Early Life
- Full Name: Mary Louise Streep
- Born: June 22, 1949
- Birthplace: Summit, New Jersey, USA
- Parents:
- Father: Harry William Streep Jr. (executive at a pharmaceutical company)
- Mother: Mary Wolf Wilkinson (commercial artist and art editor)
Meryl Streep grew up in Bernardsville, New Jersey, and exhibited an early talent for performance. She studied opera as a child and participated in school plays.
Education
- High School: Bernards High School
- College:
- Vassar College (graduated in 1971, majoring in Drama and English)
- Yale School of Drama (MFA in 1975)
At Yale, she honed her craft and performed in numerous stage productions, earning a reputation for her exceptional versatility and dedication to her roles.
Career Highlights
Meryl Streep is considered one of the greatest actresses of all time due to her incredible versatility, meticulous preparation, and mastery of accents. Her career spans over four decades with consistent critical and commercial success.
Film Debut and Early Success
- Film Debut: Julia (1977) – minor role alongside Jane Fonda.
- Breakthrough: The Deer Hunter (1978) – earned her first Academy Award nomination.
- First Oscar Win: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) – Best Supporting Actress.
Notable Films
- 1980s:
- Sophie’s Choice (1982) – Academy Award for Best Actress.
- Out of Africa (1985).
- Silkwood (1983).
- 1990s:
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995).
- Death Becomes Her (1992).
- One True Thing (1998).
- 2000s:
- Adaptation (2002).
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006).
- Mamma Mia! (2008).
- 2010s:
- The Iron Lady (2011) – portrayed Margaret Thatcher, winning her third Oscar.
- August: Osage County (2013).
- Florence Foster Jenkins (2016).
- 2020s:
- Don’t Look Up (2021).
- The Prom (2020).
Awards and Achievements
- Academy Awards:
- Nominated: 21 times (a record).
- Wins: 3 (for Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, and The Iron Lady).
- Golden Globes:
- Nominated: 32 times.
- Wins: 8.
- Other Honors:
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014) – awarded by President Barack Obama.
- AFI Life Achievement Award (2004).
Meryl is known for her ability to embody a wide range of characters, often mastering difficult dialects and accents for her roles.
Personal Life
- Marriage: Married to sculptor Don Gummer in 1978.
- Children: Four – Henry Wolfe, Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer, and Louisa Jacobson (all involved in the arts).
Legacy
Meryl Streep’s influence on the film industry is unparalleled. Her dedication to her craft, unmatched acting range, and consistent performances have set a high standard in cinema. She remains an advocate for women’s rights, environmental issues, and the arts.
She is widely regarded as “The Queen of Hollywood” and an icon for aspiring actors worldwide.
