Martin Short Dating Meryl Streep Explained (Simply): What’s Really Going On

If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen those blurry paparazzi shots of two of Hollywood’s biggest legends looking suspiciously cozy. I’m talking about the rumors of Martin Short dating Meryl Streep. It’s the kind of pairing that feels like it was written in a high-budget rom-com, yet here we are in 2026, still trying to figure out if it’s a "best friends forever" situation or a "late-stage soulmate" saga.

Honestly, the chemistry is undeniable.

When Meryl joined the cast of Only Murders in the Building as the struggling actress Loretta Durkin, something shifted. We all watched her character fall for Martin’s Oliver Putnam, but then the cameras stopped rolling and the hand-holding didn't.

The Timeline of the "Worst Kept Secret"

Speculation didn't just appear out of thin air. It kicked off in earnest back at the 2024 Golden Globes. People noticed them sitting together, laughing at internal jokes, and looking generally more "coupled up" than your average co-stars. Shortly after, Martin’s rep did the standard PR move: “They are just very good friends, nothing more.”

But friends don't usually spark "wedding whispers" in the tabloids.

By March 2025, Page Six was reporting that the duo had actually been dating for "well over a year." That would mean the sparks were flying long before the public even had a clue. They’ve been spotted everywhere from Broadway shows like Merrily We Roll Along to high-end Italian dinners at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.

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One of the most telling moments happened in February 2025. At the SNL50 concert, the camera panned to them in the crowd. They weren't just sitting together; they looked like they belonged together. When they were spotted holding hands at the Season 4 premiere of their show, the "just friends" defense started to feel a little thin.

Why this pairing actually makes sense

Both of these icons have walked through some pretty heavy grief. Martin lost his wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman, to cancer in 2010. Meryl, meanwhile, quietly separated from her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, back in 2017—though the world didn't find out until much later.

They’ve bonded over that shared history of long-term love and loss.

• Laughter: An insider told RadarOnline that Meryl is "madly in love" because Martin makes her laugh constantly.
• Ease: There’s no pressure to "perform" for each other.
• Support: They are seen supporting one another at nearly every industry event, often arriving and leaving in the same car.

What the "Third Wheel" Steve Martin Thinks

You can't talk about Martin Short without mentioning Steve Martin. He’s been the unofficial chronicler of this rumored romance. In October 2024, Steve posted a photo of the three of them on Instagram but placed a giant red "cancel" emoji over his own face.

It was a classic Steve Martin move. Basically, it was a meta-commentary on being the third wheel to the hottest new couple in Hollywood. Fans lost their minds. It felt like a "hard launch" without anyone having to actually say the words.

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Despite the jokes, the production team on Only Murders has reportedly felt the shift too. Some insiders claim the romance was the "worst kept secret" on set. They say the affection was palpable, making the romantic scenes between Loretta and Oliver feel less like acting and more like a glimpse into their actual Tuesday nights.

The Wedding Rumors: Real or Tabloid Fuel?

As of January 2026, the chatter has turned toward marriage. Some "sources" claim a wedding is the next logical step. However, other insiders insist they are perfectly happy just being "boyfriend and girlfriend." At their age, and with their respective legacies, they might not feel the need for a legal contract to validate what they have.

They seem to be living by their own rules.

"Meryl couldn't help but fall for Martin. He is a gentleman, he keeps her laughing and is an all-around positive person." — Source via Page Six.

Are they actually "dating" right now?

If you ask Martin Short directly, he’ll probably give you a self-deprecating joke or a polite "we’re just friends." He told Bill Maher on the Club Random podcast quite clearly: "We're not a couple."

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But let’s be real. When two people in their 70s are "just friends" who hold hands at premieres, go on intimate dinner dates, and spend Valentine's Day together, the label "dating" is usually the one that fits best. They might be avoiding the public label to keep the paparazzi pressure at bay.

What this means for fans of Only Murders

The real-life connection has definitely improved the show. Meryl's character, Loretta, has stuck around longer than many expected, partly because the chemistry with Oliver is the heart of the series. Showrunner John Hoffman noted that Meryl actually had tears in her eyes after filming a romantic scene on a ferry, telling him she never thought she’d get to play a romance like that at her age.

It’s sweet. It’s rare. And it’s why everyone is so invested.

Actionable Insights for Fans

If you're following the Martin Short dating Meryl Streep saga, here is how to stay in the loop without falling for every fake "wedding" headline:

1. Watch the Red Carpets: Their body language at the 2026 awards circuit will tell you more than any "anonymous source." Look for the subtle hand on the back or the shared glances during monologues.
2. Follow the "Third Wheels": Keep an eye on Steve Martin’s social media. He remains the most reliable (and hilarious) source for "soft launches."
3. Check Production News: If Meryl signs on for even more episodes of Only Murders, it’s a strong sign she wants to keep working alongside her rumored beau.
4. Ignore the "Wedding" Clickbait: Unless it comes from a primary rep or a major outlet like People or The Hollywood Reporter, take marriage talk with a grain of salt. They seem to value their privacy above all else.

Whether they ever "officialize" it or not, the bond between these two legends is a refreshing reminder that finding a "spark" isn't just for the twenty-somethings in Hollywood. Sometimes, the best love stories start with a long friendship and a really good laugh.