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 renowned for her versatility and mastery of accents. Often hailed as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, her career spans over five decades. She has garnered numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Streep has also received nominations for seven Grammy Awards and a Tony Award, demonstrating her wide-ranging talent and impact on the entertainment industry.

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 would become an acclaimed American actress known for her versatility.

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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, marking a new phase in her education and upbringing.

1964: Setting of Doubt

In 1964, The movie "Doubt" is set at a Bronx Catholic school.

1969: Starred in Miss Julie at Vassar College

In 1969, Meryl Streep starred in the play Miss Julie at Vassar College, which gained her attention across the campus, marking a significant moment in her early acting career.

1970: Visiting Student at Dartmouth College

In 1970, Meryl Streep enrolled as a visiting student at Dartmouth College, further expanding her educational experiences.

1971: Received AB in Drama Cum Laude

In 1971, Meryl Streep received her AB degree in drama cum laude from Vassar College, marking a significant achievement in her formal education.

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

In 1971, the events of Steven Spielberg's political drama "The Post" took place, centering on The Washington Post's publication of the Pentagon Papers.

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1975: First Professional Jobs and Move to New York City

In 1975, Meryl Streep had her first professional jobs at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's National Playwrights Conference and moved to New York City, marking the start of her professional acting career and her transition to the New York theater scene.

1975: Received MFA in Drama from Yale

In 1975, Meryl Streep received her MFA in drama from Yale, marking the culmination of her formal training 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, an event that deeply affected Streep.

March 1978: Death of John Cazale

In March 1978, actor John Cazale, with whom Meryl Streep lived, passed away after battling lung cancer. Streep had been caring for him during his illness.

1979: Birth of Henry Wolfe Gummer

In 1979, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer welcomed their first child, Henry Wolfe Gummer, who is a musician.

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1983: Birth of Mary Willa "Mamie" Gummer

In 1983, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer welcomed their second child, Mary Willa "Mamie" Gummer, who is an actress.

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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 welcomed their third child, Grace Jane Gummer, who is an actress.

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1990: Purchase of Brentwood Mansion

In 1990, Meryl Streep and her family purchased a $3-million mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, later moving back to Connecticut.

1991: Birth of Louisa Jacobson Gummer

In 1991, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer welcomed their fourth child, Louisa Jacobson Gummer, who is an actress.

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1991: University of Iowa Shooting

In 1991, The University of Iowa shooting occurred, which inspired the movie "Dark Matter".

December 2008: Lack of Religious Belief Alluded To

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

2009: Streep Discusses Religion

In 2009, when asked about religion, Meryl Streep stated that she does not follow any doctrine and does not belong to any religious institution.

2015: Humanist views and support for the Equal Rights Amendment

In 2015, Meryl Streep identified as a humanist and supported the Equal Rights Amendment, sending letters to members of U.S. Congress with the book "Equal Means Equal".

March 2016: Signing letter for gender equality

In March 2016, Meryl Streep signed a letter asking for gender equality throughout the world.

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 Ukrainian lawmaker Mustafa Nayyem at the PEN America Annual Literary Gala, holding a "Free Sentsov" sign where Sentsov received the 2017 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write award.

2017: Introduced Carmen de Lavallade at Kennedy Center Honors

In 2017, Meryl Streep introduced choreographer Carmen de Lavallade at the Kennedy Center Honors, showcasing her connection to influential figures in the arts.

2018: Last Public Appearance with Don Gummer

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

2018: Collaboration with Time's Up initiative

In 2018, Meryl Streep collaborated with 300 women in Hollywood to set up the Time's Up initiative to protect women from harassment and discrimination.