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For many years, Martin Short has charmed viewers with his witty jokes and memorable personas. Yet, the funny man’s personal life contained a profound affection with his deceased spouse, the Canadian performer Nancy Dolman.
The pair initially encountered one another in 1972 while acting in a Toronto rendition of Godspell, wed in 1980, and proceeded to create a shared existence and family for approximately 30 years until her demise from ovarian carcinoma in 2010.
Nancy Doleman and Martin Short married in 1980 after meeting in 1972. (Alex Berliner/BEI/Shutterstock)
Here’s all you need to learn regarding Nancy and her marital life with Martin, presented below.
Where Did Nancy Dolman Originate From?
Similar to Martin, Nancy was a Canadian citizen. She came into this world on September 26, 1950, within Toronto, Ontario. She matured within a family possessing robust connections to show business. Her sibling, Bob Dolman, moved onward to be a celebrated screenwriter and film director, with recognitions consisting of Willow including The Banger Sisters.
Prior to her existence situated in Los Angeles, Nancy built her personal vocation within musical theater in Canada. Throughout the 1970s, she acted in stage productions — notably Godspell, which is where she initially met Martin — hence establishing a base for both her acting career along with their love story spanning decades.
She Obtained a Part in the Sitcom Soap
After going on tour with Jesus Christ Superstar, Nancy transitioned away from musical theater over to television, securing a frequent part in the ABC sitcom Soap from the latter portion of the 1970s. The series — a satirical take on conventional soap operas — starred Billy Crystal together with Richard Mulligan and became a beloved favorite across its four seasons.
Nancy played Annie Selig Tate, a role that recurred across the program. Shortly after this, she retreated from the acting world to give attention to raising her offspring.
Nancy Succumbed to Ovarian Cancer in 2010
After almost three decades in matrimony, Martin mourned the loss of Nancy in 2010 as a result of her battle with ovarian carcinoma. She had reached 59 years in age. This passing signified a heart-wrenching moment for the performer, who has communicated frankly with regards to the intense impact the bereavement had on him and the entire family.
In the years thereafter, Martin has contemplated how grief has influenced his viewpoint on life. “When a serious tragedy strikes, a person is liable to turn more courageous,” he informed AARP during 2019. “It’s two sides of one coin: the upbeat segment of life’s grim aspect.”
She Was a Devoted Mother of Three
NEW YORK – AUGUST 17: (L-R) Katherine Short, Henry Short, Nancy Short, Martin Short and Oliver Short attend the after party for the opening night of “Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me” at Tavern on the Green on August 17, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
Martin and Nancy grew their family by embracing adoption, with the arrival of their daughter Katherine in 1983, and later sons Oliver in 1986 and Henry in 1989. Ultimately, Nancy withdrew from acting to prioritize parenting their children, focusing her attention on home life.
Sadly, another calamitous bereavement befell the Short family during February 2026, when their oldest daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, passed away at the age of 42. The Short clan conveyed their “devastation” due to the parting and sought discretion as they sorrowed over her exit. Katherine held credentials as a licensed clinical social worker, dedicating herself to assisting others while promoting greater awareness of mental health concerns.
Since her mother’s passing during 2010, Martin has articulated publicly, throughout the passing years, how his children faced such deep sorrow together. “The last couple of years have been rough on my children,” he stated to The Guardian during 2012.
“This element of life exists as something we tend to deny, that it may ever occur to us or our dearest ones, and yet when it does, one gains a little understanding and suffers a little hardship. No astounding revelation comes out of it.”
Martin States That He Still “Talks” to Nancy
Succeeding Nancy’s demise during 2010, Martin has shared that he sustains an intense feeling of connectedness to his deceased spouse. While pondering their love story spanning many years, he confided in AARP, “Our marriage proved to be an achievement. Thus, it feels tough. She left us in 2010, though I still converse with her consistently. Like ‘Hey Nan,’ you know? What would be her reaction to this certain decision, most notably regarding our trio of children.”
He continued with, “I am persuaded that upon one’s passing, they gravitate towards those who cherish them. To just suppose that all things conclude, and therefore not to speak about them — simply is not right….as far as I am concerned, she is still present.”