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The Enduring Love Story: 7 Things Martin Short Revealed About His Late Wife, Nancy Dolman

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Despite the dazzling spotlight of Hollywood and a career spanning decades, the most poignant and consistent narrative in Martin Short's life is his enduring love for his late wife, Nancy Dolman. Even over a decade after her passing, the comedian and star of Only Murders in the Building frequently speaks about their relationship, offering a rare and touching glimpse into one of show business's most private and devoted marriages. This article, updated for the current date of December 21, 2025, explores the beautiful history of Martin Short and Nancy Dolman, detailing her life, their family, and the profound way her memory continues to shape his world today.

Their story is not one of tragedy, but of a deep, lasting connection that transcends loss, providing a powerful answer to the curiosity surrounding Short's personal life and why he has never remarried.

Martin Short and Nancy Dolman: A Complete Biography and Family Profile

Martin Short and Nancy Dolman shared a life together that began in the world of Canadian theater and blossomed into a 30-year marriage.

Martin Hayter Short (Husband)

  • Born: March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
  • Profession: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer.
  • Notable Works: SCTV, Saturday Night Live, Three Amigos!, Father of the Bride, and the Emmy-nominated series Only Murders in the Building.
  • Awards/Honors: Tony Award, multiple Emmy Awards, Officer of the Order of Canada (OC).
  • Education: McMaster University.

Nancy Jane Dolman Short (Wife)

  • Born: September 26, 1951.
  • Died: August 21, 2010, at the age of 58.
  • Cause of Death: Ovarian Cancer, following a three-year battle.
  • Profession: Canadian Comedic Actress and Singer.
  • Notable Roles: Recurring role as Annie Selig Tate on the ABC sitcom Soap. She was also Gilda Radner's understudy in the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell.
  • Education: York Mills Collegiate Institute in Toronto; Bachelor's degree in Philosophy.
  • Retirement: She retired from acting after about fifteen years to become a full-time mother.

The Children (Adopted)

Martin and Nancy adopted three children, all of whom are now adults:

  • Katherine Elizabeth Short: Born in 1983.
  • Oliver Patrick Short: Born in 1986.
  • Henry Hayter Short: Born in 1989.

The Beginning: How Martin Short Met Nancy Dolman

Martin Short’s love story with Nancy Dolman is often described as "love at first sight" for the comedian. Their fateful meeting occurred in 1972 during the Toronto production of the rock musical Godspell.

The cast was a legendary incubator for Canadian comedy talent, including Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Gilda Radner, and Short himself. Nancy Dolman was Gilda Radner’s understudy in the show.

Short has recalled the initial attraction, noting that he was immediately smitten with the Canadian actress and singer. They began dating shortly after meeting.

After eight years of dating, the couple married in 1980. Their marriage lasted for three decades until her untimely death in 2010.

A Lasting Legacy: 5 Things Martin Short Has Revealed About His Life with Nancy

Since Nancy Dolman's passing, Martin Short has been remarkably open about his grief, his connection to her, and the lessons he learned from their life together. His revelations offer a powerful insight into a truly beautiful partnership.

1. He Still Speaks to Her Daily

One of the most touching details Short has shared is that he still feels Nancy’s presence and speaks to her regularly. He has stated that he doesn't feel she has left him, describing their connection as a "continual conversation."

This spiritual connection is a core part of his life as a widower, suggesting that the marriage never truly ended in his mind, which is a major reason why he has not remarried.

2. She Was the "Love of His Life" and His Anchor

Short consistently refers to Nancy as the love of his life and his greatest supporter. She was known for her sharp wit and comedic timing, which made her a perfect partner for the high-energy comedian.

Her retirement from acting to raise their three adopted children, Katherine, Oliver, and Henry, highlighted her devotion to their family life, providing a stable home base for Short’s demanding career.

3. Her Death Was "Absolutely Horrible" but Inspired a New Perspective

Nancy Dolman died in August 2010 after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. Short has described the experience as "absolutely horrible."

Despite the immense pain, he has shared that her death emboldened him. He realized that the worst thing that could happen—losing his wife—had already occurred, which gave him a new sense of fearlessness in his work and life.

4. Their Children Are His Greatest Pride

The couple adopted all three of their children, and Short often speaks about the pride he has in them. He has emphasized the importance of being honest with his children about their mother’s death.

He told them that while the grief would be immense and difficult, they would "gain buoyancy" and find happiness again, a message he also shared in his autobiography, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend.

5. The Relationship is a Source of His Current Happiness

Despite the loss, Martin Short is often referred to as one of the happiest men in Hollywood. He attributes this peace and happiness to the foundation of love and family he built with Nancy.

He views his life not as a single man, but as a man whose wife is simply in a different place, a perspective that allows him to carry her with him into his current successes, including his popular role on Only Murders in the Building alongside his close friends Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.

martin short wife
martin short wife

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