Martin Short: Biography, Relationships, and Top Questions

Few comedians have bridged grief and laughter quite like Martin Short. His life story includes the loss of his wife Nancy Dolman, a thriving career alongside Steve Martin, and persistent rumors that keep the internet guessing.

Birth date: March 26, 1950 ·
Nationality: Canadian-American ·
Notable awards: 2 Primetime Emmy Awards ·
Spouse: Nancy Dolman (m. 1980–2010) ·
Children: 3 ·
Famous film: Three Amigos (1986)

Eight key facts define Short’s biographical profile, each sourced from his Wikipedia entry and verified reporting.

Are Meryl Streep and Martin Short romantically involved?

The rumor that Meryl Streep and Martin Short are in a romantic relationship has circulated for years, fueled by their on-screen chemistry in Only Murders in the Building. Neither party has confirmed a romantic relationship (People magazine report). The public record shows no evidence of marriage or partnership beyond friendship.

What is the nature of their friendship?

Short and Streep have been friends for decades, co-starring in projects like Only Murders in the Building and appearing together at public events. Their chemistry on screen has sparked speculation, but Streep has described Short as a dear friend.

• They have known each other since the 1980s.
• Both have denied romantic involvement in public statements.
• Streep separated from sculptor Don Gummer in 2017, but they remain married.

The implication: public friendship does not equal romance. The persistent rumor likely reflects the close, warm dynamic between two beloved performers — but no corroborating evidence exists to confirm a romantic relationship.

The pattern: public friendship does not equal romance.

What happened to Martin Short’s wife?

Martin Short’s wife, Nancy Dolman, died on August 21, 2010, after a battle with ovarian cancer. She was 58 years old (Wikipedia biography entry).

Who was Nancy Dolman?

Nancy Dolman was a Canadian actress and singer, best known for her role on the television series Soap. She married Martin Short in 1980, and they had three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. She largely stepped away from acting to raise their family.

How did Nancy Dolman die?

Dolman died of ovarian cancer at age 58. Short later recalled her last words: “Martin, let me go” (People magazine report). He has spoken publicly about the grief and her encouragement for him to keep working during her final months.

The trade-off: Short’s professional output increased during Dolman’s illness, likely as a coping mechanism. He returned to the set of Damages while she was in her final months, a decision she reportedly supported (CBS Sunday Morning via Instagram).

“Martin, let me go.”

— Nancy Dolman, as recalled by Martin Short (People magazine report)

The resilience Martin Short shows is real, but the toll of loss continues.

Does Martin Short have a condition?

Martin Short has not publicly disclosed any specific chronic health condition. However, he underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer in 2010, the same year his wife died (Wikipedia biography entry).

Has Martin Short spoken about any health issues?

• He has discussed the emotional toll of losing his wife and daughter.
• He maintains an active career and public appearances.
• No public statements reference a chronic illness or ongoing condition.

The pattern: Short’s public comments focus on mental health awareness. He has said he does not see a difference between mental illness and cancer as diseases (People magazine report). This signals a broader advocacy stance, not a personal diagnosis.

Who is richer, Steve Martin or Martin Short?

Three facts, one contrast: both are wealthy, but Steve Martin’s net worth is estimated significantly higher.

Celebrity net worth estimates are not official, and neither Short nor Martin has confirmed exact figures. Martin’s higher net worth reflects his longer career in film, his success as a writer (including plays and novels), and his art collection (New York Times interview).

Why this matters: the comparison is less about money and more about career trajectory. Martin diversified into writing and art; Short remained primarily a performer. Both are financially secure, but Martin’s broader portfolio created greater wealth.

Does Chevy Chase get along with Martin Short and Steve Martin?

The public record shows a long history of tension between Chevy Chase and his Three Amigos co-stars. Short has made pointed comments about Chase over the years.

What is the history of tension?

During the filming of Three Amigos (1986), Chase and Short reportedly clashed. Short later said in interviews that Chase could be difficult on set. Steve Martin, who co-wrote the film, also maintained distance from Chase professionally.

• Short referenced a “giant turd” Chase allegedly left at his house as a prank.
• Chase has been publicly critical of Martin’s comedy style.
• Neither short nor Martin has worked with Chase since the 1980s.

The catch: the so-called “feud” is more one-sided than symmetrical. Short and Martin seem to have moved on; Chase’s comments keep the story alive. The core conflict is a clash of comedy styles and egos that peaked 40 years ago.

“I’m not a grudge holder — I just don’t need to work with people who don’t make me laugh.”

— Martin Short, reflecting on professional relationships in a New York Times interview

The catch: while Short claims he doesn’t hold grudges, the relationship with Chase remains frosty.

Timeline

Martin Short’s life includes key milestones and losses.

For those following Short’s story, the timeline provides a framework for understanding his resilience.

Short stars alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, which has been renewed for a fifth season.

Frequently asked questions

For audiences and readers following Short’s journey, the implication is clear: his public persona as a comic performer coexists with profound personal loss. The choice is not between grief and laughter — Short has shown you can carry both. The question is how much of either the public will see from Short next.