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 and mastery of accents. Often hailed as the "best actress of her generation," she has garnered numerous awards throughout her five-decade career. These include three Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. In addition to her acting achievements, she has also received nominations for seven Grammy Awards and a Tony Award, underscoring her widespread artistic talent.

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 and accent work.

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1963: Family Moved to Bernardsville, New Jersey

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

1964: Release of Mary Poppins

In 1964, the film "Mary Poppins" was originally released. Meryl Streep later appeared in its sequel, "Mary Poppins Returns" in 2018.

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1964: Setting of Doubt

The movie "Doubt", released in 2008 and starring Meryl Streep, is set in a Bronx Catholic school in 1964.

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1969: Acted in Miss Julie at Vassar College

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

1970: Enrolled as a visiting student at Dartmouth College

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

1971: Received AB in drama cum laude

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

1971: The Washington Post's publication of the 1971 Pentagon Papers

In 1971, The Washington Post published the Pentagon Papers, which became the focus of the 2017 film "The Post", starring Meryl Streep as Katharine Graham.

1975: Received MFA in drama from Yale

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

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, actor John Cazale, with whom Meryl Streep lived, died after a lung cancer diagnosis.

1979: Birth of Henry Wolfe Gummer

In 1979, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer's first child, musician 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.

1983: Birth of Mary Willa "Mamie" Gummer

In 1983, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer's daughter, actress 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, actress Grace Jane Gummer, was born.

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1990: Purchase of Brentwood mansion

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

1991: Birth of Louisa Jacobson Gummer

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

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1991: Inspiration for Dark Matter

The film "Dark Matter", eventually released in 2008, was inspired by the events of the 1991 University of Iowa shooting.

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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.

April 2007: Shelving of Dark Matter

In April 2007, producers decided to shelve the film "Dark Matter", in which Meryl Streep played a wealthy university patron, out of respect for the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting.

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December 2008: Interview about religion

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

2009: Religious views

In 2009, Meryl Streep stated that she does not follow any doctrine and does not belong to a church, temple, synagogue, or ashram.

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.

August 2015: Oleg Sentsov jailed

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

2015: Comments on feminism

In a 2015 interview with Time Out, Meryl Streep stated she was a humanist for nice easy balance.

April 25, 2017: Streep backs campaign to free 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 Mustafa Nayyem holding a "Free Sentsov" sign at the PEN America Annual Literary Gala on April 25, where Sentsov was honored.