You know him from the big screen, the small screen, and even the stage, but there’s so much more to comedian Martin Short than just his iconic roles. Beyond his unforgettable performances on shows like Saturday Night Live and Only Murders in the Building, Martin has led a deeply personal life filled with love, laughter, and loss. As a devoted father to three wonderful children—Katherine, Oliver, and Henry—Martin has always prioritized family above all else. Together with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, they built a life filled with joy and connection, even in the face of tragedy.
The Love Story That Began It All
It all started in 1972, when Martin and Nancy met during the Canadian run of the beloved musical Godspell. Back then, who could have guessed that this chance encounter would blossom into one of Hollywood’s most enduring romances? Fast forward to 1980, and the couple tied the knot just as Nancy began landing recurring roles on the hit ABC sitcom Soap. But once the decision was made to grow their family, Nancy stepped away from the spotlight to focus on raising their kids. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was one she made out of love for her growing family.
Building a Beautiful Family
In 1983, Martin and Nancy welcomed their first child, Katherine, into the world. Three years later came Oliver, followed by their youngest, Henry, in 1989. These three siblings weren’t just along for the ride—they were front and center in every red-carpet moment and family celebration. Over the years, they grew incredibly close, forming bonds that would carry them through even the toughest times. When Nancy passed away in 2010 after battling ovarian cancer, it was these strong relationships that helped the family find strength in each other.
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Martin on Love, Loss, and Legacy
In October 2012, Martin opened up to The Guardian about the incredible bond he shared with Nancy. "Before my wife, Nancy, died two years ago, we were together for 36 years," he reflected. "But I would have been divorced five times if I hadn’t found the right person. I wouldn’t have faked it or played a game just because I didn’t want to be divorced. Life is too short for that." He went on to share how challenging the past couple of years had been for his children. "This is the reality of life that we often live in denial about," he admitted. "We think it won’t happen to us or our loved ones, but when it does, you gain a little and you suffer a little. There’s no big surprise—it’s just life."
Finding Comfort in Memories
Even after losing his beloved wife, Martin found solace in the memories they shared. In a heartfelt interview with AARP in January 2019, he revealed how he still feels Nancy’s presence in his life. "She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time," he said. "It’s like, 'Hey, Nan,' you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids? I truly believe that when people die, they zoom into the hearts of those who love them." It’s a belief that brings comfort not only to Martin but also to his children as they navigate life without their mom.
Opening Up About Grief
Martin delved deeper into his experiences with grief and loss in his 2014 memoir, I Must Say: My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend. For him, writing about such personal topics wasn’t just therapeutic—it was necessary. "I didn’t want to feel like her death was something I needed to hide," he told Vulture in February 2018. "I wanted to expose what I’ve experienced about grief and loss. I didn’t see how you could write a book about life and not include those things, because as much as we might wish they weren’t, they are a part of life." Through his words, Martin reminds us all that it’s okay to grieve, to remember, and to keep moving forward.
Keep scrolling to meet Martin’s three children and learn more about the extraordinary family he built with Nancy.
