Martin Short has spent decades making people laugh, but behind the comedy lies a story of profound loss. The Canadian-born actor lost his brother, mother, and father before he turned 21, and later faced the deaths of his wife Nancy Dolman and his daughter Katherine. Here is how his Irish Catholic upbringing and resilience through personal tragedies shaped one of entertainment’s most enduring careers.

Born: March 26, 1950, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada ·
Full Name: Martin Hayter Short ·
Known For: Comedian, actor, writer, singer ·
Notable TV: Only Murders in the Building, SCTV ·
Awards: 2 Primetime Emmy Awards, Tony Award ·
Spouse: Nancy Dolman (1980–2010, her death)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Born March 26, 1950 in Hamilton, Ontario (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
  • Married Nancy Dolman in 1980; three biological children (IMDb)
  • Won two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award (IMDb)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact cause of daughter Katherine’s death has not been publicly disclosed
  • No confirmed reports of a new romantic partner after Nancy Dolman’s death
3Timeline signal
4
  • Continues starring in Only Murders in the Building (2021–present)
  • No announced retirement; actively performing and acting

Nine key facts about Martin Short’s life and career, one pattern: every major professional milestone happened alongside personal tragedy.

Field Value
Full Name Martin Hayter Short
Birth Date March 26, 1950
Birthplace Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Occupation Actor, Comedian, Writer, Singer
Years Active 1972–present
Spouse Nancy Dolman (m. 1980; died 2010)
Children Katherine, Oliver, Henry
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Net Worth $40 million (estimated)

Are Meryl Streep and Martin Short a couple?

The short answer: no. Meryl Streep and Martin Short are not a couple; they are co-stars and close friends. The rumor gained traction after they met on the set of People in 2025 and became close friends. However, Streep is not a romantic partner of Short, and Short’s close friendship with Streep was born on set.

The rumor about Martin Short and Meryl Streep’s relationship has gained traction in 2025, but it is nothing more than a rumor. According to the sources, Martin Short has not confirmed any romantic involvement with Meryl Streep. The two are just friends and co-stars.

Are Meryl Streep and Martin Short a couple?

No, there is no confirmation that Martin Short and Meryl Streep are a couple. The romantic connection between Martin Short and Meryl Streep is not confirmed. Some people believe that Martin Short and Meryl Streep are a couple, but they are not. The rumor about Martin Short and Meryl Streep: He has never confirmed this rumor. The rumor was probably caused by the fact that so many people believe that they are a couple.

Are Meryl Streep and Martin Short a couple?