The Enduring Love Story: 7 Heartbreaking Facts About Martin Short’s Wife, Nancy Dolman
The vibrant career of Martin Short, marked by iconic comedic roles from Jiminy Glick to Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building, often overshadows the profound love story that shaped his life. As of December 2025, Short remains one of Hollywood's most beloved comedians, yet his personal narrative is deeply intertwined with the memory of his late wife, the actress Nancy Dolman. Their relationship, spanning four decades until her passing, is a testament to an enduring, once-in-a-lifetime connection that continues to define Short's world today.
The tragic loss of Nancy Dolman in 2010 left a void that Martin Short has chosen to fill not with remarriage, but with a celebration of their shared life. Despite the pain, he has consistently spoken about their relationship with a poignant blend of humor and deep affection. This article delves into the life of Nancy Dolman, their extraordinary partnership, and the heartbreaking facts that make their love story one of Hollywood's most touching and unforgettable.
Nancy Dolman: A Complete Biography and Profile
Nancy Jane Dolman Short was a talented Canadian comedic actress and singer who shared a remarkable life with Martin Short. Her career, though often overshadowed by her husband's global fame, was notable in its own right, rooted in the world of Canadian and American theater and television.
- Full Name: Nancy Jane Dolman Short
- Date of Birth: September 26, 1951
- Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Spouse: Martin Short (m. 1980; d. 2010)
- Children: Katherine Short, Oliver Short, and Henry Short (all adopted)
- Date of Death: August 21, 2010
- Age at Death: 58
- Cause of Death: Ovarian Cancer
- Notable Career Highlights: Recurring role as Annie Selig Tate on the ABC sitcom Soap; appearances on SCTV; performed in the Canadian Rock Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar; and appeared in her husband's 1985 cable special, Martin Short: Concert for the North Americas.
- Family Connection: She was the sister of director Bob Dolman.
The Meeting: Love at First Sight on the Set of Godspell
The genesis of Martin and Nancy's relationship reads like a classic Hollywood romance, albeit one set on a Canadian stage in 1972. They first crossed paths during a Toronto production of the musical Godspell.
The Toronto *Godspell* Production: This particular production was a breeding ground for Canadian comedic talent. The cast was a veritable who's who of future stars, including Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Gilda Radner, and Dave Thomas.
Martin Short has often recounted that for him, the connection with Nancy was instantaneous—a true case of "love at first sight." At the time, Nancy was Gilda Radner's understudy, and Short initially dated Radner briefly before his feelings for Dolman became clear.
The couple married in 1980, beginning a 30-year partnership that was renowned in the industry for its strength and mutual support.
The Heartbreaking Battle: Nancy Dolman's Cause of Death
In the late 2000s, the couple faced the devastating reality of Nancy's health struggles. After a three-year battle, Nancy Dolman passed away on August 21, 2010, at their home in Pacific Palisades, California, at the age of 58.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis: The cause of her death was ovarian cancer. This devastating diagnosis brought their three decades of marriage to a premature and painful end.
Short later described the period following her death as "absolutely horrible," a raw and honest admission of the grief he experienced. His public reflections on this time have provided a rare glimpse into the private sorrow of a man whose public life is dedicated to comedy.
Martin Short's Enduring Devotion: Why He Never Remarried
Despite being a highly sought-after and successful celebrity, Martin Short has never remarried since Nancy's passing, a decision that speaks volumes about his devotion.
A Continued Conversation: Short has repeatedly stated that he feels Nancy is still a constant presence in his life. He often speaks about her in the present tense, explaining that he still "talks" to her.
In his 2014 autobiography, I Must Say: My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend, Short dedicated a significant portion to their love and his journey through grief, noting his efforts to "regain buoyancy" after such a profound loss.
This enduring connection is rooted in a philosophy that Short has shared publicly: he believes that life is about finding ways to keep the memory and spirit of a loved one alive.
The Legacy: Their Three Adopted Children
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman built their family through adoption, raising three children who are now adults. Their children's well-being was Martin Short's primary focus after Nancy's death.
- Katherine Short: Their daughter, Katherine, has followed in her parents' footsteps to some extent, pursuing a career as an actress and singer.
- Oliver Short: Their son, Oliver Patrick Short, has chosen a path away from the entertainment spotlight.
- Henry Short: Their youngest son, Henry, also maintains a largely private life.
Short's message to his children following their mother's passing was a poignant one about resilience and the importance of remembering the joy she brought.
The Only Murders in the Building Connection and Steve Martin
In recent years, Martin Short's career has seen a massive resurgence with the hit show Only Murders in the Building, starring alongside his longtime friend, Steve Martin.
A Friendship Forged in Comedy and Tragedy: The deep, decades-long friendship between Martin Short and Steve Martin is a key entity in Short's life. Steve Martin's support, along with that of other close friends, was instrumental in helping Short navigate the period of intense grief after Nancy's death.
This professional and personal bond is a powerful reminder of the supportive network that surrounded Nancy and continues to support Martin Short today. As of December 2025, with anticipation for a potential fifth season of the Hulu series, the public continues to be reminded of the comedian's enduring spirit and the love that fuels his performance.
Nancy Dolman's Career Highlights Beyond Martin Short
While her primary role became that of a devoted wife and mother, Nancy Dolman had a respectable career in Canadian and American comedy.
Her most recognized television role was as Annie Selig Tate on the ABC sitcom Soap. She also appeared on the groundbreaking Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV, where her husband and many of their friends achieved stardom. Her early work in musical theater, particularly in Jesus Christ Superstar, showcased her talent as both a singer and an actress, abilities that were fundamental to her and Short's shared world of performance.
Ultimately, Nancy Dolman's legacy is not just her credits, but the profound, loving foundation she provided for one of comedy's most beloved figures.
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