Martin Short denies romance with Only Murders in the Building co-star Meryl Streep after their cozy display at awards shows: ‘We are just very close friends’

Martin Short is not in a relationship with his Only Murders in the Building star Meryl Streep, 74.

The actor, 73, denied they were dating during the latest episode of Club Random with Bill Maherafter putting on an entertaining show at several awards ceremonies – including the AFI Awards.

“We’re not a couple, we’re just really good friends,” Martin said on Sunday’s episode.

“Well, you should, because there’s nothing more powerful in Hollywood than a power couple,” Bill pointed out.

“It worked for Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, it worked for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie,” the host joked.

Martin Short is not dating his Only Murders in the Building star Meryl Streep, 74; seen on January 7 at the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards

The actor, 73, denied they were dating during the latest episode of Club Random with Bill Maher after making a cozy display at several awards shows;  seen on January 12 at the AFI Awards

The actor, 73, denied they were dating during the latest episode of Club Random with Bill Maher after making a cozy display at several awards shows; seen on January 12 at the AFI Awards

The rumors started circulating after the stars posed close together at the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards on January 7 and again on January 12 at the AFI Awards.

After the Golden Globes, fans speculated that they were in a romantic relationship, as his rep shared People they’re just ‘good friends, nothing more.’

Days later, at the AFI Awards luncheon, Meryl playfully put her hand on Martin’s face on the red carpet — as if to playfully push him away.

Once inside, the friends huddled together and giggled as they sat next to each other during lunch.

The actors star together in Only Murders in the Building, alongside Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Jackie Hoffman.

Martin plays Oliver Putnam and Meryl plays Loretta Durkin.

Meryl divorced her husband Don Gummer in October 2023 after 45 years of marriage.

The former couple have four children together: daughters Mamie, 40, Grace, 37, and Louisa, 32, and son Henry, 44.

Days later, at the AFI Awards luncheon, Meryl playfully put her hand on Martin's face on the red carpet – as if to playfully push him away;  at the AFI Awards Luncheon on January 12

Days later, at the AFI Awards luncheon, Meryl playfully put her hand on Martin’s face on the red carpet – as if to playfully push him away; at the AFI Awards Luncheon on January 12

Once inside, the friends huddled together and giggled as they sat next to each other during lunch

Once inside, the friends huddled together and giggled as they sat next to each other during lunch

The actors star together in Murders in the Building, alongside Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Jackie Hoffman.  Martin plays Oliver Putnam and Meryl plays Loretta Durkin

The actors star together in Murders in the Building, alongside Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Jackie Hoffman. Martin plays Oliver Putnam and Meryl plays Loretta Durkin

At the time of the divorce news, Meryl’s rep told People in a statement, “Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been divorced for more than six years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen to live separate lives. ‘

Martin is a widow; he was married to actress Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010.

They married in 1980 and welcomed three children together: Katherine Elizabeth, 40, Oliver Patrick, 37, and Henry Hayter, 34.