Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman had a love for the ages. See their best photos over the years, here!
Martin Short’s career continues to thrive decades after he first broke into show business. The Emmy-winning actor remains a standout on Only Murders in the Building, which has continued its successful run and kept him in awards conversations alongside co-stars Steve Martin and Selena Gomez. In 2026, fans are also set to see a more personal side of the comedy legend in the upcoming Netflix documentary Marty, Life Is Short, chronicling his life and decades-long career in entertainment.
Long before the acclaim and standing ovations, Martin was a young actor in Toronto, where his love story began. In 1972, while performing in a stage production of Godspell, he met actress Nancy Dolman. The couple married in 1980 and went on to adopt three children — Katherine, Oliver and Henry — building a life together that lasted nearly 30 years.
Nancy died from ovarian cancer in 2010, a loss Martin has described as life-altering. In February 2026, the family endured another tragedy with the passing of their eldest daughter, Katherine, at age 42. Through it all, Martin has continued to speak lovingly about Nancy and the family they created together.
Scroll through the gallery to see more photos of Martin and Nancy throughout the years.
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Martin Short & Nancy Dolman
Alex Berliner/BEI/Shutterstock
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman at the special screening for DreamWorks Pictures’ “Sweeney Todd” held at the Paramount Theater on December 5, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.
December 15, 2022, 3:30PM 2 of 6
81st Annual Academy Awards Vanity Fair Party
Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards Vanity Fair Party in 2009. Nancy looked beautiful in her sparkling white gown next to her handsome funnyman.
December 15, 2022, 3:30PM 3 of 6
LA Opera Opening Night Performance of Giacomo Puccini’s Il Trittico
Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock
Martin Short and Wife Nancy Dolman arrive at the LA Opera Opening Night Performance of Giacomo Puccini’s Il Trittico in 2008. Matching in black, the couple were the talk of the town.
December 15, 2022, 3:30PM 4 of 6
Memoirs of a Geisha’ Film Premiere
Picture Perfect/Shutterstock
Martin Short and wife Nancy Dolman arrive at the premiere of ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ in 2005. The cute couple took over the red carpet for the big event.
December 15, 2022, 3:30PM 5 of 6
The Beverly Hilton Soiree
Picture Perfect/Shutterstock
Nancy Dolman and Martin Short arrrive at the American Cinematheque at the Beverly Hilton in 2004. The couple held each other’s hands during the red carpet.
December 15, 2022, 3:30PM
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‘The Last Boyscout’ Premiere
Bei/Shutterstock
Martin Short and wife Nancy Dolman arrive at ‘The Last Boyscout’ premiere in 1991. Martin was dressed in a classic tuxecdo for the star-studded shindig.
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