Let’s be real: Hollywood doesn't usually give us sequels this good in real life. When the news broke that Martin Short and Meryl Streep might actually be a thing, the internet collectively lost its mind. It felt like a fan fiction plot brought to life. You have the most decorated actress of all time and the chaotic, comedic genius behind Jiminy Glick. On paper? It's a wild crossover. In reality? It might be the most wholesome thing to happen to 2026.
People are obsessed. They want to know if it’s a "showmance" for Only Murders in the Building or if these two legends are genuinely holding hands in the twilight of their careers.
The Night Everything Changed
It basically started at the 2024 Golden Globes. You probably saw the clips. They were sitting together, whispering, laughing, and looking way more comfortable than "just coworkers" usually do. The chemistry wasn't just there; it was vibrating off the screen.
For months, their reps did the classic Hollywood dance. "They are just very good friends, nothing more," a spokesperson told People back in early 2024. Martin himself hopped on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast and tried to shut it down. He literally said, "We’re not a couple, we are just very close friends."
But then, the sightings didn't stop. They were spotted at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. Then at Broadway shows. Then at a Tom Hanks play in late 2025 where sources say they were "like teenagers," with Meryl even resting her head on Martin’s shoulder.
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Why Martin Short and Meryl Streep Make Sense
Honestly, if you look at their lives, it’s not that crazy. Both have dealt with immense loss and long, storied personal histories.
- Meryl’s Secret Split: In late 2023, it came out that Meryl and her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, had actually been separated for more than six years. Six years! That means she’s been single far longer than the public realized.
- Martin’s History: Martin Short lost his beloved wife, Nancy Dolman, to ovarian cancer in 2010. He’s been incredibly open about how much he still talks to her and honors her memory. He wasn't exactly looking for a "new" life, but sometimes life happens anyway.
They bonded over the heavy stuff. Insiders have mentioned they connected deeply over the loss of their partners to cancer. It’s a specific kind of grief that bonds people in a way a red carpet event never could.
The "Only Murders" Catalyst
We have to talk about the show. When Meryl joined the cast of Only Murders in the Building as Loretta Durkin, she was playing Martin’s love interest.
Watching them work together is like watching a masterclass in joy. John Hoffman, the show’s creator, has talked about how the two of them delighted in each other on and off screen. It was apparently the "worst kept secret" on set. While the cameras were off, they were still huddled together, giggling like kids.
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By March 2025, Page Six reported that they had been dating for "well over a year." That timing tracks. It means the romance likely sparked during the filming of Season 3 and has only solidified since.
Is a Wedding Actually Happening?
Lately, the rumors have shifted from "Are they dating?" to "Are they getting married?"
Reports from early 2026 suggest that their friends and families—including their adult children—are totally on board. There's talk that they might take the next step. However, some insiders claim they are perfectly happy just being "boyfriend and girlfriend."
It’s kind of refreshing. At 75 and 76, they don’t need to follow the traditional celebrity PR playbook. They aren't posting "soft launches" on Instagram or doing joint magazine covers. They're just living.
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What We Know for Sure
- The Connection is Real: Whether you call it a deep friendship or a romance, they are inseparable.
- The Families Approve: All signs point to their kids being happy for them.
- They Value Privacy: Neither seems interested in a big public confirmation.
The Takeaway for the Rest of Us
The saga of Martin Short and Meryl Streep teaches us something pretty cool about aging. You’re never too old for a new chapter. You’re never too "established" to find someone who makes you laugh until you cry.
If you're following this story, don't wait for a formal press release. The evidence is in the way they look at each other at Broadway openings and the way Martin’s face lights up when Meryl is mentioned.
If you want to keep up with them, your best bet is to watch for "candid" sightings in New York City or Los Angeles. They seem to prefer the theater scene over the club scene, obviously. Keep an eye on the Only Murders press cycles too—that’s usually when the most honest interactions slip through the cracks. For now, just enjoy the fact that two of the best people in show business found each other.
Actionable Insights:
- Watch Season 3 and 4 of Only Murders in the Building: You can literally see the chemistry evolve in real-time.
- Follow New York Theater News: This is where they are most frequently spotted together in 2026.
- Don't believe every "wedding" headline: Unless it comes from a primary source, they seem content with their current low-key status.