In a love story that has captured hearts and headlines, Hollywood legends Meryl Streep and Martin Short have quietly nurtured a romance that blossomed completely by surprise. According to insiders, the beloved stars of Only Murders in the Building have been dating for well over a year—despite keeping their relationship largely under wraps.

“It took them both by surprise,” a source close to the couple told Page Six. “Meryl couldn’t help but fall for Martin. He is a gentleman; he keeps her laughing and is an all-around positive person. She loves being around him.”

Neither Streep, 75, nor Short, 74, were seeking a new relationship when their bond began to deepen. But as fate would have it, years of friendship and mutual respect quietly turned into something more. Their friends and families, including their adult children, are said to be fully supportive of the relationship—and many find the couple “adorable together.”

Their love story is even more poignant, considering their pasts. Streep quietly separated from her husband of 40 years, Don Gummer, back in 2017. Short lost his wife of three decades, Nancy Dolman, to ovarian cancer in 2010. Both have known deep love—and deep loss—and it’s something that brought them closer.

“Meryl and Martin have bonded over the loss of their exes,” the insider shared, adding that both Streep and Short understand the tender, complicated emotions that come with moving forward after loss.

Despite their happiness, the couple has no plans to marry. “They’re happy dating as boyfriend and girlfriend,” the source explained. “Even if Meryl were divorced, marriage just isn’t something either of them are interested in.”

Though they’ve moved in the same Hollywood circles for years, romance was never really on the radar until recently. Their relationship stands as a reminder that love can show up when you least expect it—even in your 70s—and that laughter, shared experiences, and emotional connection are often the strongest foundations for a lasting bond.