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 Suzanne

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She's finally made it home to her Father's house.

By Ana

God has big plans for her. Deepest sympathy to you and family

By Ingy Bing

What a terrible loss for you and your family, I have always enjoyed both you and your wife's work on television. Too young too soon.

By DENNY

MY CONDOLANCES GOES OUT TO MARTIN SHORT HIS CHILDREN AND TO HIS WIFE'S FAMILY GOD BLESS THEM

By Mike

What a shame.

By Gina

Ohhhh how sad! Martin Short is such a funny guy and to be married for 30 years in Hollyweird is very rare! It's always tragic to hear of a couple being torn apart like that. Hopefully they find peace and our prayers go out to their families.

By barbara

A great loss in your time of sorrow and grieve just believe that people care and wish you and your family peace and my deepest sympathy

By Annette

Heyes, you're a jerk.
Mr. Short I"m so sad for you and your family. Just know you are loved as a great entertainer and human being.
May God Bless you and your children in this time of great grief and always.
Tampa

By Wanda

Martin, I'm so sorry for you and you'r childern's lost. My heart goes out to you, I will be praying for you and you'r family. My deepest sympathy. Wanda.

By JNR

Peace, Love, Dove.

By maryann

Dear Martin and Family ,
My deepest sympathy, So.... sorry for your loss.

By procol33

I am sorry for your loss Martin....

procol33

By Nancy Menard

My thoughts and prayers go out to Martin and his three children. May God watch over you and your family.

By Lynn

I am SO sorry for your loss of your wife of 30 years, Martin! We love your sense of humor and hope your kids will support you in this time of grief and loss...Wish we knew what to say to help you at this time, but we don't...

By Ray

Death is but... a step away... from all the love... and laughter... once... shared in joyous spirit.... Death is the door... that opens wide... leading us to... the other side... where... the dearly departed... now reside... in waiting.... And until we meet again... I'll weep... and smile... for you my friend... my love.

By mj blondin

Martin, I am so very sorry! Love to you and your family!

By Caster Family

To Martin Short and his family... We grieve with you during your time of pain and sorrow, and hope you will suffer long. So very sorry for your great loss...

By Jessica

I am really sorry to hear about Martin Short's wife
Martin, we your fans love you and are praying for you!!!
You have so much support, and I pray that God will help you and your family to get through this time!!!

By Mattie

Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. My God see you through this terrible loss.

By kathy

my sincere sympathy for his loss....you hear so many bad things on hollywood couples but here was one of the best, never a word of scandal what a loss....

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