for the Season 4 premiere of Only Murders in the Building, the pair were seen holding hands. This seemingly small, intimate gesture contradicts the "just friends" narrative and keeps the hope for a romantic pairing alive for fans and the media alike. Their comfort and affection for each other in private moments is what truly fuels the ongoing speculation.

5. The Valentine's Day Outing (2025 Prediction/Rumor)

While the current date is late 2024, one highly speculative report suggested the pair were spotted spending Valentine's Day together in 2025. While this may be a typo or a rumor based on a future prediction, the fact that such a detail is even being reported highlights the media's intense focus on their every move. The idea of them sharing a romantic holiday, even a year out, shows how deeply the public has invested in this potential relationship.

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The Truth Behind the "Just Friends" Denials

The most current and official information points to a deep, platonic friendship, not a romantic relationship. The narrative of "Meryl and Martin are together" is currently a persistent and wishful rumor, despite the denials from Short's camp. However, there are several key reasons why this story has such staying power and why the public is so eager for it to be true.

Shared Life Experiences and Mutual Respect

Both actors have endured significant, public loss. Martin Short lost his beloved wife, Nancy Dolman, in 2010. Meryl Streep recently confirmed her separation from her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, and previously lost her fiancée, John Cazale. This shared experience of enduring loss and navigating life as single, older professionals in Hollywood creates a profound bond. Their friendship is rooted in mutual respect, a shared history in comedy (Short) and drama (Streep), and an understanding of the complexities of fame.

The Power of the 'Only Murders in the Building' Narrative

The series itself has created a powerful, almost self-fulfilling prophecy. The romance between Loretta and Charles is a beautiful, mature, and unexpected second-chance love story. Fans of the show, known for its warmth and heart, see Meryl and Martin as the real-life embodiment of that narrative. The desire for a happy ending for the two stars, both of whom have given so much to their craft and endured personal hardship, is immense.

Conclusion: The Enduring Mystery

As of late 2024, Meryl Streep and Martin Short are officially "very close friends". Yet, the way they interact—the hand-holding, the shared laughter at major events like the Golden Globes and the Emmy Awards, and the palpable chemistry that spills over from the set of Only Murders in the Building—makes the public's fascination completely understandable. Whether their relationship ever evolves into a confirmed romance remains to be seen, but for now, their beautiful, affectionate friendship is a heartwarming story that continues to captivate the world.