Childhood and Education Journey of Meryl Streep in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Meryl Streep. From birth to education, explore key events.

Meryl Streep is a highly acclaimed American actress celebrated for her versatility, mastery of accents, and impactful performances. Often regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, her career spans over five decades. She has received three Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Streep has also earned nominations for seven Grammy Awards and a Tony Award, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer across various media.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

June 22, 1949: Meryl Streep's Birth

On June 22, 1949, Mary Louise "Meryl" Streep was born. She is an American actress known for her versatility.

Others born on this day/year

1963: Family Moved to Bernardsville

In 1963, Meryl Streep's family moved to Bernardsville, New Jersey, where she attended Bernards High School.

1969: Acted in Miss Julie at Vassar College

In 1969, Meryl Streep acted in the play Miss Julie at Vassar College, gaining attention across the campus.

1970: Enrolled at Dartmouth College as a visiting student

In 1970, Meryl Streep enrolled as a visiting student at Dartmouth College.

1971: Received AB in Drama

In 1971, Meryl Streep received her AB in drama cum laude.

1975: Received MFA in Drama from Yale

In 1975, Meryl Streep received her MFA in drama from Yale.

1975: Professional Jobs at Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and Move to New York City

In 1975, Meryl Streep's first professional job was at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's National Playwrights Conference. Also in 1975, she moved to New York City and was cast in Trelawny of the Wells.

March 12, 1978: Death of John Cazale

On March 12, 1978, John Cazale died. Meryl Streep had been nursing him until his death.

1981: Received Honorary Degree from Dartmouth College

In 1981, Meryl Streep received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College.

1990: Screen Actor's Guild National Women's Conference

In 1990, Meryl Streep keynoted the Screen Actor's Guild National Women's Conference, emphasizing the decline in women's work opportunities, pay parity, and role models in the film industry. She criticized the industry for downplaying the importance of women both on and off screen.

December 11, 2001: Co-hosting the Nobel Peace Prize Concert

On December 11, 2001, Meryl Streep co-hosted the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert with Liam Neeson in Oslo, Norway, in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the United Nations and Kofi Annan.

October 4, 2012: Donation to The Public Theater

On October 4, 2012, Meryl Streep donated $1 million to The Public Theater in honor of Joseph Papp and Nora Ephron.

2014: Establishment of Scholarships at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

In 2014, Meryl Streep established two scholarships for students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell: the Meryl Streep Endowed Scholarship for English majors, and the Joan Hertzberg Endowed Scholarship for math majors.

April 2015: Announcement of Screenwriters Lab Funding

In April 2015, it was announced that Meryl Streep had funded a screenwriters lab for female screenwriters over forty years old, called the Writers Lab.