Who is Meryl Streep?
Meryl Streep is one of the most famous movie actresses in the world. She was born on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey. Many film lovers consider her to be one of the greatest actors of all time. She has worked in the film industry for many decades and has won many big awards.
Key Takeaways
- Meryl Streep was born on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, and earned her degree at the Yale School of Drama.
- She holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations in cinema history, with 20 total nominations and 3 Oscar wins.
- She married Don Gummer in 1978 and raised four children named Mamie, Grace, Louisa, and Henry before separating in 2017.
Her birth sign is Cancer. Over the years, she has taken on many different roles in drama, comedy, and musical films. Just like other famous stars featured in the Julie Andrews life story, Meryl Streep has inspired millions of young performers around the world.

Early Life and Education
Before she became a massive movie star, Meryl Streep spent her early years learning how to act properly. She loved performing from a young age and worked hard to build her skills. She went to college to study theater and acting.
She received a Masters of Fine Arts degree from the famous Yale School of Drama. This solid training helped her build a strong foundation for a long acting career. Soon after completing her studies, she began acting on stage in live theater plays.
Early Career and First Oscar Nomination
In 1976, Meryl Streep earned a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. This nomination was for her work in the play 27 Wagons Full of Cotton and A Memory of Two Mondays. Her success on stage quickly opened big doors for her in Hollywood movies.
Her big movie break came in 1978 when she starred in the drama film The Deer Hunter. She acted alongside famous actor Robert De Niro in this movie. Her performance earned her her very first Academy Award nomination. Much like the iconic legend in the Dolly Parton biography, Meryl quickly became a household name across America.
Famous Movies and Record-Breaking Oscars
Meryl Streep has won three Academy Awards during her long career. She won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1979 drama film Kramer vs. Kramer. Later, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her leading performance in Sophie’s Choice.
She won another Best Actress Oscar for playing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the film The Iron Lady. In total, Meryl Streep has received 20 Academy Award nominations. This gives her more Oscar nominations than any other actor or actress in film history.
She has also starred in many other widely known movies. Some of her most famous films include the musical Mamma Mia!, the drama film Out of Africa, and the comedy film The Devil Wears Prada. Movie audiences of all ages love her ability to play any character easily.
Family Life and Relationships
Outside of her acting work, Meryl Streep has a close family. She married sculptor Don Gummer in 1978. The couple stayed together for many decades and raised a big family together in public life.
They have four children together. She has three daughters named Mamie, Grace, and Louisa, and one son named Henry. Many of her children have also built careers in the entertainment industry. In 2017, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer separated after many years together.
Today, Meryl Streep remains a beloved figure in cinema history. She continues to inspire movie lovers across the globe with her legendary talent and memorable film roles.
