Let me tell you a story about Martin Short, one of Hollywood's most beloved comedians, who has faced both the highest highs and the lowest lows in life. Despite being known for making audiences laugh, Martin endured a heart-wrenching loss when his wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman, passed away at the age of 58 in 2010 after a long battle with ovarian cancer. This is the story of their love, partnership, and legacy.
The Woman Who Stole Martin Short's Heart: Nancy Dolman
Martin Short first crossed paths with Nancy Dolman in 1972 during the Canadian production of Godspell, where they both performed on stage. Before catching Martin's eye, Nancy had already made a name for herself in the world of theater. She toured with the Canadian Rock Theatre and even performed in Jesus Christ Superstar, a production that traveled across the U.S. and Canada in the early '70s. It was clear from the start that Nancy was a powerhouse in her own right, and their mutual passion for the arts brought them together.
Nancy, a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, was instantly smitten with Martin when they met. The couple tied the knot in 1980, marking the beginning of a life filled with laughter and love. Nancy's acting career flourished during the early years of their marriage, earning credits in films like Custard Pie (1977) and Landon Landon & Landon (1980). She even joined the cast of the popular ABC sitcom Soap, portraying the character Annie Selig Tate from 1980 to 1981. But after her recurring role on the series ended, Nancy chose to step back from the spotlight in 1985 to focus on her growing family.
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Her decision to prioritize family over fame showcased her dedication and love for Martin and their children. Nancy's presence in Martin's life was more than just a partnership; it was a foundation of support, love, and understanding that carried them through the ups and downs of Hollywood life.
Building a Legacy: Martin Short and Nancy Dolman's Family
Martin and Nancy's love story extended beyond the stage and screen, as they built a beautiful family together. They adopted three children during their marriage: their eldest daughter, Katherine, born in 1983; their eldest son, Oliver, who arrived in 1986; and their youngest son, Henry, born in 1989. These children became the center of their lives, and the entire family rallied around Nancy when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007.
Even after Nancy's passing in 2010, Martin remained deeply connected to her memory. In an interview with The Guardian in October 2012, Martin opened up about the impact Nancy had on his life. "Before my wife, Nancy, died two years ago, we were together for 36 years, but I would have been divorced five times if I hadn’t found the right person," he shared candidly. "I wouldn’t have faked it and played a game just because I didn’t want to be divorced. It’s been a tough two years for my children. This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does, you gain a little and you suffer a little. There’s no big surprise."
Continuing the Conversation: Martin's Connection to Nancy
Years later, the star of Only Murders in the Building revealed to AARP that he still feels a deep connection to his late wife. "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 explained in a January 2019 interview. "I believe that when people die, they zoom into the people that love them."
In his 2014 memoir, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, Martin delved deeper into their unbreakable bond. "I’m still very much married to Nancy. In our 36 years together, we became so intimately familiar with the workings of each other’s minds that I can convincingly play out the conversations we would be having today, about things that postdate Nancy’s death," he wrote.
Even in his new home in California's Mandeville Canyon, purchased in May 2024, Martin continues to cherish the memories of his life with Nancy. "Some nights, when I’m really missing her, I’ll grab a rum and Coke at twilight and sit on the couch on our front porch, or perhaps upstairs, on the balcony off of our bedroom, with the Pacific Ocean in view. I’ll call out, 'Hey, Nan'! Forming the words just feels good in the throat," he reflected. "These, our talks, go on internally, not out loud. You won’t find me sitting out there chattering away, switching seats, schizophrenically playacting both parts … but we do talk, Nancy and I, and I can totally hear where she agrees with me and where she disagrees."
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Martin Short and Meryl Streep: Just Friends
Rumors swirled around Martin and Meryl Streep after they were spotted sitting together at the Golden Globes in January 2024 while costarring in Only Murders in the Building season 3. However, Martin quickly put those rumors to rest. In a statement via his rep, he told People that the two "are just very good friends, nothing more." It's clear that Martin's heart remains with Nancy, and his friendship with Meryl is simply another chapter in his long and storied career.
