Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep: The Chameleon of Acting

From Stage to Screen

Mary Louise ‘Meryl’ Streep, born on June 22, 1949, has been a beacon of talent and dedication in the world of acting. With an impressive résumé that spans over five decades, she has earned 21 Academy Award nominations, eight Golden Globe Awards, and numerous other accolades. Her journey from stage productions to feature films is nothing short of remarkable.

The Early Years: A Presbyterian in New Jersey

Growing up as a Presbyterian in New Jersey, Meryl Streep attended Catholic school and starred in junior high plays like The Family Upstairs. At age 12, she began opera lessons but quit after four years. In her senior year, she was homecoming queen and a high school cheerleader before receiving an AB in drama cum laude from Vassar College in 1971.

Yale and Beyond

After graduating with her MFA in 1975, Streep enrolled as a visiting student at Dartmouth College and received an honorary degree. One of her first professional jobs was at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Playwrights Conference. She moved to New York City and appeared in five more roles, including Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival productions.

Breakthrough Roles

Meryl Streep’s breakthrough came with her role as Karen Silkwood in 1983, a nuclear whistleblower and labor union activist. She studied Karen’s life to understand her from the inside, making this performance one of her most challenging yet rewarding.

Golden Globe and Academy Awards

In 1982, Streep won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Sophie’s Choice. Her emotional dramatic performance and apparent mastery of a Polish accent drew praise. She was awarded a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for this film.

Out of Africa: A Hollywood Superstar

Out of Africa, released in 1985, established Streep as a Hollywood superstar. Director Sydney Pollack initially had doubts about casting her but appreciated her directness and honesty during the 101-day shoot in Kenya. Her performance earned another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, and the film won Best Picture.

Comedic Roles and Beyond

By the end of the decade, Streep was looking for comedic roles and reacting to critical perception that she was trying too hard to lighten her image. In 1989, she starred in She-Devil, a comedy that marked a departure from her dramatic roles.

The Devil Wears Prada: A Commercial Success

In 2006, Streep starred in The Devil Wears Prada, a commercial success. Though the overall film received mixed reviews, her portrayal of Miranda drew rave reviews from critics and earned award nominations, including an Oscar bid.

Recent Performances and Activism

In 2019, Streep starred in Big Little Lies as Mary Louise Wright. Caryn James labeled Meryl Streep’s performance as ‘delicious and wily’ and found her to be the ’embodiment of a passive-aggressive granny.’ She received an Emmy nomination.

The Prom: A New Chapter

In 2021, she starred opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence in Don’t Look Up. She served as an executive producer on Sell/Buy/Date in 2022. Streep acted in the Apple TV+ anthology series Extrapolations in 2023.

Awards and Recognition

Meryl Streep has received numerous awards, including the AFI Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is known for her wide range of accents and ability to transform into new humans on screen.

Consolation? I’m not sure I have it. I have a belief, I guess, in the power of the aggregate human attempt – the best of ourselves. In love and hope and optimism – you know, the magic things that seem inexplicable. Where does that come from?

Meryl Streep’s journey is a testament to her dedication and talent. From her early days on stage to her numerous award-winning performances, she has consistently challenged herself and audiences alike. Her ability to transform into any character makes her one of the greatest living actresses. As she continues to act, we can only wonder where her next role will take us.