The acting legend Meryl Streep celebrates 75 today
Meryl Streep’s career is marked by a series of iconic roles that have earned her a record 21 Academy Award nominations, of which she has won three
The acting legend Meryl Streep celebrates 75 today
Meryl Streep was born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, USA. Raised in a supportive family, her father, Harry William Streep Jr., was a pharmaceutical executive, and her mother, Mary Wolf Wilkinson, was a commercial artist and art editor. Streep’s early exposure to the arts, coupled with her own burgeoning talent, set the stage for her future career.
Streep showed an interest in acting from a young age, performing in school plays and later studying drama at Vassar College, where she earned her BA in Drama in 1971. She then enrolled at the Yale School of Drama, earning her MFA in 1975. During her time at Yale, Streep participated in various productions that showcased her versatility and depth as an actress.
Streep’s professional career began on stage, with notable performances in New York City productions. Her transition to film came in the late 1970s with a small role in “Julia” (1977). However, it was her role in “The Deer Hunter” (1978) that brought her critical acclaim and her first Academy Award nomination. Her portrayal of a woman torn by love and war showcased her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and power.
Meryl Streep’s career is marked by a series of iconic roles that have earned her a record 21 Academy Award nominations, of which she has won three. Some of her most notable films include “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979) for which she won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, “Sophie’s Choice” (1982) where her harrowing portrayal of a Holocaust survivor earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, the epic romance “Out of Africa” (1985) that solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies, the dark comedy “Death Becomes Her” (1992), “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006) a film that became a cultural phenomenon much thanks to her performance as the formidable fashion editor Miranda Priestly, and “The Iron Lady” (2011) where she portrayed the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and that won her a third Academy Award for Best Actress. She has also starred in the drama “The Hours” (2002), the musical blockbuster “Mamma Mia!” (2008) and it’s sequel.
Today, the actress continues to take on diverse roles in film and television, including her participation in the critically acclaimed series “Big Little Lies” and the musical film “The Prom” (2020). Streep’s work is characterized by a willingness to tackle challenging and varied roles, ensuring her continued relevance and admiration in Hollywood.
Meryl Streep married sculptor Don Gummer in 1978, and together they have four children: Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa. The family has maintained a relatively private life, with Streep often citing her family as her grounding force. Despite her busy career, she has managed to balance her professional and personal life with grace and dignity.
Meryl Streep’s career now spans over five decades, and she is often hailed as the greatest living actress.
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