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, often hailed as one of the greatest of her generation. Celebrated for her versatility and mastery of accents, she boasts a career spanning over five decades. Streep's extensive list of accolades includes three Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, alongside nominations for a Tony Award and seven Grammy Awards, highlighting her diverse talent and significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

June 22, 1949: Meryl Streep Born

On June 22, 1949, Mary Louise "Meryl" Streep was born. She would become a highly acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and accent work.

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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 for her performance.

1970: Enrolled as Visiting Student at Dartmouth College

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

1971: Earned AB in Drama Cum Laude

In 1971, Meryl Streep earned her AB in drama cum laude, marking a significant achievement in her education and preparation for her acting career.

1975: Earned MFA in Drama from Yale

In 1975, Meryl Streep earned her MFA in drama from Yale, completing her formal education in acting.

March 12, 1978: Death of John Cazale

On March 12, 1978, John Cazale, Meryl Streep's partner, passed away after battling lung cancer. Streep had been nursing him until his death.

March 1978: John Cazale's Death

In March 1978, Meryl Streep's partner, actor John Cazale, passed away from lung cancer, after Streep cared for him.

1979: Birth of Henry Wolfe Gummer

In 1979, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer's first child, Henry Wolfe Gummer, was born.

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1981: Received Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Dartmouth College

In 1981, Meryl Streep received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, recognizing her achievements in the arts.

1983: Birth of Mary Willa "Mamie" Gummer

In 1983, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer's daughter, Mary Willa "Mamie" Gummer, was born.

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1985: Move to Connecticut Estate

In 1985, Meryl Streep and her family moved into a $1.8 million private estate in Connecticut.

1986: Birth of Grace Jane Gummer

In 1986, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer's daughter, Grace Jane Gummer, was born.

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1990: Move to Brentwood Mansion

In 1990, Meryl Streep and her family purchased a $3 million mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles.

1990: Keynote at 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 within the film industry, criticizing the industry for downplaying the importance of women.

1991: Birth of Louisa Jacobson Gummer

In 1991, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer's daughter, Louisa Jacobson Gummer, was born.

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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, honoring the United Nations and Kofi Annan, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

April 2007: Dark Matter Shelved After Virginia Tech Shooting

In April 2007, the release of 'Dark Matter', a film starring Meryl Streep, was delayed out of respect for the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting. The film was inspired by the events of the 1991 University of Iowa shooting.

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December 2008: Lack of Religious Belief

In an interview in December 2008, Meryl Streep alluded to her lack of religious belief.

2009: Views on Religion

In 2009, when asked if religion plays a part in her life, Meryl Streep replied that she follows no doctrine and does not belong to any religious institutions.

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: Scholarships at UMass 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: Funding the Writers Lab

In April 2015, Meryl Streep funded the Writers Lab for female screenwriters over forty, run by New York Women in Film & Television and IRIS.

August 2015: Jailing of Oleg Sentsov

In August 2015, Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov was jailed in Siberia for 20 years after a trial by Russia.

2015: Rotten Tomatoes Criticism

In 2015, while promoting 'Suffragette', Meryl Streep criticized Rotten Tomatoes for disproportionately representing male film critics' opinions, which she believed negatively impacted female-driven films' commercial performance.

2015: Feminist Identity

In a 2015 interview with Time Out, Meryl Streep stated that she identifies as a humanist, advocating for balance rather than specifically a feminist.

2016: Democratic National Convention Speech

In 2016, Meryl Streep gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention in support of presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

April 25, 2017: Support for Oleg Sentsov

On April 25, 2017, Meryl Streep publicly supported the campaign to free Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker, who was jailed in Siberia. She was photographed with a "Free Sentsov" sign at the PEN America Annual Literary Gala.

2017: Introduced Carmen de Lavallade at Kennedy Center Honors

In 2017, Meryl Streep introduced choreographer Carmen de Lavallade at the Kennedy Center Honors, acknowledging her former teacher.

2018: Last Public Appearance with Don Gummer

Meryl Streep and Don Gummer were publicly last seen together at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018.

June 2023: SAG-AFTRA Strike Threat

In June 2023, Meryl Streep was reported to have signed a letter threatening to strike as a member of SAG-AFTRA.

2023: Separation from Don Gummer

In 2023, it was reported that Meryl Streep and Don Gummer had been separated for more than six years.

August 18, 2025: Joni Mitchell Biopic Announcement

On August 18, 2025, it was announced that a biopic on Joni Mitchell was in the works with Cameron Crowe directing. Streep is signed on to play Mitchell in present day.