Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s romance may have shocked fans – but it was the ‘worst kept secret’ on the set of Only Murders In The Building, according to a source who claimed their ‘affection’ was palpable on and off-screen.
The Hollywood icons, who play lovers Loretta Durkin and Oliver Putnam, stoked rumors they are dating in real life after being pictured together on multiple occasions – with the pair even holding hands at an event for their hit Hulu series back in August.
At the time, a representative for Streep, 75, told Page Six they were ‘just friends’ – however, insiders have now disclosed to DailyMail.com that a romance did blossom on set.
‘Meryl and Martin denied their romantic involvement months ago,’ the source began. ‘They are the worst kept secret of the entire production. No one really asks them anything because they don’t need to.’
Short also denied romance rumors after he and Streep were referred to as a ‘power couple’ on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast in January.
Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s surprising romance was the ‘worst kept secret of the entire production,’ a source told DailyMail.com
The insider explained that their ‘affection’ was just as palpable when the cameras stopped rolling on set – the pair play on-screen lovers Loretta Durkin and Oliver Putnam
‘We’re not a couple,’ he insisted. ‘We are just very close friends.’
But for those who witnessed the pair on set, there were no question marks over the nature of their relationship.
‘Their affection for each other doesn’t stop when the cameras stop rolling,’ the insider noted. ‘They wait for each other to film scenes before leaving, eat together in between takes and are constantly working on building their characters together.
‘They do not kiss or show blatant signs of romance on set because they’re professionals. Everyone respects what they have.’
The source also pointed out that the romance appeared to have influenced Streep’s decision to remain on the show for longer than the usual one-season stint.
‘Meryl did not have to stay as long as she has,’ they added.
Earlier this month, John Hoffman, the show’s co-creator appeared to confirm the rumors.
‘You know, it is one of the most unexpected turns but I remember thinking, like “God,”‘ he said of the duo during an interview with Decider.
‘They wait for each other to film scenes before leaving, eat together in between takes…’ the source said
The source noted that it had been special to see Short connecting with someone new after he lost wife Nancy Dolman to cancer in 2010 (pictured at the The AFI Awards Luncheon)
‘As I got to know Meryl, as I’ve known Marty and as I watched the two of them work together in Season 3, I just — it was unbelievable. We were laughing our heads off and they just delighted in each other on screen, off screen in every way.’
The duo, who have known each other for years, were both previously in long term relationships.
Streep was married to sculptor Don Gummer for nearly four decades – with their break up only confirmed last October despite quietly separating six years earlier.
They are parents to Henry, 44, Mamie, 41, Grace, 38, and Louisa, 33.
Short’s wife Nancy Dolman died in 2010 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. They had been married for 30 years and share three children: Katherine, 40, Oliver, 38, and Henry, 35.
The source noted that it had been special to see the actor connecting with someone new.
‘Martin has not been in love or had anyone in his life since Nancy died,’ they said. ‘He said that he was done with love after her.
‘They have known each other so long and clearly enjoy what they are doing and building. It is like life imitating art, and they are two icons.’
Their costar Steve Martin appeared to poke fun at the new couple as he edited an image taken of the trio in February 2023 (seen above)
Their costar Steve Martin appeared to poke fun at the new couple earlier this month.
The Cheaper By The Dozen favorite reposted a photo from Glamour onto his main page as he posed with Short and Streep – but added a crossed out, red circle over his own face.
The image appeared to have been taken when the trio attended a play together in February 2023.
Social media users were quick to question if Martin was referencing the relationships rumors.
Speculation has been bubbling since January when the pair looked cozy while sat together at the Golden Globe Awards.
In February, the two were spotted at dinner with a group of friends in Santa Monica, before a fan captured a snap of them enjoying a performance of Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway the following month.
In May, Short addressed the rumors during an interview with People.
‘It’s always interesting,’ he said. ‘Showbusiness relationships and spec. She’s fabulous. There’s no one who doesn’t adore her.’
Weeks later in August, the duo further fueled romance rumors when they were seen holding hands at the season four premiere of Only Murders in the Building in Los Angeles.
The source claimed that the romance influenced the fact Streep’s character has remained part of the show for more than one season (pictured with Steve Martin and Selena Gomez)
The Devil Wears Prada actress was dressed to impress in a printed dress, while Short looked dapper in a classic, black suit.
In September, Short briefly discussed both his and Streep’s friendship when they are not in front of the camera.
‘I think it’s been a friendship that always grows if you work with someone and love that person,’ he told Extra.
Romance rumors ramped up once again when Streep and Short enjoyed a dinner date last week.
The two stars stopped by celebrity hotspot, Giorgio Baldi, in Santa Monica – and left the venue in the same vehicle.
