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)

Wednesday 25 August

By debbe

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I know there is nothing that can be said that could ease the pain, and Martin lost his mother to cancer so knows very well all about how it can do, I lost my sister to Cancer 7 years ago and I don't forget her, she is with me every day, I can't forget, I love her, I can't stand it that cancer took her away at only 43. So, I know there is nothing that I can say but that, Martin Short is an incredible actor and gave out laughs and laughs and laughs to people over the years, and although he feels pain right now, I know he is a lucky man, because he had love, true love from a woman for 30 years, I have never had true love, he has strength because he lost two parents and an older brother and continued being successful. I am full of pity parties and weakness and my fight is slowly going forward....so I know there is nothing I could say or near in his shoes to even understand, I still have my mom and dad, so I will just say this, THANK YOU Martin for the laughs, the quality acting, your kindness in the media and the way you carry yourself, and God Bless this man and heal his heart because we all know he deserves it.

By g.moore

Just remember the love and laughter and the Lord will do the rest

By theo

Martin,

So sorry for your loss.

By Leisa

Having lost my husband a year ago, my prayers are with you and yours.

By Diane

Many prayers are going out to you and your family. 30 wonderful, fulfilled years are a real blessing. It still doesn't stop the hurt you and your family are feeling at this time. God bless you all and I pray for strength to get through this sad time for you all.
A loyal fan
God Bless.

Thursday 26 August

By jenny

egads

By Jan

Mr. Short:
There are no words to fill the emptiness you feel. I am speaking from my own loss of nine years ago. The only thing I can say is to take it one day at a time, remember all the memories you have and celebrate her life and never ever forget her. May God be with you and your family at this time of sorrow and you are all in my prayers. You will have peace in your heart and a reason to smile and it will be the simple things that Nancy would say or do and believe me it will hit you when you least expect it. God Be with you.

Friday 27 August

By Thomas Van Dusen

Martin:
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife, Nancy

Tom Van Dusen

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