At the recent premiere of the fourth season of “Only Murders in the Building,” Meryl Streep, affectionately known as “Aunt Meryl,” and veteran actor Martin Short were spotted together, sparking rumors of a romantic relationship. Meryl, 75, and Martin, 74, have been longtime friends, but their companionship appears to have deepened recently, as they were seen enjoying dinner dates and sharing playful moments.

Meryl’s spokesperson revealed last October that she had separated from her sculptor husband, Don Gummer, six years prior. Sources closer to the duo indicate that during a recent event, they spent the entire evening together, showcasing what many referred to as their “intimate friendship.” Eyewitnesses noted the couple holding hands and sharing laughs, leading to comments about their undeniable chemistry.

Interestingly, these romance rumors were fueled by the storyline in “Only Murders in the Building,” where the characters played by Meryl and Martin explore a romantic connection. Following this, they were also seen dining out and attending theatrical performances together, further igniting speculation that their onscreen relationship had spilled over into real life. However, Meryl’s representative has clarified that they are not dating; they remain close friends.

Martin Short has experienced a career resurgence with his role in “Only Murders in the Building,” following the tragic loss of his wife to ovarian cancer in 2010. Meanwhile, Meryl announced her separation from Don Gummer after 45 years of marriage in 2023. The couple, who shares four children and five grandchildren, last appeared publicly together at the Oscars in 2018, around the time their separation became known.

Reflecting on relationships, Meryl has previously mentioned, “Marrying an actress is certainly not easy, but when you give each other space, you can find intimacy. Time is still the best thing we can offer each other.”