Steve Martin's Playful Instagram Post Sparks New Rumors About Meryl Streep and Martin Short

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 Steve Martin’s Instagram post on October 19 has fans buzzing and speculating, thanks to a hilariously edited photo that seems to play into the rumors surrounding his co-stars, Meryl Streep and Martin Short. The 79-year-old comedian shared a picture of the trio, taken during the filming of their hit show Only Murders in the Building, but with a comical twist. Instead of the usual group shot, Martin marked himself out with a giant red X over his face. His fans went wild, interpreting the post as either a playful nod to the rumors or perhaps even an unintended confirmation.
 

So, what’s all the fuss about? Rumors have been swirling about a potential romantic connection between Streep and Short, and Martin’s clever edit threw fuel onto the fire. Fans instantly flooded the comments section with questions and excitement. One person eagerly asked, “Are you confirming this relationship?!” Another fan took it up a notch, commenting, “Did he just hard launch the relationship?” And it doesn’t stop there—people have become completely obsessed with the idea of this potential celebrity couple. One user even wrote, “I’ve never been so invested in celebrity couple rumors.”

Martin’s tongue-in-cheek post comes just days after fresh rumors of a romance between Streep and Short reignited. On October 16, the two stars were spotted together at Giorgio Baldi, a popular Los Angeles restaurant. They were all smiles, leading fans to believe there might be more than just friendship between them. Streep, looking effortlessly chic in a patterned satin blouse and breezy pants, walked ahead of Short, who looked equally dapper in a gray grid suit. As they made their way into the restaurant, the paparazzi cameras went wild. The sighting sent the internet into a frenzy, with fans once again theorizing about the nature of their relationship.

But let’s rewind a bit. These rumors didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Back in January, the gossip mill started turning when whispers of a romance between Short and Streep began circulating. However, Short’s representative was quick to shut those rumors down, telling The Messenger that the two are “just very good friends, nothing more.” Even Short himself felt the need to address the speculation. During an episode of Club Random with Bill Maher, the comedian laughed off the rumors, saying, “We’re not a couple. We are just very close friends.”

Still, the rumors refuse to die down, partly because of how often the two have been seen together, looking cozy. In fact, fans once again started talking after Short and Streep were spotted holding hands at the season four premiere party of Only Murders in the Building back in August. Sure, they may just be really good friends, but the chemistry between them is undeniable.

On top of that, Short has never been shy about his admiration for Streep. During an interview with Extra in August, Short gushed about how much he loves working with her on the set of their show, where their characters are romantically involved. He explained, “I think it’s been a friendship that always grows. If you work with someone and love that person.” He made it clear that his bond with Streep is strong and ever-deepening, adding more fuel to the already rampant speculation.

Steve Martin, who has also worked closely with Streep, chimed in during that same interview, sharing his own fond memories. He referred to Streep as “a friend” to him and the rest of the cast. He even reminisced about the time he worked with her on their 2015 rom-com It’s Complicated, where he learned just how great of a connection they could have. “If I don’t see her for two years, you get back together. You’re already laughing and talking, it’s friendly,” Martin shared, underscoring just how easy it is to pick up where they left off, no matter how much time has passed.

But let’s not forget, these rumors are swirling in the midst of some personal changes in Streep’s life. In October 2023, the Academy Award-winning actress publicly revealed that she and her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, had actually separated several years ago. According to a statement from her representative, “Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than six years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart.” This news shocked many fans, as Streep and Gummer, who share four grown children, had long been considered one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples.

Meanwhile, Martin Short has also experienced his own share of heartbreak. His wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman, passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010, leaving behind their three children. Despite the loss, Short has remained a devoted father and continues to cherish the memory of his late wife. Still, with both Streep and Short having experienced long-term relationships and the grief that comes with their ends, fans can’t help but wonder if they’ve found comfort in each other in a new way.

It’s worth noting that fans’ fascination with celebrity relationships often goes beyond simple curiosity—it’s a reflection of how deeply we connect with the stars we admire. Whether or not anything romantic is going on between Streep and Short, their friendship is clearly one that’s built on respect, admiration, and a deep bond. And in Hollywood, where relationships can often be fleeting, it’s refreshing to see two stars who truly care for one another, regardless of whether they’re a couple.

But Steve Martin’s hilarious Instagram post has certainly kept fans on their toes. His playful humor and willingness to poke fun at the rumors surrounding his friends is classic Martin. He knows how to keep people guessing while providing some good-natured laughs along the way. Whether or not Streep and Short are dating, Martin’s clever post has added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing speculation, ensuring that fans will continue to watch their every move.

In the end, whether these two beloved actors are simply close friends or something more, the speculation has reminded everyone just how much we love to follow the lives of our favorite celebrities. And with Steve Martin in the mix, you can be sure there will always be a good laugh or two along the way!