Nothing excites us as audiences more than when an onscreen couple channels their romance into real life.
So today, we’re all about Meryl Streep and Martin Short, our favorite quirky duo from Only Murders in the Building, who have been stirring up real-life romance rumors for a while now.
Although they initially swore to be “just friends” (cue the eye rolls), their chemistry had fans convinced otherwise. From stealing scenes to stealing hearts, the pair’s flirty moments and undeniable spark kept everyone guessing. And now? Well, let’s just say the truth is juicier than any murder mystery.
Meryl Streep and Martin Short have been friends for over a decade
The entertainment world has been abuzz with speculation about the nature of Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s relationship, especially after their compelling performances as onscreen couple Loretta Durkin and Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building. But for those unaware, the duo started as friends—maybe even best friends, who helped each other’s careers.
According to reports from Cosmopolitan, although the exact date when Streep and Short became friends is unknown, the duo have sparked headlines since 2015 for being spotted hanging out together. They were even photographed together backstage after Short’s Broadway performance of It’s Only a Play.
Soon, at the 2017 AFI’s 45th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep and Martin Short sat next to each other. And were later spotted partying together in February 2023, following the Broadway debut of Pictures From Home. But the real headlines began after Streep and Short co-starred in the popular show Only Murders in the Building.
Meryl Streep had called Martin Short to be a part of Only Murders in the Building
Coming to the topic of their collaboration in Only Murders in the Building, did you know that Martin Short recommended Meryl Streep after a phone call? Well, as narrated by Short to People, what happened was, after watching the show, Streep wanted to be a part of it and had thus called him for a role in the hit series.
The story with Meryl is she phoned me and said, ‘I want to be on it.’ They already planned that I would have a theatrical experience and there would be a love interest. So that was coincidental, but she just wanted to be on the show. She didn’t know about [the love story].
So it seems that ahead of appearing in the show, Meryl Streep had no idea that the showrunners were looking for someone to play Oliver Putnam’s lover. Meanwhile, although Martin Short was aware of that vacancy, he had no idea that the creators would hire Streep for that particular role. So in the end, what turned into a cute onscreen chemistry between Streep and Short, was in reality, unplanned and completely coincidental.
Thereafter, the acclaimed series Only Murders in the Building saw a significant boost in star power with the addition of Meryl Streep in its third season. As her timely interest aligned perfectly with the showrunners’ plans, leading to her casting as Loretta Durkin, Oliver’s love interest, people simply lost their minds over this onscreen collaboration.
Considering how the duo had been making subtle headlines about their relationship since their envious friendship came to the spotlight, Streep and Short’s collaboration in Only Murders in the Building not only enriched the show’s narrative but also showcased the duo’s remarkable on-screen chemistry
Meryl Streep and Martin Short have denied romance rumors
But soon after their appearance as an onscreen couple in Only Murders in the Building, Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s synergy started extending beyond the screen. This led to numerous public appearances that fueled speculation about a possible romantic relationship. After watching them as lovers in the show, fans hoped for them to become real-life couples.
Later on, even showrunner John Hoffman appeared to subtly hint at his desire to see Streep and Short together. Reflecting on the duo’s onscreen chemistry and their real-life friendship, Hoffman told The Wrap how the two stars effortlessly sold their incredible connection.
It’s pretty unexpected to imagine a pairing of Meryl Streep with Martin Short and watch them find this incredible connection together and, as Meryl said, to not have it be twee or about the age or about any of that. It’s just a beautiful romance that you buy, I think because of who these two characters are.
However, despite making public appearances together, and sparking headlines for their alleged relationship, both Meryl Streep and Martin Short denied romance rumors. Although the duo appeared cute while attending the 2024 Golden Globes together, Short later told The Messenger (via US Weekly) that they’re “just very good friends”.
Further, they were spotted vibing at the AFI Awards, and were even pictured going out to dinner in L.A. And despite emitting such couple vibes, Short once again debunked romance rumors while speaking with People.
It’s always interesting. Show business relationships and spec. She’s fabulous. There’s no one who doesn’t adore her.
Despite repeatedly debunking rumors, as Martin Short and Meryl Streep were spotted engaging in PDA (holding hands at the premiere of Only Murders in the Building season 4), the duo seemed to confirm their romance, unknowingly (via Deadline).
Insiders weighed in on Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s romance
For years Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s affectionate demeanor, frequent outings, subtle PDA, and undeniable chemistry have kept fans and tabloids buzzing. Therefore, despite clarifying the rumors by claiming to be “just friends”, the duo kept making headlines and a surge in fans’ curiosity about their relationship status.
Until recently in March 2025, when insiders weighed in on their alleged romance. Although previously, the pair consistently denied any romantic involvement, sources close to Streep and Short told Page Six that their relationship had evolved beyond friendship. The sources confirmed what fans had been interpreting all this while.
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. [Neither of them] were looking for a relationship when they started dating. [But now] friends and family, including their kids, absolutely approve of their relationship and think they’re adorable together.
The insider further noted that the duo has actually been dating for “well over a year now”. And although it initially started as something “completely unexpected”, that “took them by surprise”, Streep and Short are now allegedly enjoying their budding romance. Not to mention, now that Streep has split from her former husband Don Gummer, in 2017, she can even think of marrying Short.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves because back in August 2024, sources had sparked the same rumors surrounding Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s romance. And yet nothing was confirmed by the duo or their reps. Following the season 4 premiere of Only Murders in the Building, insiders had told Page Six that the duo’s relationship “has gotta be more than a ‘showmance.’”.
There is definitely something there. They walked in holding hands, and were in great spirits, laughing. It was very sweet and cute.
And yet, here we are, almost a year later, still trying to interpret if Streep and Short’s public appearances and interactions are signs of a deeper connection. So as for now, let’s just put a stopper on the fact that they are content enjoying each other’s company and cherishing their longstanding friendship.
Only Murders in the Building is available on Hulu.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
