Dear Friends, in this article today, we will explore the life of Meryl Streep, including her biography, Net Worth, Age, Weight, Height, Measurements, husband, and more. Let’s get started without wasting time.
Meryl Streep Biography
Mary Louise “Meryl” Streep is widely regarded as one of the best actresses of her generation. Known for her extraordinary versatility and mastery of accents, Streep has redefined what it means to be a “chameleon” in cinema. Over a career spanning five decades, she has portrayed everything from a chilling fashion editor to a former British Prime Minister, earning a record-breaking 21 Academy Award nominations and 33 Golden Globe nominations.
Quick Facts & Profile
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Mary Louise Streep |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1949 |
| Age | 76 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Summit, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Vassar College (BA), Yale University (MFA) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Net Worth | Estimated $100 million – $190 million |
| Spouse | Don Gummer (Married 1978; Separated 2017) |
| Children | Henry Wolfe, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa Jacobson |
Biography & Early Life
Born in Summit, New Jersey, Meryl was the daughter of Harry William Streep Jr., a pharmaceutical executive, and Mary Wilkinson Streep, a commercial artist. Meryl often credits her mother as her primary mentor, noting that Mary instilled in her the confidence to pursue any goal. She grew up alongside her two younger brothers, Harry William III and Dana David, both of whom also pursued careers in acting.
Streep’s academic journey was as prestigious as her acting career. After attending Bernards High School, where she was a cheerleader and active in the drama department, she graduated from Vassar College and later earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Yale Drama School in 1975.
Personal Life: Resilience and Family
Streep’s early personal life was marked by tragedy. She was in a deeply committed relationship with actor John Cazale (star of The Godfather) until his untimely death from lung cancer in 1978. Streep remained by his side throughout his illness, a period she describes as formative to her emotional depth as an actress.
Later in 1978, she married sculptor Don Gummer. The couple has four children, all of whom have pursued careers in the arts: Henry Wolfe (musician), Mamie and Grace (actresses), and Louisa Jacobson (lead of The Gilded Age). In 2023, it was revealed that Streep and Gummer had been quietly separated since 2017, though they remain on amicable terms.
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Career Highlights
1. The Breakthrough (1970s)
Streep made her film debut in Julia (1977), but it was her role in The Deer Hunter (1978) that earned her her first Oscar nomination. Shortly after, she won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).
2. The Golden Era of Drama (1980s)
During this decade, Streep became the industry standard for dramatic excellence. She won Best Actress for her haunting portrayal of a Polish survivor in Sophie’s Choice (1982). Other iconic roles during this time included Out of Africa (1985) and A Cry in the Dark (1988).
3. Comedic Shift & Resurgence (1990s – 2010s)
To fight the “technical” and “serious” labels given by critics, Streep pivoted to comedies like Postcards from the Edge (1990) and the cult classic Death Becomes Her (1992). Her career saw a massive commercial resurgence with The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and the musical Mamma Mia! (2008).
4. Historical Recognition (2011 – Present)
In 2011, she won her third Oscar for portraying Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. More recently, she has captivated television audiences in Big Little Lies and Only Murders in the Building.
Legacy and Advocacy
- The “Streep Effect”: Meryl is famous for her meticulous preparation. For Sophie’s Choice, she practiced Polish and German for weeks until she was indistinguishable from a native speaker.
- Gender Equality: Streep is a vocal advocate for equal pay in Hollywood. She famously funded the National Women’s History Museum and has consistently pushed for more female-led stories.
- The Oscar Record: She holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations (21) of any performer in history.
- Accolades: Beyond Oscars and Globes, she has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014) and the AFI Life Achievement Award.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- Accent Queen: While not “fluent” in several languages in daily life, she has successfully mastered Italian, Polish, German, and various British dialects for her roles.
- Karaoke Queen: Streep once participated in a karaoke night with co-star Pierce Brosnan, reportedly singing “The Winner Takes It All.”
- Giving Back: She donated her entire salary from The Iron Lady to the National Women’s History Museum.
- Early Rejection: In a famous anecdote, producer Dino De Laurentiis called her “too ugly” for a role in King Kong (1976) in Italian, not realizing Streep understood Italian and replied to him in his native tongue.
Conclusion
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