Martin Short's Wife Nancy Dolman Dies from Cancer: Has Requested No Funeral

One of my all time favorite comics is not laughing much today. In fact, I'm certain he's gripped with grief and sadness. His wife of 30 years has died.

The delightfully funny and always entertaining, Martin Short, lost his wife and mother of his three children, Nancy Dolman, this past weekend. Ms. Dolman had been suffering from cancer since 2007, when she had a growth removed from her left groin area.

Keeping her illness quiet over the years, few people knew of Ms. Dolman's illness. Radaronline is reporting that she also requested there not be a funeral.

With so many Hollywood marriages rarely making it past the first 12 months, it's not only refreshing, but deeply inspiring to know that some in Hollywood can not only make it past the first year, but clock decades together - happily.

Martin Short and Nancy Dolman, both Canadians, met in 1972 while both were acting in the Canadian production of the musical, Godspell. They married 8 years later, in 1980. Based on Martin Short's prosperous and highly successful acting and comedy career, one can only presume their union was a happy one.

Full of quick wit, unbridled comedic timing and a hysterically funny, sardonic tongue, Martin Short has been one of the funniest comedians of his generation. Just one look at his SNL character, Ed Grimley, can send me into stitches. No one can be that funny and successful without great contentment and happiness in his life.

On the flip side of comedy, Martin has done equally well in television drama, having just been recently nominated for an Emmy as best-supporting actor for his role in the night time drama, Damages, as Leonard Winstone, a dark and quietly evil character.

Given the very private and quiet handling of Ms. Dolman's cancer and illness, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to assume that Martin Short will not be attending the television Emmy's, scheduled to be telecast August 29^th.

Martin Short and Nancy Dolman have three adult children, Katherine, Oliver and Henry.

Sources:

"Damages: Does Leonard Winstone Have a Secret Agenda?" February 1, 2010. TV Guide.com. August 24, 2010. http://www.tvguide.com/news/damages-martin-short-1014545.aspx

"Martin Short's Wife Died after Long Battle with Cancer and Did Not Want a Funeral". August 24, 2010. Radar Online.com. August 24, 2010. http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/08/exclusive-martin-shorts-wife-died-after-long-battle-with-cancer-didnt-want