The enduring speculation surrounding the relationship between Hollywood icons Meryl Streep and Martin Short intensified this week, as the pair made a joint appearance at a high-profile New York theatre opening.
A Night at the Theatre
On Tuesday evening, the acclaimed actors attended the opening of the off-Broadway production This World of Tomorrow at The Shed's Griffin Theater in Manhattan's Hudson Yards. The coy couple were there to show their support for famous friend Tom Hanks, who both co-wrote and stars in the time-traveling drama. The play is scheduled to run through December 21.
The 76-year-old acting legend and the 75-year-old Canadian comedian were seen beaming as they chatted with the 69-year-old Oscar winner. They were joined by Only Murders in the Building creator and star Steve Martin, completing a quartet of Hollywood royalty. Hanks previously shared the screen with Streep in the 2017 film The Post.
Following the performance, Streep continued the celebrations at the cast-and-crew afterparty. Vogue reported that attendees indulged in classic party fare including hot dogs, ice cream, and sliders.
A Romance Shrouded in Denial and Speculation
Rumours of a romance between the two stars have been circulating since early 2024. According to an insider who spoke to Page Six on March 13, the pair were not actively looking for a relationship when they allegedly began dating. The source claimed, "Meryl couldn't help but fall for Martin. He is a gentleman, he keeps her laughing and is an all-around positive person. She loves being around him."
It was also revealed that their favourite date spot is the Santa Monica restaurant Giorgio Baldi. The insider added that their friends and family, including their children, fully approve and "think they're adorable together."
However, these claims have been met with firm denials from both camps. Short addressed the gossip directly on Bill Maher's podcast Club Random in January 2024, stating plainly, "We're not a couple. We are just very close friends." Seven months later, Streep's representative echoed this sentiment in a statement to Page Six, confirming, "They are just friends."
Bonding Through Shared Loss
The personal histories of both stars provide a poignant backdrop to the rumours. Streep is still technically married to sculptor Don Gummer, but the couple legally separated in 2017 after 45 years of marriage and raising four children together.
Short has been single since tragically losing his wife, Nancy Dolman, to ovarian cancer in 2010. They had been married for 30 years and had three adopted children. A source suggested that "Meryl and Martin have bonded over the loss of their spouses," adding a layer of depth to their close friendship.
Despite the official denials, their frequent public appearances together continue to set tongues wagging. They spent Valentine's Day this year sitting side-by-side at the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert. Just two days later, comedian Amy Schumer teased to People magazine, "I think that the tea is, I think Marty might be off the market. That's what I'm seeing... Maybe by just like the greatest actor of our time, I don't know."
Most recently, on March 9, Short and Streep were photographed together again, posing backstage with the cast and crew of the Broadway play Oh, Mary! at the Lyceum Theatre.
What's Next for the Stars
Professionally, both actors remain incredibly busy. Fans of Only Murders in the Building can expect to see more of their on-screen chemistry, as Hulu renewed the show for a 10-episode sixth season on October 28, which will be set in London. According to Variety, Short earns well over $600,000 per episode for his role.
Streep recently reprised her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada 2, scheduled for release in US theatres on May 1. She has also signed on to star in Joseph Cedar's oligarch thriller Useful Idiots alongside Sigourney Weaver.
Short, meanwhile, is voicing activist Mercy Otis Warren in the final episode of Ken Burns' docuseries The American Revolution, airing November 16-21 on PBS. He and Steve Martin are taking their 21-date The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short Tour to the Akron Civic Theatre in Ohio this Thursday. Additionally, Short will portray Mr. Potter in a celebrity table read of It's a Wonderful Life for charity, livestreaming on December 14.
