Martin Short opened up about his memories of the late Gilda Radner, describing the comedy icon as “hilarious, lively and warm” during a recent industry event.
Speaking on Thursday, May 7 at the Netflix Is a Joke festival in conversation with David Letterman and Paul Shaffer, the 76-year-old actor reflected on his ex-girlfriend’s magnetic personality.
Short explained that when they first met in a 1972 Toronto production divine spellRadner was “exactly as wonderful as you’d expect,” noting that while every woman wanted to be her best friend, every man was eager to date her.
He Only murders in the building The star recalled the chaotic atmosphere of the auditions, comparing them to american idol like hundreds of young job candidates.
Short and Radner were cast alongside other future legends like Eugene Levy and Victor Garber, at a time when they were just kids excited to do something creative.
According to Short, Radner made an immediate impression, approaching him at the first rehearsal to introduce herself and proving to be instantly funny.
However, the production also set the stage for a complicated romantic crossroads for Short.
While dating Radner, she met his understudy, Nancy Dolman, whom she described as a great talent and an incredible singer.
Short previously admitted that he “loved Gilda,” but their relationship was turbulent and defined by constant breakups.
The transition between the two women occurred remarkably quickly; After a particular breakup with Radner, Short made a tennis date with Dolman, only to have Radner phone a day later hoping to reconcile.
In the end, Short stayed with Dolman and the couple married in 1980 and remained together for 36 years until his death in 2010.
In a tragic parallel to Radner’s own death at the age of 42 in 1989, Dolman also died of ovarian cancer.
Short, who shared three adopted children with Dolman, has faced new heartbreak recently, with the family announcing in February 2026 that her daughter, Katherine, had also died at the age of 42.
Despite the years and losses, Short’s fond memories of Radner’s vibrant spirit remain a testament to the close bond formed during their early days in the industry.
