Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Hollywood. Known for her versatility and accent adaptation, she has earned numerous awards and has become a cultural icon in the world of film and theatre.

ABOUT

Born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, Meryl Streep is an actress whose career spans over five decades. Streep is celebrated for her multifaceted roles in both film and theater, her meticulous preparation, and her extraordinary ability to fully embody the characters she plays. She made her big screen debut in the 1970s and has since garnered critical acclaim and international fame, becoming a symbol of acting excellence.

Streep’s illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades, including an unparalleled number of Academy Award nominations—21 to be precise. She has won three Oscars: Best Supporting Actress for "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979), and Best Actress for "Sophie's Choice" (1982) and "The Iron Lady" (2011). Streep has also received multiple Golden Globe Awards, BAFTAs, Emmys, and the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement.

BEFORE FAME

Before becoming a household name, Streep displayed a penchant for performance early on. She attended Vassar College, where she was initially more interested in operatic singing than acting. However, her passion for the theater blossomed during her time at Yale School of Drama, where she earned a Master’s degree in Fine Arts. At Yale, she honed her craft, performing in over a dozen stage productions in a variety of demanding roles.

Streep’s first professional work in New York was in theater, where she garnered critical notice with performances in productions by renowned playwrights like Tennessee Williams and Anton Chekhov. Her film debut came in 1977 with a small role in "Julia," but it was her role in "The Deer Hunter" (1978) that earned her first Academy Award nomination and set her on a path to stardom.

TRIVIA

1. Streep holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations, a testament to her unparalleled skill and diversity as an actress.
2. She is known for her mastery of accents and languages, convincingly adopting English, Polish, Danish, Australian, and various American accents in her roles.
3. Beyond her acting skills, Streep is highly educated, as she holds honorary degrees from various prestigious universities, including Yale, Princeton, and Harvard.
4. Her philanthropic endeavors are significant; she has supported organizations like Women for Women International and the National Women’s History Museum.
5. Streep was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 by President Barack Obama.

FAMILY LIFE

Meryl Streep has been married to sculptor Don Gummer since 1978, and they have four children together: Henry Wolfe, Mary Willa "Mamie" Gummer, Grace Jane Gummer, and Louisa Jacobson Gummer. Remarkably, her daughters Mamie and Grace have followed in her footsteps, establishing careers in the acting industry.

Despite her global fame, Streep is known for her relatively private and grounded family life, emphasizing the importance of balancing her professional and personal worlds. Her family often describes her as a devoted mother and wife, who managed to keep her feet firmly on the ground amidst the glamour of Hollywood.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Over her illustrious career, Meryl Streep has worked with many industry giants and her performances have often been in collaboration with some of Hollywood’s most acclaimed directors and actors. She has shared the screen with talents like Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, and Dustin Hoffman. Moreover, her frequent partnerships with directors such as Steven Spielberg in "The Post" (2017) and Rob Marshall in "Into the Woods" (2014) have resulted in highly acclaimed films.

Her role as Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006) opposite Anne Hathaway introduced her to a new generation of fans and cemented her status in pop culture. This movie is often cited as one of her standout performances, showcasing her ability to blend sharp wit with dramatic prowess.

Meryl Streep’s career is a rich tapestry of diverse and challenging roles, making her a perennial favorite among audiences and critics alike. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring artists around the globe.