Martin Short Was Married to His Late Wife for 30 Years — Now He Has Reportedly Found Love Again with an A-List Actress

Martin Short once called his 30-year marriage a "triumph." Years after losing his first wife to cancer, the comedy legend is reportedly dating an A-list actress, and the timeline behind their unexpected romance may surprise you.

For 30 years, actor and comedian Martin Short shared a love story that defined his life.

Now, more than a decade after a devastating loss, the 75-year-old star is reportedly in a "completely unexpected" romance with one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses. But before the headlines and awards-season whispers, there was another woman.

The Woman He Thought Was 'Out of My League'

In 1972, Short was a young performer finding his footing in Toronto's theater scene when he joined the cast of "Godspell." The production would later become legendary for launching major careers, but for Short, it marked something far more personal.

That's where he met Nancy Dolman.

Dolman was Gilda Radner's understudy in the show, and even then, she already had serious stage credentials. She had toured with the Canadian Rock Theatre production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," performing in Las Vegas and Los Angeles and recording a cast album — experiences that gave her polish and confidence.

Short immediately noticed her. In an episode of "Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson Sometimes," he recalled his reaction at the time, "Well, yeah, but I thought she was out of my league, right?"

It wasn't just admiration; it was intimidation. Still, Short asked her out. A tennis date followed, and what began as backstage admiration turned into something lasting.

What neither of them could have known then was that this early '70s theater romance would grow into a marriage that spanned 30 years and shape the rest of his life.

The Love That Shaped His Life

Dolman wasn't just a young actress in Toronto's theater circle — she was building a promising career of her own. Born in Ontario in 1952 and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, she shared stages with future stars like Victor Garber, Eugene Levy, and Andrea Martin.

When she married Short in 1980, both were rising in comedy and television.

But in 1985, after appearing on shows like "Soap," "Second City," and "Making a Living," Dolman made a deliberate decision. She stepped away from acting to focus on raising their three children — choosing family over fame at a time when Short's career was accelerating.

For three decades, they built a life largely out of the spotlight. That life changed in 2010.

According to Broadway.com, Dolman died on August 21, 2010, at age 58, after a three-year battle with cancer at the couple's home in Pacific Palisades.

Short has never minimized the impact of that loss.

In a 2019 interview with AARP, he said:

"Our marriage was a triumph. So it's tough. She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time. It's 'Hey, Nan,' you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids."

He said he believes that when someone dies, they don't simply disappear from your life. Instead, he feels they stay with the people who love them, and he thinks it's wrong to stop talking about or remembering them.

Grief did not close him off. "With real tragedy, you become a little more daring. It's the yin to the yang: the positive part of life’s dark side," he said.

For years, that daring showed up in bold career choices and relentless touring. But eventually, something else began to shift. And that's where the story takes an unexpected turn.

From 'Just Friends' to Dating Reports

Rumors about Short and Meryl Streep began circulating in early 2024 after the two appeared together during awards season while promoting "Only Murders in the Building."

Fans speculated about their closeness following the Golden Globes.

However, the speculation was directly addressed. As reported by People, a representative for Short confirmed that the pair "are just very good friends, nothing more."

At that point, the message was clear. But in March 2025, a new report offered a different narrative.

According to Page Six, the co-stars had actually been dating for "well over a year." A source told the outlet the romance was "completely unexpected" and "took them by surprise."

"Meryl couldn't help but fall for Martin," the insider said. "He is a gentleman, he keeps her laughing and is an all-around positive person. She loves being around him."

The source said that neither Streep nor Short had been actively seeking a relationship when they began spending time together. It also claimed that their friends and family members — including their children — support the relationship and view them positively as a couple.

Additionally, the report also noted that Streep had separated from her husband, Don Gummer, in 2017.

Neither Short nor Streep publicly confirmed the Page Six report. Given the earlier denial, the timeline attracted additional scrutiny.

Subtle Moments That Sparked Speculation

In a June 2025 SiriusXM interview with Conan O'Brien, Short reflected on his first day working with Streep. He told the host:

"I remember the first day working with Meryl and driving to the studio and thinking, 'Hm, I'm nervous today. I haven't been kind of nervous going to the set for a long time.'"

For a seasoned performer, nerves stood out. Months later, another brief moment drew attention.

In a clip shared by Deadline on X in September 2025, Selena Gomez and her husband, Benny Blanco, were seated near Short and Steve Martin during the Emmys ceremony.

The video sparked online chatter that Gomez appeared to say, "Marty's texting Meryl," though the clip itself does not confirm the remark. But for some fans, it became part of a larger timeline.

But while fans focused on Martin Short's rumored romance, something far more serious would soon unfold: his daughter Katherine Short's tragic death.

Short Family Speaks Out

A spokesperson for the veteran actor confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement to Good Morning America:

"It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."

In the hours that followed, authorities provided additional details about what had occurred.

Details of the Emergency Response

According to GMA, police in Los Angeles responded to Katherine's residence at 6:43 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, following a report of a possible suicide. Upon arrival, officers and paramedics discovered a deceased woman and launched an investigation.

The Los Angeles Fire Department separately confirmed that crews had been dispatched to the home after receiving reports of a shooting.

Further details about the emergency response were later reported by the Daily Mail, which obtained audio of the 911 call tied to Katherine's death. The recording reportedly captured a dispatcher relaying critical information to first responders.

In the call, a Fire Department dispatcher stated that the wound appeared to be self-inflicted. The caller was described as being with Katherine but "unable to enter the bedroom."

A department spokesperson said crews arrived at approximately 6:41 p.m., though officials declined to identify the individual involved, citing privacy concerns. The impact of the tragedy began to reach beyond the family's private grief.

Milwaukee Show Postponed

Amid the tragedy, an upcoming live performance featuring Martin and his longtime collaborator Steve Martin will no longer take place as scheduled.

According to a notice posted on the Pabst Theater Group website, the duo's February 27 show in Milwaukee has been postponed due to "unforeseen circumstances."

Their statement confirms that tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date and that further updates will be shared when available. Ticket holders were directed to contact tickets@ptglive.com with any questions.

The show, titled "The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short," is described as a fast-paced, comedic showcase highlighting the duo's decades-long friendship and on-stage chemistry, a partnership that began with the 1986 film "Three Amigos" and evolved into a touring collaboration that launched in 2015.

For now, however, the focus remains on family as Martin navigates an intensely personal loss.