Meryl Streep is an American actress born on June 22, 1949. She’s good at acting, being able to play all sorts of different roles and accents. People say she’s the best actress of her time. Over the years, she’s gotten a lot of awards for her acting, like 3 Oscars and 8 Golden Globes.
She started acting in plays in 1975, then moved on to movies in 1977 with “Julia.” One of her first big awards was an Emmy for a TV series called “Holocaust” in 1978. She got nominated for her first Oscar that same year for “The Deer Hunter.” Her first Oscar win came in 1979 for “Kramer vs. Kramer,” where she played a woman having a tough time. Then, she won another Oscar for “Sophie’s Choice” in 1982, where she played a Holocaust survivor. She kept acting in movies and winning awards all through the 1980s and 1990s, with some of her movies making a lot of money like “Out of Africa,” “Death Becomes Her,” and “The Bridges of Madison County.”
She kept her success going into the 2000s with movies like “Adaptation,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” and “The Iron Lady,” where she played Margaret Thatcher and won her third Oscar. She’s also been in some popular TV shows like “Angels in America,” “Big Little Lies,” and “Only Murders in the Building.”
Apart from all her acting awards, she’s gotten lots of honorary awards too, like the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honor, and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award. In 2010 and 2014, she received awards from President Barack Obama. Even the French government gave her an award in 2003! She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1998.
| Full Name | Mary Louise Streep |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Summit, New Jersey, USA |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.7 m) |
| Spouse | Don Gummer (m. 1978) |
| Children | Henry Wolfe Gummer, Mary Willa Gummer, Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer |
| Net Worth | $100 Million |
Meryl Streep’s Early Life and Education
Meryl Streep was born on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey. Her mom, Mary Wilkinson Streep was an artist, and her dad Harry William Streep Jr. worked in the pharmaceutical industry. She has two younger brothers, Harry William Streep III and Dana David Streep who are also actors.
Her family tree is quite diverse. Her dad had German and Swiss roots and her mom had English, German, and Irish ancestry. Some of her ancestors came from places like Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and even Ireland.
Meryl Streep’s mom was a big supporter of her dreams, always telling her she could achieve anything she set her mind to. Meryl credits her mom for boosting her confidence when she needed it most. Despite being more reserved than her mom, Meryl often sought her advice for a confidence boost.
She grew up in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, where Meryl Streep went to Cedar Hill Elementary School and later Bernards High School. Even though she was a bit shy, she loved performing in school plays. It wasn’t until she acted in a play called Miss Julie at Vassar College that she realized her passion for serious acting.
After getting her bachelor’s degree in drama, she went on to pursue her master’s at Yale School of Drama. She worked hard, juggling acting gigs with odd jobs to pay her bills. Despite facing challenges, like developing ulcers from overwork, she pushed through and graduated with her master’s in 1975.
Along the way, she learned from various teachers and mentors, honing her craft and exploring different acting techniques. Despite some disagreements with her professors’ methods, she remained dedicated to her craft, even earning an honorary degree from Dartmouth College in 1981.
Career
Meryl Streep’s early career began in 1975 at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center where she performed in several plays. Moving to New York City that year she quickly landed roles in prestigious productions like “Trelawny of the Wells” at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Streep’s talent shone in Shakespearean plays and other theater works earning her critical acclaim and awards like the Obie.
Initially focused on theater Streep’s interest in film grew after seeing Robert De Niro in “Taxi Driver.” Despite facing early setbacks like a harsh critique during an audition for “King Kong” Streep persisted. She continued theater work while gradually building a film career including roles in “Julia” and “The Deer Hunter” which garnered attention and awards.
Her breakthrough came with “Kramer vs. Kramer” where she played a complex role that challenged traditional portrayals of women. Streep’s dedication including rewriting her dialogue earned her widespread acclaim and her first Academy Award.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Meryl Streep balanced theater and film tackling diverse roles that showcased her versatility. Her portrayal of a Polish survivor in “Sophie’s Choice” solidified her reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest actresses earning her another Academy Award.
Streep’s career continued to evolve with roles in “Silkwood,” “Out of Africa,” and “Ironweed” where her ability to transform into diverse characters was widely praised. Despite occasional critical backlash, Streep’s commitment to her craft remained steadfast leading to enduring success in both drama and comedy.
By the end of the 1980s, Streep’s legacy was firmly established setting the stage for her continued dominance in Hollywood as one of its most respected and versatile performers.
Meryl Streep’s career saw a downturn in the early 1990s. Critics felt her comedic roles were an attempt to lighten her image after serious but unsuccessful dramas. Streep herself acknowledged that being a woman in her forties limited her options especially since she preferred working close to her family in Los Angeles. She highlighted these challenges at a women’s conference criticizing the film industry for its treatment of women both on and off-screen.
During this period, Meryl Streep appeared in several films like “Postcards from the Edge” and “Defending Your Life.” She starred in “Death Becomes Her” with Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis a film known for its extensive use of special effects. Despite commercial success, critics didn’t warmly receive her venture into comedy. Streep’s role in “The House of the Spirits” and “The River Wild” received mixed reviews.
Her standout film of the decade was “The Bridges of Madison County” where she played a romantic lead challenging Hollywood’s view on middle-aged actresses. Streep also starred in “Marvin’s Room” receiving acclaim for her performance alongside Diane Keaton.
Meryl Streep’s work in TV movies like “…First Do No Harm” earned her an Emmy nomination. She continued her success on the big screen with “Dancing at Lughnasa” and “One True Thing” showing her versatility and depth in dramatic roles.
In “Music of the Heart” Streep portrayed a real-life music teacher earning her another Oscar nomination. She made a brief appearance in “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” and returned to the stage after two decades in “The Seagull.”
Meryl Streep’s role as Susan Orlean in “Adaptation.” won her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe. She also starred in “The Hours” sharing a Silver Bear award for Best Actress with Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore.
Streep’s standout performance of the 2000s came in HBO’s “Angels in America” earning her another Emmy and Golden Globe. She continued with roles in “The Manchurian Candidate” and “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.”
Her comedic success in “The Devil Wears Prada” as Miranda Priestly became a commercial hit marking a turning point in her career. Streep took on diverse roles in films like “Dark Matter” and “Rendition” exploring different genres and themes.
She also appeared in dramas like “Evening” and “Lions for Lambs” showcasing her range alongside talented casts. Streep achieved immense popularity with “Mamma Mia!” and received critical acclaim for “Doubt” and “Julie & Julia.”
Meryl Streep has taken on diverse roles in various films. In “The Iron Lady” she portrayed Margaret Thatcher exploring the Prime Minister’s life during the Falklands War and after retirement. Streep immersed herself in the role even observing sessions at the British Parliament to prepare. Despite some criticism of the film Streep’s performance was widely acclaimed earning her Best Actress awards at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs as well as her third Oscar.
In “Hope Springs” directed by David Frankel Streep starred alongside Tommy Lee Jones in a comedy-drama about a middle-aged couple rekindling their marriage through intensive counseling. The film received positive reviews highlighting Streep and Jones’s compelling performances.
She also appeared in “August: Osage County” playing a tough family matriarch dealing with cancer and addiction. Streep’s portrayal earned her more award nominations showcasing her skill in complex roles.
In “The Giver” a sci-fi film set in a future without emotions or choice, Meryl Streep played a community leader. The film received mixed reviews.
Streep’s versatility continued with roles in “Into the Woods” a musical fantasy where she played a witch and “The Homesman” a period drama set in the 1850s Midwest.
In “Florence Foster Jenkins” she starred as a tone-deaf opera singer showcasing both humor and pathos in her performance. The film was well-received.
Meryl Streep then portrayed Katharine Graham in “The Post” a political drama about The Washington Post’s publication of the Pentagon Papers. Her performance alongside Tom Hanks garnered praise and award nominations.
She also made appearances in sequels like “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” and “Mary Poppins Returns” displaying her range in both musical and supporting roles.
Streep ventured into television with “Big Little Lies” playing a pivotal role in the second season. Her performance earned acclaim showing her ability to excel in both film and TV.
Recent projects include “The Laundromat” a comedy about the Panama Papers and “Little Women” where she played Aunt March. Streep’s work continues to be celebrated for its depth and versatility.
In 2020, Meryl Streep voiced a role in “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” and starred in films like “The Prom” and “Let Them All Talk” showcasing her ongoing impact in cinema.
Her recent roles include playing the President in “Don’t Look Up” a satire on climate change denial and a struggling actress in the series “Only Murders in the Building”.
And now in 2024, it’s been announced that Streep will be returning to Only Murders in the Building for its fourth season reprising her role as Loretta.
Net Worth
Meryl Streep has an estimated net worth of $100 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The main source of Meryl Streep’s net worth primarily comes from her successful career as an actress in movies and television.
She has earned substantial income from starring in numerous blockbuster films and acclaimed roles, which have not only brought her critical acclaim but also significant financial rewards. Streep is known for her versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters, which has made her one of the most respected and sought-after actresses in Hollywood.
Additionally, she has received numerous awards, including three Oscars, further boosting her reputation and earning potential. Streep’s enduring popularity and consistent high-quality performances have ensured that her earnings remain robust throughout her career.
Personal life
Karina Longworth, a writer, points out that Meryl Streep, despite being a big star, has managed to keep her personal life pretty normal. In the 1970s, she lived with actor John Cazale and took care of him when he was sick with lung cancer until he passed away in 1978. Streep still feels the pain of losing him, saying it’s always there in her mind, but she’s learned to live with it without letting it take over her life.
After Cazale died, Streep married sculptor Don Gummer. They have four kids together: Henry Wolfe Gummer, Mamie Gummer, Grace Jane Gummer, and Louisa Jacobson Gummer. They’ve moved around a bit, living in Connecticut and then moving to Los Angeles before eventually going back to Connecticut. But in 2023, it was reported that Streep and Gummer had been separated for more than six years and they haven’t been seen together publicly since the 2018 Oscars.
Meryl Streep is the godmother of Billie Lourd, who is the daughter of her close friend Carrie Fisher, another actress. Fisher wrote the screenplay for one of Streep’s movies “Postcards from the Edge” which came out in 1990.
When asked about religion in 2009, Streep said she doesn’t follow any specific beliefs or belong to any church or temple. She finds the idea of religion interesting but doesn’t believe in the power of prayer to change things. She finds it hard as a thoughtful person to not have that comfort, but it’s just not something she can believe in.
As for dealing with getting older and facing death, Meryl Streep finds hope in humanity’s efforts to be better. She believes in love, hope, and optimism, even though they may seem inexplicable. She’s driven by a desire to make the world a better place and wonders where that motivation comes from.
Other ventures
Meryl Streep, the talented actress known for her roles in movies like “Mamma Mia!,” made quite a splash with her rendition of the song “Mamma Mia” from the movie’s soundtrack. It became really popular in Portugal, even reaching number eight on the music charts back in October 2008. She even won a People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Song From A Soundtrack” for it.
Apart from her acting career, Meryl Streep is also involved in various charitable activities. She supports causes like women’s history and empowerment. She’s donated a lot of money to the National Women’s History Museum and The Public Theater. She’s also been a part of campaigns like Gucci’s “Chime for Change,” which works to empower women.
In 2014, she set up scholarships at the University of Massachusetts Lowell for students studying English and math. She’s also passionate about supporting female screenwriters over forty and has funded a special lab for them to develop their skills.
Meryl Streep isn’t just about supporting women, though. She’s also spoken out about gender equality on a global scale. She’s signed letters, supported initiatives like Time’s Up, and even backed campaigns to free individuals like Oleg Sentsov, a filmmaker who was unfairly jailed in Russia.
When asked about feminism, she prefers to call herself a humanist, believing in balance and fairness for everyone. Whether it’s through her acting or her activism, Meryl Streep continues to make a difference in the world.
Reception and legacy
In 2004, Meryl Streep got a big award from the American Film Institute. Then, in 2011, she got another one from the Kennedy Center. Some famous people like Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway gave speeches about her. They all sang a song for her at the end.
In 2014, President Obama gave her a really special award called the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He said she’s amazing at acting and lots of people love watching her.
At the Golden Globes in 2017, Viola Davis gave her another award. Streep quoted Carrie Fisher in her speech, saying to turn sadness into art.
People say Meryl Streep is one of the best actresses ever. But she’s not stuck to one image; she can play all kinds of characters. She doesn’t have a strict way of acting, but she likes directors who let her try new things.
Mike Nichols, who directed her in several movies praised how she became her character. He said working with her feels magical. Meryl Streep’s acting has inspired many others in the industry.
She’s known for her talent with accents. She can do Danish, British, Italian, and many more. She says she learned a lot about using her voice from listening to singers like Barbra Streisand.
In “Sophie’s Choice,” she spoke English, German, and Polish with accents. And in “The Iron Lady,” she copied Margaret Thatcher’s voice from different times in her life. Streep thinks using accents is an important part of acting. When asked how she does it, she just says she listens carefully.
