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For decades, Martin Short He kept the audience laughing with his sharp sense of humor and unforgettable characters. But behind the comedy icon was a deeply personal love story with his late wife, a Canadian actress Nancy Dolman.
The couple met in 1972 while performing in a Toronto production Gods magicShe married in 1980 and went on to build a life and family together that lasted nearly 30 years before her death from ovarian cancer in 2010.
Here’s everything to know about Nancy and her marriage to Martin below.
Where did Nancy Dolman come from?
Like Martin, Nancy was Canadian. She was born on September 26, 1950 in Toronto, Ontario, and grew up in a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry. her brother, Bob Dolmanbecame a well-known screenwriter and director, including credits Willow and The Banger Sisters.
Prior to her life in Los Angeles, Nancy built her career in musical theater in Canada. She performed in theater productions throughout the 1970s – including… Gods magicwhere she met Martin – laying the foundation for her acting career and their decades-long love story.
I got a role in a sitcom soap
After touring with Jesus Christ SuperstarNancy moved from musical theater to television, landing a recurring role on the ABC sitcom in the late 1970s. soap. The series is a brilliant, sharp parody of traditional soap operas Billy Crystal and Richard Mulligan It became a fan favorite during its four seasons.
Nancy is portrayed by Annie Selig Tate, a recurring character on the show. It wasn’t long until she stepped away from acting to focus on raising her children.
Nancy lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2010
After nearly 30 years of marriage, Martin lost Nancy in 2010 after her battle with ovarian cancer. She was 59 years old. Her death was a devastating chapter for the actor, who spoke openly about the profound impact the loss had on him and his family.
In the years since, Martin has reflected on how grief has reshaped his outlook on life. “With real tragedy, you get a little bolder,” he said. AARP In 2019. “It’s the yin and the yang: the positive part of the dark side of life.”
She was a proud mother of three children
Martin and Nancy built their family through adoption and welcoming their daughter Catherine In 1983, Sons followed Oliver In 1986 and Henry In 1989. Eventually, Nancy stepped away from acting to focus on raising her children and devoting herself to family life.
Tragically, the Short family suffered another heartbreaking loss in February 2026 when their eldest daughter, Catherine Hartley Short, died at the age of 42. Short’s family said they were “devastated” by the loss and asked for privacy while grieving her death. Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker who dedicated her life to helping others and advocating for mental health awareness.
After her mother died in 2010, Martin spoke candidly over the years about how his children dealt with profound loss together. “It’s been a tough couple of years for my kids,” he said. The Guardian In 2012.
“This is the thing in life that we live in denial that it will happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does, you gain a little, and you suffer a little. There’s no big surprise.”
Martin says he is still “talking” to Nancy
Years after Nancy’s death in 2010, Martin said he still feels a deep connection to his late wife. He said as he thought about their decades-long relationship AARP“Our marriage was a triumph. So it’s been hard. She died in 2010, but I still keep in touch with her all the time. She’s ‘my Nan,’ you know? How will she react to this or that decision, especially regarding our three children?”
He added: “I think when people die, they get closer to the people they love. The idea that it’s over, and you don’t talk about them – that’s wrong… For me, she’s still here.”
