Meryl Streep | Biography, Movies & Facts

Birth and Childhood

Meryl Streep, whose full name is Mary Louise Streep, was born on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, USA. She is the daughter of Mary Wilkinson Streep, an artist, and Harry William Streep Jr., a pharmaceutical executive. Streep grew up in Bernardsville, New Jersey, alongside her two younger brothers, Dana and Harry.

From a young age, Streep showed a passion for the arts. She began taking opera lessons at age 12 and later attended Bernards High School, where she participated in various theater productions. Streep’s early exposure to the performing arts laid the foundation for her future career as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.

Youth

After graduating from high school in 1966, Meryl Streep enrolled at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. She initially pursued a degree in English literature but soon discovered her true calling in drama. Streep became heavily involved in Vassar’s theater program, appearing in numerous productions and honing her craft as an actress.

In 1971, Streep graduated from Vassar with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and received the prestigious Carolyn Blakely Award for outstanding performance in her senior year. She then went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama in 1975, further solidifying her training and commitment to the art of acting.

Private Life

Meryl Streep has been married to sculptor Don Gummer since 1978. The couple met shortly after Streep’s partner, actor John Cazale, passed away from lung cancer in 1978. Gummer provided Streep with emotional support during this difficult time, and they soon fell in love. They have four children together: Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa.

Despite her highly successful acting career, Streep has managed to keep her private life relatively out of the public eye. She and her family have maintained a low profile, preferring to focus on their personal lives rather than court the media’s attention. Streep is known for her humility and down-to-earth demeanor, qualities that have endeared her to fans and colleagues alike.

Prominent Films

1. Sophie’s Choice (1982): In this heartbreaking drama directed by Alan J. Pakula, Streep portrays Sophie Zawistowski, a Polish immigrant haunted by her past experiences during World War II. Her portrayal of Sophie’s complex emotions and tragic history earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): Streep stars alongside Dustin Hoffman in this emotionally charged drama directed by Robert Benton. She plays Joanna Kramer, a woman who leaves her husband and son, igniting a bitter custody battle. Streep’s performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
3. The Deer Hunter (1978): Directed by Michael Cimino, this epic war drama follows a group of friends from a small Pennsylvania town who are profoundly affected by the Vietnam War. Streep delivers a poignant performance as Linda, the fiancee of one of the friends.
4. Out of Africa (1985): Streep stars as Karen Blixen, a Danish author who moves to Kenya to run a coffee plantation, in this romantic drama directed by Sydney Pollack. Her portrayal of Blixen earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
5. The Iron Lady (2011): Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, this biographical drama sees Streep transform into Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Streep’s portrayal of Thatcher earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
6. The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Streep shines as Miranda Priestly, a powerful and demanding fashion magazine editor, in this comedy-drama directed by David Frankel. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
7. Adaptation (2002): Directed by Spike Jonze, this metafictional comedy-drama sees Streep play Susan Orlean, the author of the book being adapted into a screenplay. Her nuanced performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
8. Julie & Julia (2009): In this biographical comedy-drama directed by Nora Ephron, Streep portrays legendary chef Julia Child. Her delightful performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
9. Doubt (2008): Directed by John Patrick Shanley, this gripping drama sees Streep play Sister Aloysius Beauvier, a stern nun who suspects a priest of misconduct. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
10. The Bridges of Madison County (1995): Streep stars opposite Clint Eastwood in this romantic drama directed by Eastwood. She plays Francesca Johnson, a lonely Iowa housewife who embarks on a passionate affair with a traveling photographer. Streep’s performance was praised for its depth and emotional resonance.
11. Mamma Mia! (2008): Streep showcases her singing talents in this musical romantic comedy directed by Phyllida Lloyd. She plays Donna Sheridan, a single mother whose daughter invites three of her mother’s former lovers to her wedding. Streep’s performance and the film’s ABBA-infused soundtrack were both widely praised.
12. August: Osage County (2013): Streep leads an ensemble cast in this dark comedy-drama directed by John Wells, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tracy Letts. Streep plays Violet Weston, the matriarch of a dysfunctional family who reunite after a family crisis. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.