Kathie Lee Gifford had to apologize to Martin Short after she completely forgot his wife had passed away during their interview. Sometimes during interviews with celebrities, things can take a wrong turn.
Sometimes the celebrity might be acting unusually, or respond angrily to a certain question. Sometimes interviewers ask questions that are outrageous or could be too personal.
While Martin Short was being interviewed by Kathie Lee Gifford one morning, she made a big mistake. She asked some questions implying the actor's wife, Nancy Dolan, who had passed away, was still living. Kathie Lee Gifford had to apologize after she completely forgot Martin Short's wife had passed away during their interview.
Kathie Lee Gifford Completely Forgot Martin Short's Wife Had Passed Away During Their Interview
Sometimes during interviews with celebrities, surprising or even shocking things can occur. A celebrity can become frustrated over something and possibly leave the interview. And the interviewer could make a certain mistake during the interview, maybe asking a question or making a comment that goes too far.
According to Entertainment News, When Kathie Lee Gifford was interviewing Martin Short with Hoda Kotb for the Today show in 2012, she made a big mistake by assuming the actor's wife, who had passed away, was still alive.
The interview initially went well. Until at one point, Gifford added, "And he and Nancy have one of the greatest marriages of anybody in show business. How many years now for you guys?"
Gifford had not realized Short's wife had passed away two years before the interview of ovarian cancer. However, Short, showing incredible kindness to the host at that moment, chose not to correct her. He answered, "Um...married 36 years."
Gifford pressed forward with her questions, "But you're still in love?" Short agreed with her, saying "Madly in love." Still continuing, Gifford next asked, "Why?!" It seems "Short shook his head, shook it off, and said, 'I'm cute!'"
Although mistakes can happen, and interviewers can't be expected to remember everything, this is an important part of Short's life that Gifford should have known about beforehand.
After Gifford had peppered the actor with questions about his wife, who had passed away, there was a commercial break. After the commercial break, the host admitted to the mistake and apologized to Martin Short.
Kathie Lee Gifford Apologized To Martin Short For The Mistake
Sometimes celebrities and interviewers make mistakes. They are human beings, and can't expect to be perfect every moment of the day. But some interviewers can ask celebrities outrageous questions, or ask questions about their lives which are too personal. However, an interviewer should be prepared before their interview, and be familiar with the celebrity and their material.
When Kathie Lee Gifford was interviewing Martin Short with Hoda Kotb for the Today show, it appeared she wasn't familiar with Martin Short's life.
Gifford asked the Clifford actor questions about his wife, assuming she was still living. In fact, Short's wife had passed away two years before the interview. However, instead of correcting Gifford in front of everyone, Short was incredibly nice about the questions, and answered them.
However, once the show cut to a commercial break, someone, possibly Martin Short himself, set Gifford straight about the facts of his life. After the commercial break was over, Kathie Lee Gifford had a message for viewers.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Gifford apologized for the previous segment, telling the audience she felt 'so badly' for the mistake. Short apparently informed her of the mistake backstage."
The host said, "My apologies to him and his family for not realizing that." It was great the Gifford apologized, however, everything, including any pain caused to Martin Short that day, could have been avoided with a little research.
What Was Martin Short's Response To Kathie Lee Gifford Forgetting His Wife Had Passed?
Some celebrities who have had previous negative or awkward encounters with certain interviewers or journalists can hold a grudge. Some are able to forgive and move past things.
Martin Short's response to Kathie Lee Gifford's awkward and cringe-worthy mistake was just as nice as his response had been during their interview.
According to a different Entertainment News article, Short revealed what a truly kind-hearted person he is, as he discussed Gifford's mistake. "On live television, people make mistakes. There's no ill will intended. It's nice to aspire to be kind of elegant."
As the Father of the Bride actor himself pointed out, Gifford obviously was in no way intending to hurt the actor with her line of questioning. She had made a mistake that could have been avoided, but still, a mistake. And Martin Short graciously forgave her for it.
Unfortunately, like all people, some celebrities have had their partners or spouses pass away, and some pass away too soon. Martin Short's wife, Nancy Dolman passed away in 2010 from ovarian cancer.
In an interview with People, Short discussed his wife of 30 years, saying, "Our marriage was a triumph. So it's tough. She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time. It's 'Hey Nan, you know?' How would she react to this decision or thaat, especially regarding our three kids."
Short continued, remarking he still feels his wife is with him. "I believe that when people die, they zoom into the people that love them. The idea that it just ends, and don't speak of them - that's wrong...to me, she's still here."
