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The Untold Story: 5 Surprising Facts About Martin Short’s Intimate Romance And Enduring Friendship With Gilda Radner

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Few relationships in the history of comedy are as foundational and emotionally complex as the bond between Martin Short and Gilda Radner. While their names are often linked to the golden age of Canadian sketch comedy and the early years of Saturday Night Live, a fresh wave of public commentary from Short himself—as recently as late 2024 and early 2025—has shed new light on their intimate, on-again, off-again romantic relationship that predated their global fame. This article explores the deep, heartfelt connection that blossomed from a shared stage in Toronto and evolved into one of the most enduring, yet often misunderstood, friendships in the comedy world.

The information shared by Short in recent interviews and his memoir, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, moves beyond the professional collaboration to reveal a passionate, youthful love that was formative for both comedians. It’s a story rooted in the vibrant Toronto comedy scene of the 1970s, a time of artistic explosion that would launch the careers of an entire generation of comedic icons, including Short's future wife, Nancy Dolman. This is the updated, personal story of Martin Short and Gilda Radner.

The Comedy Legends: Martin Short and Gilda Radner Biography Profiles

To fully appreciate the depth of their connection, it is essential to understand the parallel yet distinct paths of these two comedy titans.

Martin Short (Born March 26, 1950)

  • Full Name: Martin Hayter Short
  • Born: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • Profession: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Singer, Producer
  • Career Highlights:
    • Began career in the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell.
    • Breakout star on the Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV (1982–1984), creating iconic characters like Ed Grimley.
    • Cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL) for the 1984–1985 season.
    • Film roles include Three Amigos (1986) with Steve Martin and Chevy Chase, and Father of the Bride (1991).
    • Currently stars in the critically acclaimed series Only Murders in the Building (2021–present) alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.
    • Wrote the memoir, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend (2014).
  • Personal Life: Married actress Nancy Dolman in 1980 until her death in 2010.

Gilda Radner (June 28, 1946 – May 20, 1989)

  • Full Name: Gilda Susan Radner
  • Born: Detroit, Michigan, USA
  • Profession: Actress, Comedian, Writer, Singer
  • Career Highlights:
    • Also starred in the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell.
    • One of the "Not Ready for Prime-Time Players," the original cast of Saturday Night Live (1975–1980).
    • Created beloved characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna, Emily Litella, and Lisa Loopner.
    • Won an Emmy Award in 1978.
    • Starred in films like Hanky Panky (1982) with her future husband, Gene Wilder.
  • Personal Life: Married actor and director Gene Wilder in 1984. Died of ovarian cancer in 1989.

5 Intimate Revelations Martin Short Shared About His Romance with Gilda

Decades after their relationship, Martin Short has recently offered candid details about his time with Gilda Radner, providing a rare, emotional window into the personal lives of two comedy icons before they became household names. These insights come from recent podcast appearances, including one with Amy Poehler, and his own writings.

1. They Were a Serious, On-Again, Off-Again Couple

The relationship between Short and Radner was not a fleeting fling; it was a significant, multi-year romance. They met in 1972 while performing in the Toronto production of the musical Godspell, which also featured future stars like Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, and Paul Shaffer. Short was 22, and Radner was 26. Short openly confirmed that they dated on and off for a couple of years, describing his feelings as, "I fell for her, madly."

2. Their Clashing Outlooks Led to Frequent Fights

Despite their deep connection and shared comedic genius, Short revealed that they had fundamental differences in their personalities and worldviews. He described Radner as having a more "darker, more dramatic" outlook, while he was naturally more optimistic and pragmatic. Short noted that one of the recurring issues they would fight about was this difference in perspective, ultimately contributing to the instability of their on-again, off-again dynamic.

3. Gilda’s Understudy Became Martin’s Wife

Perhaps the most fascinating and complex detail of their shared history is the introduction of Nancy Dolman. Short met his future wife, actress and singer Nancy Dolman, while he was still dating Radner. Dolman was hired as Radner's understudy in the Godspell production. This unique circumstance meant that all three were working closely together during a pivotal time in their lives. Short and Dolman eventually married in 1980, and their marriage lasted until Dolman's passing in 2010.

4. They Remained Lifelong, Dear Friends After the Breakup

Crucially, the end of their romantic relationship did not mean the end of their bond. Both Martin Short and Gilda Radner would go on to become titans of the comedy world, first with Radner as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL) alongside John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, and later with Short on SCTV and a subsequent run on SNL. They remained dear friends, a testament to the strength of their initial connection. Short has consistently spoken of Radner's brilliance, describing her as "just so original" and a comedic force.

5. Short’s Memoir Calls Their Time "Love, Real Love"

In his 2014 memoir, Short dedicated a heartfelt section to Radner, confirming the depth of their youthful romance. He wrote that his time with Radner was "love, real love," highlighting that despite the breakups and the eventual path to marrying Nancy Dolman, his connection to Gilda was profound and sincere. This sentiment underscores the topical authority of their story—it was a relationship that shaped one of the most successful comedians of his generation and served as a crucial, emotional chapter in the vibrant, interconnected world of the Canadian and American comedy scene.

The Enduring Topical Authority of the Toronto Comedy Scene

The story of Martin Short and Gilda Radner is more than just a personal anecdote; it is a foundational piece of comedy history. Their meeting in the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell serves as a nexus for an entire generation of comedic talent that would go on to define sketch comedy. The cast of this single production was a who's who of future stars:

  • Gilda Radner (SNL Original Cast)
  • Martin Short (SCTV, SNL)
  • Eugene Levy (SCTV, *Schitt's Creek*)
  • Andrea Martin (SCTV)
  • Paul Shaffer (David Letterman Bandleader)
  • Victor Garber (Film and Stage Actor)
  • Nancy Dolman (Short's Future Wife)

This group, along with other Canadian luminaries like John Candy and Catherine O'Hara, formed the core of the SCTV (Second City Television) cast, which Short joined later. The shared history, collaboration, and personal relationships forged during this period—including the love between Short and Radner—created an unparalleled creative ecosystem that influenced decades of television and film, making their story a vital piece of comedy's topical authority.

Short’s recent willingness to share these intimate details, particularly the complexity of dating Gilda while meeting Nancy, ensures that the legacy of Gilda Radner is remembered not just for her iconic characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna, but also for her deep, human connections with the people who loved her most. It is a poignant reminder of the intertwined lives of the stars who brought laughter to the world, a connection that remains fresh and relevant today.

martin short and gilda radner
martin short and gilda radner

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