Are Meryl Streep And Martin Short An Item? Unpacking The Romance Rumors

Deanna Runolfsdottir 16 May 2025

Let’s dive into the world of Hollywood romance, shall we? In the third season of Only Murders in the Building, Martin Short's character, Oliver Putnam, sparked some serious on-screen chemistry with Meryl Streep’s quirky Loretta Durkin. Fans couldn’t help but wonder if this delightful pairing translated into real life. Is it possible that Martin and Meryl are dating off-screen? Or is it all just a product of their incredible acting skills? Let’s break it down.

Are Hollywood Legends Meryl Streep and Martin Short Secretly an Item?

Before they graced our screens in Only Murders in the Building, both Martin and Meryl had already carved out legendary careers in Hollywood. Martin Short, the Canadian-born comedian, made his mark on Saturday Night Live in the '80s and later transitioned to Broadway, where he continued to dazzle audiences. Meanwhile, Meryl Streep burst onto the scene in the late '70s with her unforgettable performance in The Deer Hunter, all while juggling a thriving Broadway career. These two powerhouses brought their immense talent to Hulu’s comedy-mystery series in 2023, joining forces with none other than Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.

Now, here’s a fun fact: Steve Martin, one of Martin Short’s closest pals in Hollywood, had already worked with Meryl Streep in the 2009 romantic comedy It’s Complicated. So, when the idea of collaborating on Only Murders in the Building came up, it was almost fate. In fact, Meryl herself reached out to Martin and Steve to express her admiration for the show. She was such a fan that she simply had to be part of it!

As co-creator John Hoffman revealed to Variety in August 2023, the idea of casting Meryl Streep was nothing short of a dream come true. “We were brainstorming about introducing a new character,” John explained. “I suggested Meryl Streep, thinking it was a long shot. But within weeks, she was reaching out to Marty and Steve, telling them how much she loved the show.”

Meryl Streep poses with Steve Martin and Martin Short — Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Meryl Streep earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the series. At the January 2024 ceremony, she sat right next to Martin, cheering on their Hollywood friends. Naturally, fans started buzzing about whether there was more to their relationship than just friendship. But don’t get your hopes up just yet. Martin addressed the rumors through his rep, stating that they were "just very good friends, nothing more."

During an appearance on Bill Maher's "Club Random" podcast, Martin reiterated this stance. When Bill jokingly referred to them as a "power couple," Martin quickly shut down the rumors, saying, “We’re not a couple. We are just very close friends.”

Meryl Streep’s Recent Single Status Sparks Speculation

In October 2023, Meryl announced that she and her husband, Don Gummer, had separated after more than six years apart. While they’ll always care for each other, they’ve chosen to live separate lives. Despite the split, Meryl still wears her wedding ring out of habit, according to an insider. On the other hand, Martin has been widowed since his wife, Nancy Dolman, passed away in 2010 after battling ovarian cancer.

Could this be the perfect setup for a new chapter in both of their lives? Some sources suggest they’ve been spending more time together, fueling the romance rumors even further.

Red Carpet Moments Raise Eyebrows

In March 2024, an insider claimed that Martin and Meryl were growing closer. “Actions speak louder than words,” the source told Closer. “These two are clearly enjoying each other’s company more and more.”

By August 2024, the duo attended the season 4 premiere of Only Murders in the Building, where they were caught holding hands on the red carpet. Fans couldn’t help but notice their obvious chemistry. Yet, Martin maintained in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that they were "just friends." He also reflected on the grief of losing his wife, Nancy, saying, “I believe Mom has zoomed into our souls.”

Still, another insider doubled down on the romance rumors, claiming, “They knew exactly what they were doing by coming out on stage holding hands. It was their way of telling everyone that their relationship is evolving.”

Seated Together at the 2024 Emmy Awards

At the 2024 Emmy Awards, Martin and Meryl were seated side by side at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Though they didn’t walk the red carpet together, fans were quick to notice Martin’s affectionate gesture as he headed toward Meryl after announcing the winner for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The moment went viral on social media, leaving many to wonder if their on-screen chemistry had blossomed into something real.