Meryl Streep is a name that resonates with film lovers around the globe.
Renowned for her extraordinary talent and versatility, she has captivated audiences for decades with her powerful performances and remarkable ability to embody a wide range of characters.
But beyond her accolades and iconic roles, there are countless fascinating facts about this legendary actress that showcase not only her professional achievements but also her personal passions and quirks.
In this article, we delve into some of the most intriguing aspects of Streep’s life and career, revealing why she remains an enduring icon in the world of cinema.
Facts about Meryl Streep
1. Streep was born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey.
2. She initially aspired to become a lawyer but overslept on the day of her law school interview, which she took as a sign to pursue acting instead.
3. Streep has received a record 21 Academy Award nominations, winning three times.
4. She has also been nominated for 34 Golden Globe Awards, winning eight.
5. Streep’s first screen performance was in the television film The Deadliest Season (1977).
6. Her film debut came in Julia (1977), where she starred alongside Vanessa Redgrave.
7. She won her first Emmy Award for her role in the miniseries Holocaust (1978).
8. Streep’s performance in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
9. She won her second Oscar for Best Actress for Sophie’s Choice (1982) and her third for The Iron Lady (2011).
10. Streep is known for her remarkable ability to master various accents and dialects.
11. She studied drama at Vassar College and earned her Master of Fine Arts from Yale University in 1975.
12. Streep was a cheerleader and homecoming queen during high school.
13. She learned to play the violin for her role in Music of the Heart (1999), practicing six hours daily.
14. Meryl is a combination of her first name Mary and middle name Louise.
15. She has a fear of helicopters, which she has openly discussed.
16. Streep was romantically involved with actor John Cazale until his death from lung cancer in 1978.
17. She married sculptor Don Gummer in 1978, six months after Cazale’s passing.
18. Streep has four children: Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa.
19. She is an advocate for women’s rights and donated her entire salary from The Iron Lady to the Women’s History Museum.
20. Streep has performed in numerous stage productions, including her Broadway debut in Trelawny of the Wells (1975).
21. She played a character based on Carrie Fisher in Postcards from the Edge (1990) and became godmother to Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd.
22. Robert De Niro has called her his favorite actress to work with.
23. Streep has a deviated septum but refuses to have it corrected.
24. In 2014, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
25. She has been nominated for five Emmy Awards and has won three.
26. Streep’s performance as Sophie Zawistowska in Sophie’s Choice is ranked among the greatest performances of all time by Premiere magazine.
27. She often plays historical figures, including Julia Child and Margaret Thatcher.
28. Streep kept the sunglasses from The Devil Wears Prada and reused them in Mamma Mia! (2008).
29. She was a finalist for the role of Ellen Ripley in Alien (1979), but it went to her friend Sigourney Weaver.
30. Meryl Streep was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 1998.
31. In 2017, she received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes and made headlines with her speech criticizing Donald Trump.
32. Streep is known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting various causes including education and arts programs.
33. She has been involved with several charities, including Oxfam America and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
34. Streep’s portrayal of complex female characters often highlights social issues and women’s rights.
35. She has collaborated with director Stephen Frears on multiple projects, including The Queen (2006).
36. Streep enjoys gardening and often spends time cultivating plants during her downtime.
37. Her performance as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada became iconic and is frequently quoted in popular culture.
38. Meryl has expressed admiration for fellow actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Viola Davis.
39. In 2024, she received an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, celebrating her contributions to cinema.
40. Streep is known for being down-to-earth despite her fame and often engages with fans graciously.
41. Throughout her career, she has maintained a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses due to her dedication to craft.
Conclusion
Streep’s remarkable career and life story are a testament to her extraordinary talent, resilience, and dedication to her craft.
From her early days in New Jersey to becoming a celebrated icon of cinema, she has not only captivated audiences with her performances but also made significant contributions to social causes and the arts.
Her ability to seamlessly transition between diverse roles and her commitment to portraying complex characters have solidified her status as one of the greatest actresses of all time.
As we reflect on the interesting facts that define Meryl Streep, it becomes clear that her influence extends far beyond the silver screen.
