Martin Short spills the beans on 'nervous' first day on set with Meryl Streep amid relationship rumors

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: When it comes to working with Meryl Streep, even the most seasoned actors can't help but feel a bit starstruck.

Martin Short, known for his comedic prowess and long-standing career, recently opened up about his first day on set with the legendary actress, as per E! News.

Despite having years of experience in the entertainment industry, Short confessed that he felt nervous when sharing the screen with Streep, who joined the cast of 'Only Murders in the Building' for its third season.

Martin Short reveals 'nervous' first day while shooting with Meryl Streep

Speaking to E! News at the Love-In Gala celebrating the 20th Anniversary of The Goldie Hawn Foundation and MindUP, Martin Short shared, "The first day of shooting with her, I was going to work, and—you know, I'm not new to show business—and I thought, 'I am nervous today. Why? Oh yeah, I'm working with Meryl.'"

Despite being dubbed the greatest actress of her time, Streep, too, had her jitters on their first day together.

As Short explained, after they completed a scene together, Streep admitted to him, "Okay, my nerves are to half."

This candid moment between the two stars struck a chord with Short, leading him to reflect on the humility that may have helped Streep remain at the top of her game for so many years.

"I went, 'Oh, okay, that's, that's pretty cool'," Short continued. "'Maybe that's why you're the greatest actress, because you've never taken anything for granted.'"

In early 2024, speculation arose about a romantic relationship between Short and Streep. However, Short's representative promptly dismissed these rumors, stating to The Messenger that they were simply close friends.

Shortly after, Short himself addressed the situation on Bill Maher's 'Club Random' podcast, reaffirming that he and Streep were not romantically involved, despite Maher referring to them as a "power couple."

These relationship rumors emerged not long after Streep had disclosed that she and her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, had separated several years prior.

In October of 2023, a spokesperson for Streep announced that while the couple still cared for each other, they had been living separately for over six years.

While fans have long been enamored by the onscreen chemistry between Short and Streep, the two have been quick to deny any romantic involvement offscreen.

However, their growing bond is undeniable, and Short recently shed light on how their relationship has evolved since they started working together on the hit Hulu series.

In an interview with Extra on August 26, Short revealed, "It's been a friendship that always grows, if you work with someone and love that person."

Martin Short and the 'Only Murders in the Building' cast have maintained their strong connection

This camaraderie is not just limited to Martin Short and Meryl Streep—'Only Murders in the Building' has fostered a warm dynamic among all its stars, including Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.

Gomez, the younger counterpart of the show’s trio, has expressed admiration for the friendship between Short and Streep, referring to it as "so sweet."

Martin also chimed in, sharing that Streep’s affable nature makes her a friend to everyone on set. "Meryl is a friend to all of us. If I don't see her for two years, you get back together and you're already laughing and talking," he explained.

Despite the new addition of Streep to the cast, the core three stars—Short, Martin, and Gomez—have maintained their strong connection.

While Short jokingly told E! News at the Love-In Gala that working with Martin hasn’t changed much about their relationship, given their decades-long friendship, his rapport with Gomez was a different story.

Short admitted, "Selena I had never met before we started, and now I’m madly in love with Selena, as the world is."