Honestly, if you had told anyone in the 90s that the woman who played Sophie in Sophie’s Choice and the guy who played Franck in Father of the Bride would eventually become the internet's favorite "ship," they would’ve laughed you out of the room. It’s wild. But here we are in 2026, and the fascination with Meryl Streep and Martin Short dating is still reaching a fever pitch.
It’s the kind of Hollywood story that feels too good to be true. Two legends, both having navigated long, storied marriages and heartbreaking losses, finding each other on a TV set in their 70s. It’s basically a real-life rom-com script, and the world is obsessed.
The Only Murders Spark
Everything shifted in early 2023 when Meryl joined the cast of Only Murders in the Building. She wasn’t just a guest star; she was the love interest for Martin’s character, Oliver Putnam. The chemistry was instant.
By the time the 2024 Golden Globes rolled around, the internet was convinced. They were sitting together, laughing, and looking genuinely cozy. Then came the hand-holding at the Season 4 premiere in August 2024. People lost it.
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Even though their reps spent most of 2024 playing the "just very good friends" card, the evidence kept piling up. By March 2025, reports from Page Six and other insiders suggested they had been dating for "well over a year." It turns out, Meryl allegedly "couldn't help but fall" for Martin's wit and positive energy.
What the Insiders Are Saying Right Now
As of early 2026, the status of Meryl Streep and Martin Short dating has transitioned from "wild rumor" to "Hollywood's worst-kept secret."
- The Marriage Rumors: Recently, gossip has shifted toward the "W" word. Insiders told RadarOnline in January 2026 that friends are whispering about a potential wedding.
- Family Approval: Apparently, the kids are on board. Reports indicate that both Streep’s four children and Short’s three adult children think they’re adorable together.
- The Broadway Connection: They’re constantly spotted at New York theater shows. Just this past November, they were seen at the opening night of Tom Hanks' play, This World of Tomorrow.
It’s not just about the red carpets, though. Those close to them say they bonded over their shared history. Meryl had been quietly separated from her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, since 2017. Martin lost his beloved wife, Nancy Dolman, to cancer back in 2010. They found a common language in that shared experience of starting over later in life.
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Why This Pair Actually Works
There’s a specific reason this isn't just a "showmance." Martin is known for being a gentleman who keeps Meryl laughing. If you’re Meryl Streep—the greatest actress of a generation—you probably don’t need more drama. You need someone who makes you laugh until you cry.
"It's a beautiful romance that you buy because of who these two characters are," OMITB creator John Hoffman told The Wrap. He's not wrong.
Addressing the Skeptics
Look, some people still think it's all a PR stunt for the show. It’s a fair point. But when you see them caught by paparazzi in Santa Monica just grabbing dinner, or sitting in the crowd at the SNL50 concert in 2025, it feels different. PR stunts usually end when the cameras stop rolling. This has been going on for years now.
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What This Means for You (The Fan)
If you're following the Meryl Streep and Martin Short dating saga, there are a few things to keep in mind about how these two navigate the public eye:
- Don’t expect a "hard launch": Meryl has been fiercely private for five decades. She isn't going to post a "boyfriend reveal" on Instagram.
- Watch the Broadway sightings: This is their natural habitat. If they’re seen together at an Off-Broadway show, it’s usually a better indicator of their status than a scripted awards show interaction.
- Respect the "friendship" label: Even if they are domestic partners, they might keep using the word "friend" forever. It’s a generational thing. It’s about privacy and respect for their past lives.
Basically, whether they ever confirm a wedding or just keep "attending plays together," the connection is clearly real. It’s a reminder that love isn't just for the twenty-somethings on The Bachelor. Sometimes, the best chapters start when you least expect them, even if you’re a three-time Oscar winner or a Canadian comedy icon.