“Meryl Streep: Three Oscars, Eight Golden Globes. Versatile Icon, Celebrated for Acclaimed Performances Across Four Decades.”
Born Name : Mary Louise Streep
Born : June 22, 1949 (age 74)
Place : Summit, New Jersey, U.S.
Education :
Vassar College (BA)
Yale University (MFA)
Occupation : Actress
Years active : 1975–present
Spouse : Don Gummer : (m. 1978; sep. 2017)
Partner(s) :John Cazale (1976–1978)
Children :
Henry Mamie
Grace Louisa
Parents :
Mary Wilkinson Streep
Harry William Streep Jr.
About
Meryl Streep, born June 22, 1949, is a renowned American actress, celebrated for her adaptability and numerous accolades. With a career spanning over four decades, she boasts 21 Academy Award nominations, winning three, and 33 Golden Globe nominations, with eight wins.
In 1975, Streep debuted on stage in “Trelawny of the Wells” and quickly earned a Tony Award nomination the next year. Her film career began in 1977 with “Julia,” leading to acclaim in “The Deer Hunter” and her first Oscar nomination.
Notably, she won her first Primetime Emmy in 1978 for “Holocaust,” and subsequent Oscars for “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979) and “Sophie’s Choice” (1982).
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, her career thrived with hits like “Out of Africa” (1985), “Death Becomes Her” (1992), and “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995). Streep’s later successes include standout performances in “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006), “The Iron Lady” (2011), and appearances in impactful TV series like “Angels in America” (2003), “Big Little Lies” (2019), and “Only Murders in the Building” (2023).
Beyond her acting prowess, Streep’s received numerous honors including the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2004, Kennedy Center Honor in 2011, and commendations from presidents Barack Obama and the French government. Her enduring legacy is marked by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded in 1998.
Early Life and Education
Mary Louise Streep, born June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, grew up in a diverse heritage. Her father’s German and Swiss roots traced to Loffenau . While her mother’s lineage embraced English, German, and Irish ancestry. Maternal ancestors hailed from Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Ireland’s Horn Head district.
Streep’s mother, likened to Judi Dench, nurtured her confidence early on, emphasizing her capabilities and instilling a strong belief in her abilities. Raised Presbyterian in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Streep attended Cedar Hill Elementary and later Bernards High School in Bernardsville.
Described as a “gawky kid,” she exuded a penchant for performing from a young age and showcased in family movies. Despite early opera lessons, Streep sought authenticity in her expression . She learning a crucial lesson in staying true to herself. As a teenager, she embraced Catholicism and having many friends from Catholic school and regularly attending Mass. At Bernards High, she shone as a cheerleader and was crowned homecoming queen in her senior year.
Streep’s interest in serious theater sparked during Vassar College’s “Miss Julie” play where she garnered campus attention. Clinton J. Atkinson, her drama professor, acknowledged her innate talent and noting she was self-taught. Graduating cum laude with a BA in drama in 1971 and she pursued an MFA from Yale School of Drama.
Her diverse roles ranged from Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to portraying an elderly woman in a comedy. Studying under renowned mentors like choreographer Carmen de Lavallade and co-founder of the Actors Studio, Robert Lewis.
Streep honed her craft though some methods didn’t align with her beliefs. She completed her MFA in drama at Yale in 1975 . She supplementing her studies by briefly enrolling at Dartmouth College as a visiting student in 1970. In recognition of her achievements, she received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Dartmouth in 1981.
Career
1970s: Early work and breakthrough
In 1975, Streep’s early professional stint at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Playwrights Conference involved five plays in six weeks. Relocating to New York City and she starred in Joseph Papp’s production of “Trelawny of the Wells” . She launching her debut alongside renowned actors like Mandy Patinkin and John Lithgow.
Her breakout year encompassed roles in Papp’s Shakespeare Festival productions and off-Broadway successes and earning an Obie for “Alice at the Palace”. Streep’s film aspirations sparked after witnessing Robert De Niro’s impact in “Taxi Driver” (1976).
Despite initial setbacks and a discouraging encounter during a King Kong audition. Streep persisted in her theatrical journey, balancing film auditions with her stage commitments. Her cinematic debut, albeit with minimal screen time in “Julia” (1977), left her disheartened, yet her admiration for co-star Jane Fonda’s influence on her career persisted.
De Niro’s endorsement led to her role in “The Deer Hunter” (1978), a pivotal moment broadening her exposure and earning her an Academy Award nomination. Streep’s television success in “Holocaust” brought her an Emmy and wider recognition. Amid personal tragedy following John Cazale’s death.
She found solace in stage roles and made her mark in productions like “The Seduction of Joe Tynan” and “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979), a performance that won her critical acclaim and her first Academy Award. Her consecutive successes in “The Deer Hunter” and “Kramer vs. Kramer” established Streep’s prowess and marked significant milestones in her burgeoning film career.
1980s: Rise to prominence
In 1979, Streep ventured into Alice in Concert, a musical adaptation of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Despite critical skepticism, she demonstrated her dedication to the production. Her metamorphosis into leading film roles gained media attention and she became a standout figure dubbed “A Star for the 80s” by Newsweek.
Streep’s first leading film role in “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” (1981) showcased her versatility and earned her a BAFTA Award. Subsequent films like “Sophie’s Choice” (1982), where she delivered an emotionally powerful performance, secured her an Academy Award and widespread acclaim.
Streep continued to exhibit her range with roles like Karen Silkwood in “Silkwood” (1983) and in films such as “Plenty” (1985) and “Out of Africa” (1985), despite facing critique for her diverse acting style. She expanded her repertoire, earning praise for portraying real-life figures and embracing comedic roles by the end of the decade.
1990s: Commercial fluctuations
Throughout the early 1990s, Streep’s film career experienced a shift, marked by a mix of comedies and dramas. This phase was seen as an attempt to reshape her image after the box office struggles of her previous serious films. Hollinger attributed the downturn partly to the limited opportunities for actresses in their forties .
Streep’s commitment to working near her family in Los Angeles, acknowledging these constraints in her career choices. Streep’s outspokenness about women’s roles in the industry was highlighted at the Screen Actors Guild National Women’s Conference in 1990. Despite some critical disapproval of her foray into comedy with films like “Death Becomes Her” (1992), which she found challenging due to heavy special effects .
Streep persevered and delivered diverse performances, earning accolades in films like “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995) and “Marvin’s Room” (1996). Her roles demonstrated versatility and depth, garnering critical acclaim and nominations for various awards. Streep’s dedication to her craft was evident in her commitment to portraying real-life characters with authenticity and skill, showcased notably in “Music of the Heart” (1999), where she learned to play the violin for her role as Roberta Guaspari.
2000s: Career resurgence and stage work
In the early 2000s, Streep embarked on diverse roles that showcased her versatility. She began with a voice cameo in “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” and co-hosted the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. Returning to the stage in Chekhov’s “The Seagull”.
She delivered a notable performance alongside an ensemble cast that included her son, Henry Gummer. Streep’s compelling portrayal of journalist Susan Orlean in “Adaptation.” earned her a Golden Globe. In “The Hours,” she starred alongside Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore, garnering acclaim.
Streep’s involvement in the miniseries “Angels in America” earned her critical acclaim, a Golden Globe and an Emmy.
Her roles ranged from political thrillers like “The Manchurian Candidate” to the successful adaptation of “The Devil Wears Prada,” which became her biggest commercial success to date. She later achieved box office triumph with “Mamma Mia!” and impressed audiences with her performance in “Doubt”.
Streep’s embodiment of Julia Child in “Julie & Julia” and her role in “It’s Complicated” further highlighted her multifaceted talent, earning her awards and nominations, including her 16th Oscar nomination.
2010s: Further critical and commercial success
Meryl Streep’s career in the 2010s saw her take on a wide range of roles, showcasing her versatility and talent. Her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” earned her immense praise, along with a third Academy Award. Streep continued with strong performances in “Hope Springs,” “August: Osage County,” and “Into the Woods,” showcasing her ability to excel in varied genres.
She embraced challenging characters in films like “Suffragette,” playing Emmeline Pankhurst, and “Florence Foster Jenkins,” earning critical acclaim and nominations for her performances. Streep also starred in Steven Spielberg’s “The Post” as Katharine Graham, receiving acclaim for her compelling portrayal.
Her work extended to sequels such as “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” and “Mary Poppins Returns,” showcasing her versatility in musicals.
Streep also ventured into television, notably in the second season of “Big Little Lies,” delivering a standout performance.
In diverse films like “The Laundromat” and “Little Women,” Streep’s consistent excellence garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the industry.
