Hollywood loves a good mystery. But usually, those mysteries involve a script, a director, and a dramatic reveal in the final act. Right now, everyone is obsessed with a real-life whodunnit—or rather, a who’s-dating-who. The question on everyone's lips is simple: are Martin Short and Meryl Streep a couple, or is this just the best platonic friendship in the history of show business?
Honestly, if you’ve watched Only Murders in the Building, you’ve seen the sparks. It’s not just "acting" acting. It's that comfortable, leaning-in, finishing-each-other’s-sentences kind of vibe that usually signals something more.
The Rumors That Won't Quit
It all started back at the 2024 Golden Globes. They were sitting together. Laughing. Whispering. The internet, as it does, immediately lost its mind. People were dissecting their body language like it was a Zapruder film.
Soon after, a representative for Martin Short tried to pour cold water on the fire. They told People magazine that the two are "just very good friends, nothing more." Martin himself even went on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast and said, "We’re not a couple. We are just very close friends."
But then, the sightings kept happening.
- February 2024: Dinner in Santa Monica.
- March 2024: A cozy night at the Broadway show Merrily We Roll Along.
- August 2024: Holding hands at the Season 4 premiere of Only Murders.
- March 2025: Arriving together for a Saturday Night Live taping.
You see the pattern. It’s hard to stay "just friends" in the public eye when you’re constantly spotted holding hands at industry events. By early 2026, the whispers haven't died down—they’ve just become part of the Hollywood lore.
Why This Pairing Actually Makes Sense
Think about it. Both of these icons have dealt with profound loss and long-term changes in their private lives.
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Martin Short was married to his wife, Nancy Dolman, for 30 years before she passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010. He’s spoken openly about how he still talks to her, how she’s still a presence in his life.
Meryl, on the other hand, shocked the world in late 2023. It came out that she and her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, had actually been separated since 2017. They’d been living separate lives for over six years before the public even had a clue.
So, you have two people who know what it’s like to have a "forever" partner and suddenly find themselves navigate the world solo in their 70s. Finding someone who makes you laugh at that stage of life? That’s not just a "showmance." That’s a lifeline.
The "Only Murders" Connection
John Hoffman, the showrunner for Only Murders in the Building, has been a front-row witness to this. He told The Wrap that watching them find a connection was "incredible."
Meryl apparently told him she was grateful that the romance between her character (Loretta) and Martin’s (Oliver) wasn’t "twee." It wasn't some stereotypical "old people falling in love" trope. It felt real.
Maybe it felt real because it was.
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Reports from the set suggest they are "the worst kept secret of the entire production." Insiders claim they’re inseparable, and even their kids are reportedly on board with the relationship. If your kids and Steve Martin are okay with it, you're basically golden.
What the "Insiders" are Saying in 2026
As of early 2026, the narrative has shifted from "Are they dating?" to "When is the wedding?"
Now, take this with a grain of salt. Tabloids like Woman’s Day and Globe love a wedding headline. There have been claims that they’re secretly engaged and that Tom Hanks—yes, that Tom Hanks—wants to officiate.
Is there a ring? No.
Has there been a formal announcement? Absolutely not.
Most reliable sources suggest they aren't interested in labels. They’ve both done the "big public marriage" thing. At 75 and 76, they might just want to enjoy each other's company without the pressure of a PR rollout.
Why They Keep Denying It
You've gotta wonder why they bother saying they're "just friends" at this point.
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- Privacy: Meryl Streep is famously private. She kept a six-year separation quiet; she can certainly keep a new romance under wraps.
- The "Work" Factor: They work together. If they confirm a relationship and then things get weird, it affects the show.
- Pressure: Once you put a label on it, the media starts the "wedding countdown." Who needs that stress?
The Evidence vs. The Official Word
If we look at the facts, we have a classic "he-said, she-said" situation, except they're both saying the same thing: We're just friends. But let's look at the "prose" of their actions instead of a table of dates. They don't just attend events together; they arrive and leave in the same car. They don't just sit together; they lean into each other's space. In the world of Hollywood body language, that's usually a "yes."
Steve Martin, the third wheel of the century, even poked fun at them on Instagram. He posted a photo of the three of them with a "no" symbol over his own face. It was basically a giant wink to the fans saying, Yeah, I’m the third wheel here.
What You Should Take Away From This
So, are Martin Short and Meryl Streep a couple?
If you define a couple as two people who spend their holidays together, support each other at every major life event, and look genuinely happy in each other’s presence, then yes. They are a couple.
If you define it by a legal document or a public "we are dating" Instagram post, then no. They are "very close friends."
But honestly, does the label even matter? In a world of messy celebrity breakups and manufactured drama, seeing two legends find joy in each other's company is enough.
What to Watch For Next
- Season 5 of Only Murders: Watch the chemistry. If it feels even more natural, you know why.
- Red Carpet Season: Keep an eye on the 2026 awards circuit. If they’re still each other’s "plus one," the "just friends" excuse starts to wear thin.
- Public Outings: Look for more low-key sightings in New York or Santa Monica. Those "paparazzi" shots often tell a truer story than a polished interview.
The best way to stay updated is to follow the actual trades like The Hollywood Reporter or Variety rather than just the gossip rags. While the tabloids will tell you they’re eloping in Italy, the trades will tell you if they’re signing onto more projects together—which is the ultimate sign of a solid partnership in Hollywood.