Martin Short's Wife, Nancy Dolman, Dies at 58

By PopEater Staff Posted Aug 23rd 2010 07:04PM

Martin Short's wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman, died Saturday at the couple's Pacific Palisades home in California, the couple's representative announced late Monday. She was 58.

The family has not disclosed the cause of death, but a coroner official told PEOPLE on Tuesday that Dolman was "under the care of a private physician for a natural disease" when she died. "There will be no coroner involvement, L.A. County Coroner Chief Craig Harvey noted.

On Saturday morning, the Los Angeles City Fire Department went to their home in response to an emergency call. The response unit was on the scene for 30 minutes before departing without taking anyone to the hospital. It's believed Dolman passed away at their house. RadarOnline.com was first to report the news.

Dolman was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and underwent surgery at that time though it's not immediately clear if her passing was related to her illness.

Dolman, best known for a recurring role as Annie Selig Tate on the TV sitcom 'Soap,' met Short in 1972 while both were working on a stage production of 'Godspell.' She was Gilda Radner's understudy, but quickly caught the attention of Short. They married in 1980 and five years later she retired from acting to raise their family.

The couple has three children: Katherine Elizabeth, 27, Oliver Patrick, 24, and Henry, 20.

Short as "Ed Grimley" during a sketch on 'SCTV.' Dolman plays the princess at 3:30:

Short, known for guarding his private life, has dealt with great family tragedy before. In a 1984 interview with PEOPLE, the actor spoke of losing his oldest brother in an auto accident when Martin was only 12, and of the deaths of both his parents before he was 21.

"It sounds like a tragic family, but it really isn't," he said. "My mother had cancer, and she had been ill and then in remission since I was 13. She was a remarkable person; both my parents were. So I never looked at it as if it was a tragedy – that I didn't have them my whole life. You learn some sense of priorities. Our whole family took the attitude that if you have wonderful moments, don't second-guess them, just enjoy them."

Short, famous for his time on 'Saturday Night Live' and his character in the 'Father of the Bride' film franchise, was nominated for an Emmy in the Best Supporting Actor For A Drama category for his stint on 'Damages.'

Tags: martin short, Nancy Dolman

Comments

(128)

Tuesday 24 August

By Helen

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That is sad for him. I am sorry, Mr. Short. Why is it always that ones that really LOVE each other?

By Marcia

My sincere sympathies to the Short family!

By RCPLady

My deepest sympathies to Martin and his children. What a terrible loss! I am a 2x cancer survivor and can appreciate what they have dealt with since her diagnosis. Lord, give them strength and mercy during this awful time of sadness.

By Mark

Martin Short is a very fine man. This is a really tragic loss.

By Obriantlaw

Wednesday 25 August

By Gypsy Rose

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Dear Mr. Short,
I am so, so, so very sorry for your loss. You may never read this, but writing it makes me feel like I am, at least, trying my best to give my condolences. You are an amazing actor, and I will constantly be praying for you & your family during this difficult time. May God bless your wife & may she be safe in Heaven with Him as her forever protection.

God Bless You,
Gypsy Rose

By SJ

My best wishes go out to Martin. I can't imagine what it's like to lose the love of your life.

By PAM

PLEASE REST IN PEACE

AND U OTHER CREEPS WHO USE THIS SITE FOR DATIGN AND ADVERTISING SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOUR SELVES GROW UP

By ead17

Gee, sorry Martin.

By dbelbey

From one of your fans.. my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.

By Ann

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What a sad and sudden loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Short family.

By Jan

I loved her on Soap. So sad..

By Kate

Why are people "liking" this on facebook!?!?

By Vanny

My deepest condolences to Martin and his family.

By DUDE

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, MAY SHE "REST IN PEACE"

By nativepride3176

This is such a sad thing to hear. I know Martin had such a deep love for his wife. My prayers go out to him and his family

By Peggy

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. She will always be in your heart and close by.

God bless you and your family.

By Nancy Bebber

Martin, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your children. May God be with you and keep you strong during this difficult time.

By Donna

My prayers are with the Short family, at this sad time.

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