Martin Short Says Ex-Girlfriend Gilda Radner Was ‘Exactly as Wonderful as You’d Hope’

**Martin Short Remembers Late Comedy Star Gilda Radner and Reflects on His Remarkable Journey**

In a recent conversation during the Netflix Is a Joke Presents: This Better Be Funny event, Martin Short shared cherished memories of his early career and his relationship with the beloved comedian Gilda Radner. The chat, which featured David Letterman and Paul Shaffer, shed light on the connection that began in the 1972 Toronto production of the musical *Godspell*, an experience that shaped the trajectories of several prominent actors.

Short, now 76, recounted the chaotic auditions for *Godspell*, which had already garnered significant success off-Broadway. It was in this vibrant atmosphere, teeming with aspiring talent, that he first crossed paths with Radner, alongside other future stars like Eugene Levy and Andrea Martin. “The callbacks were chaos—like *American Idol*,” he described, emphasising the unpredictable nature of the casting process that ultimately brought them all together.

Reflecting on their early days as budding performers, Short recalled, “We were just kids. None of us knew each other beforehand; we were simply thrilled to be out of school and engaged in something creative.” This sense of excitement was particularly palpable during his initial encounters with Radner. The comedic actress, who later became a key figure on *Saturday Night Live*, made an undeniable impression on him. According to Short, she was “exactly as wonderful as you’d hope.”

Tragically, Radner succumbed to ovarian cancer in 1989 at the young age of 42. However, Short’s memories of her radiate warmth and admiration. “Every woman wanted to be her best friend, and every guy wanted to date her,” he remarked, capturing the essence of Radner’s magnetic personality. Their first encounter was marked by her vibrant spirit; she approached him with enthusiasm, introducing herself with a friendly, “Hi, I’m Gilda. I’m really excited to meet you.”

Amidst their shared journey in *Godspell*, Short also met his future wife, Nancy Dolman, who played the role of Radner’s understudy. “She was an incredible singer. Huge talent,” Short reflected, praising Dolman’s remarkable abilities. The intertwining of his two relationships added a layer of complexity to Short’s life, and he candidly discussed this with actor Ted Danson during a conversation in 2024.

During this dialogue, Danson inquired if Short ever had romantic feelings towards Dolman prior to becoming a couple. Short admitted to initially feeling she was “out of my league,” while also conveying his affection for Radner. He noted that his relationship with Radner was tumultuous, characterised by frequent breakups. In a moment of clarity, Short decided to connect with Dolman after what he believed was a definitive end to his relationship with Radner.

In a twist of fate, shortly after Short initiated plans to spend time with Dolman, he received a call from Radner expressing her desire to rekindle their romance. “You’re with Nancy… we’re supposed to get back together,” she had said, which Short recalled with a sense of disbelief. In a matter of a day, his life had completely changed.

Short and Dolman married in 1980 and built a family over the years, adopting three children, Katherine, Oliver, and Henry, in 1985. Their union, lasting nearly four decades, was deeply rewarding but met with heartache when Dolman passed away due to ovarian cancer in 2010. In his reflections, Short often celebrates the joyous life they built together and the memories they shared as a family.

The actor’s poignant recollections serve not only as a tribute to Radner but also as a testament to the love shared with his late wife. Sadly, the Short family faced another tragedy in February 2026 when Katherine, their daughter, passed away at the age of 42.

Throughout these experiences, Martin Short remains a figure of resilience and gratitude, cherishing the significant roles both Gilda Radner and Nancy Dolman played in his life. His memories of laughter, love, and loss resonate profoundly, reminding us of the enduring impact of those we hold dear.