Martin Short was taken aback by Meryl Streep’s nervousness on her first day filming ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Streep, who joined the cast for the third season in 2023, left her co-star Short feeling jittery as he awaited her arrival on set. However, in a surprising turn of events, Short, 75, revealed that Streep, 76, was equally anxious on her debut day, particularly for a scene between the two characters.
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The dynamic duo portrays love interests in the popular Hulu series and, since Streep’s addition to the show, rumors of a real-life romance between the two have been circulating. Short confessed that Streep’s initial scene was a pivotal moment for the show, taking place in an intimate setting at a piano where their characters engage in flirtatious banter. Short described the pressure he felt during the initial shot set up, which initially focused on Streep before transitioning to him as they rehearsed their lines.


Reflecting on that momentous day, Short shared an amusing anecdote from their time in the “holding area” while the crew prepared for the next shot. Streep candidly acknowledged her nerves and attempted to calm herself down by jokingly instructing herself to “nerves to half”, a gesture that took Short by surprise. He humorously recounted his reaction to Streep, playfully insisting, “Wait a second, I was nervous. You can’t be nervous.”
Speculation about the nature of Streep and Short’s relationship further escalated when it was revealed that Streep and her husband, Don Gummer, had parted ways six years prior to her joining the show. Despite the ongoing rumors, both actors have vehemently denied any romantic involvement and emphasized their professional admiration for one another. Short maintained that Streep’s casting as his on-screen love interest was purely coincidental and had been planned by the show’s creators.
The undeniable chemistry between the two actors on and off-screen has been a highlight of the series, as noted by show creator John Hoffman. Witnessing Short and Streep’s dynamic performances in season 3, Hoffman expressed admiration for their camaraderie and the unexpected delight they brought to their on-screen relationship. Fans of the show have been captivated by the pairing and eagerly anticipated each episode featuring the talented duo.
While the rumours surrounding Streep and Short’s off-screen relationship continue to swirl, their on-screen partnership has resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim. The show’s loyal fans have praised the duo’s performances, highlighting their exceptional acting skills and undeniable rapport. As ‘Only Murders in the Building’ continues to captivate viewers with its intriguing storyline and stellar cast, the enduring mystery of Streep and Short’s on-screen chemistry remains a captivating subplot.
As the show progresses and the characters’ relationships evolve, audiences can expect more captivating performances from the talented duo. The enduring popularity of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ is a testament to the stellar ensemble cast and gripping storytelling that keeps viewers coming back for more. With Streep and Short at the helm, the show continues to delight audiences with its blend of mystery, comedy, and drama that sets it apart as a must-watch series.
