Martin Short is reminiscing about his love life, particularly his relationship with the late actress and comedian Gilda Radner. The 74-year-old star of "Only Murders in the Building" opened up about their on-and-off relationship during an episode of the "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" podcast broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Short first met Radner in 1972 while they were both involved in the production of the musical "Godspell" in Toronto, Canada. He recalls how their relationship was marked by frequent break-ups and reconciliations. "We would break up and get back together every couple of years," Short explained. In the beginning, he confessed he fell for her deeply, describing the allure Radner had. “Every girl wanted to be her best friend and every guy wanted to go out with her,” he reminisced.
He fondly recalled their first rehearsal, stating, "I remember she came up to the first rehearsal and said, 'Hi, Marty. I’m so happy to be here.' She had her finger on her forehead. I said, ‘OK, good.’ She pulled [away] and she had a big pimple here.” Short went on to describe how Radner was a unique person, saying, “She was just so original. The size of her purse, the fullness of her hair, and you know, I fell for her madly.”
However, their relationship was also complicated. Short admitted that Radner faced significant emotional struggles. “Gilda had, you know, emotional ups and downs,” Short stated. At the time, he was only 22 and was navigating his personal grief from the loss of his parents. “In fact, I’ll tell you exactly what is very interesting,” he said, reflecting on their arguments, “I think, ‘What do you have to be not happy about? You’re talented, you have family money, everyone loves you, everyone wants to be your friend, everyone wants to date you. No one is funnier, you get the biggest laughs of anyone on stage.’ But I was only 22. I didn’t understand.”
Tragically, Radner passed away from ovarian cancer in 1989 at the age of 42, a fact that has left a lasting mark on Short. He noted how friendships and love can continue after someone has departed, sharing his belief in the power of memory. “I believe that when people die, they zoom into the people that love them,” he expressed in an interview with AARP The Magazine in 2019. He emphasized the idea that memories should be cherished and kept alive, stating, “This idea that it just ends, and don’t speak of them — that’s wrong.”
Short himself has also faced personal loss. He was married to Nancy Dolman from 1980 until her death in 2010, which also occurred due to ovarian cancer, just after 30 years of marriage. Together, they adopted three children, Katherine Elizabeth, 41, Oliver Patrick, 38, and Henry Hayter, 35, and they created a loving family together. “In fact, my wife Nancy was the best thing that happened to me. She loved life and made everyone else around her feel that way,” he reflected on their life together. Sadly, Dolman passed at age 58.
The conversation on the podcast took a contemporary twist with ongoing rumors surrounding Short's personal life, particularly regarding his relationship with his "Only Murders" co-star, Meryl Streep. Rumors of a romantic involvement have surrounded the pair, though Short has publicly denied these claims. During his appearance on the "Club Random with Bill Maher" podcast in January 2024, he asserted, “We’re not a couple; we are just very close friends.” Despite repeating this assertion, they have been seen together on multiple occasions, which continues to stoke speculation.
Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman, fellow cast members from the original “Saturday Night Live,” paid tribute to Radner during the show’s 50th anniversary special on NBC last month, reminding audiences of her legacy and the joy she brought to many.
Ultimately, Short’s reflections reveal a poignant narrative of love, loss, and the lasting effects of relationships. His stories about Radner show not only the impact she had on his life but also highlight the emotional complexities that defined their time together. Though both women have passed, the memories linger on for Short, showcasing the connections that endure beyond the physical presence of loved ones.
As he continues to cherish his past relationships while stepping cautiously forward in his present life, it’s clear that Martin Short remains a beloved figure in both comedy and the hearts of those who admire him.
