Meryl Streep, born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, is an internationally acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and depth of character portrayal. Raised in a family with a strong interest in the arts, Streep displayed an early talent for acting. After studying at Vassar College and the Yale School of Drama, she began her career in theater before transitioning to film. Her ability to completely transform into each character she plays has made her one of the most respected and awarded actresses of her generation.
Interests
Besides acting, Streep is known for her commitment to social and humanitarian causes, including gender equality in the film industry. She is also an avid gardener and cook, interests that reflect her love for family life and nature.
Major Films
"Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979): Her performance in this film earned her her first Oscar, showcasing her ability to portray emotionally complex characters.
"Sophie's Choice" (1982): In this drama, Streep played a Holocaust survivor, a performance that earned her another Oscar and solidified her reputation as a highly talented actress.
"The Devil Wears Prada" (2006): In this film, Streep played the formidable editor of a fashion magazine, demonstrating her skill in the comedy genre.
"The Iron Lady" (2011): Her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher earned her her third Oscar, showing her extraordinary ability to physically and emotionally transform into her characters.
Academy Awards:
- Best Supporting Actress for "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979)
- Best Actress for "Sophie's Choice" (1982)
- Best Actress for "The Iron Lady" (2011)
Golden Globe Awards:
- Best Supporting Actress for "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979)
- Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for "The French Lieutenant's Woman" (1981)
- Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for "Sophie's Choice" (1982)
- Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for "A Cry in the Dark" (1988)
- Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for "Postcards from the Edge" (1990)
- Best Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for "Angels in America" (2003)
- Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for "Adaptation" (2002)
- Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006)
- Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for "Julie & Julia" (2009)
- Cecil B. DeMille Award for "Lifetime Achievement" (2017)
BAFTA Awards:
- Best Actress in a Leading Role for "The French Lieutenant's Woman" (1981)
- Best Actress in a Leading Role for "The Iron Lady" (2011)
- Primetime Emmy Awards:
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for "Holocaust" (1978)
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for "Angels in America" (2003)
- Outstanding Narrator for "Five Came Back" (2017)
Screen Actors Guild Awards:
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for "Doubt" (2008)
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for "The Iron Lady" (2011)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)