Meryl Streep is an acclaimed American actress celebrated for her versatility and exceptional talent in adapting accents. Widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, she has garnered numerous awards during her illustrious four-decade career. Notably, she holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations with 21, winning three, and Golden Globe Award nominations with 33, winning eight.
June 22, 1949: Birth of Meryl Streep
On June 22, 1949, Meryl Streep, an acclaimed American actress, was born.
1962: Release of "Mamma Roma"
In 1962, "Mamma Roma," a film by Pier Paolo Pasolini, was released, which Streep viewed as inspiration for her role in "The Bridges of Madison County" 33 years later.
1963: Family Moves to Bernardsville
In 1963, Meryl Streep's family relocated to Bernardsville, New Jersey, where she attended Bernards High School.
1964: Original Mary Poppins release
The original Mary Poppins film, to which Mary Poppins Returns is a sequel, was released in 1964. The film remains a beloved classic in the Disney canon.
1969: Discovering Passion for Acting at Vassar College
While attending Vassar College in 1969, Meryl Streep's performance in the play "Miss Julie" ignited her passion for serious acting, garnering her recognition on campus.
1970: Visiting Student at Dartmouth College
Meryl Streep expanded her academic horizons by enrolling as a visiting student at Dartmouth College in 1970.
1971: BA in Drama from Vassar College
Streep graduated cum laude with a BA in drama from Vassar College in 1971.
1975: Professional Debut and Move to New York City
Meryl Streep launched her professional acting career in 1975, working at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and subsequently moving to New York City. She landed roles in various productions, including "Trelawny of the Wells" and several plays at the New York Shakespeare Festival.
1975: MFA in Drama from Yale
In 1975, Meryl Streep earned her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in drama from the prestigious Yale School of Drama.
1975: Stage Debut and Early Career
In 1975, Meryl Streep made her stage debut in "Trelawny of the Wells." She also appeared in several productions at the New York Shakespeare Festival.
1976: Early Stage Work in "27 Wagons Full of Cotton"
Before her breakthrough film roles, Streep honed her acting skills on stage, appearing in the play "27 Wagons Full of Cotton" in 1976.
1976: Early Film Auditions and Stage Work
In 1976, inspired by Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep began auditioning for film roles. Despite an unsuccessful audition for "King Kong," she continued her stage career, appearing in notable plays and earning a Tony Award nomination.
1977: Early Career in Film and Stage
In 1977, Meryl Streep appeared in several acclaimed films, including "Julia," marking the beginning of her successful career in Hollywood. That same year, she debuted on Broadway with roles in "A Memory of Two Mondays" and "The Cherry Orchard," showcasing her talent on stage.
1977: Secret Service
Meryl Streep appeared in the "Great Performances" telecast of the Phoenix Theater production of "Secret Service" in 1977, showcasing her singing abilities.
1977: Film Debut in "Julia"
Meryl Streep made her feature film debut in 1977 with a small role in "Julia," starring alongside Jane Fonda. Although most of her scenes were edited out, the experience left a lasting impact on her.
1977: Film Debut with "Julia"
Meryl Streep transitioned to the big screen in 1977 with her role in the film "Julia."
March 12, 1978: Death of John Cazale and Emmy Win for "Holocaust"
On March 12, 1978, Meryl Streep's partner, John Cazale, passed away. That same year, she gained recognition for her role in the miniseries "Holocaust," earning her a Primetime Emmy Award.
March 1978: Death of John Cazale
John Cazale, Meryl Streep's partner, passed away in March 1978 after battling lung cancer. Streep had been a dedicated caregiver to him during his illness.
May 1978: Television Appearance in "Uncommon Women and Others"
In May 1978, Meryl Streep appeared in a television production of Wendy Wasserstein's "Uncommon Women and Others" for PBS, showcasing her versatility across different mediums.
1978: Breakthrough Role in "The Deer Hunter"
In 1978, Meryl Streep landed a significant role in "The Deer Hunter," recommended by Robert De Niro, marking a turning point in her career.
1978: Breakthrough Roles and Television Debut
1978 marked a pivotal year for Streep with her performance in "The Deer Hunter," which garnered critical acclaim. She also made her television debut in the miniseries "Holocaust," further solidifying her versatility as an actress.
1978: Emmy Win and First Oscar Nomination
1978 marked a significant year for Streep as she won her first Primetime Emmy Award for the miniseries "Holocaust" and received her first Oscar nomination for her role in "The Deer Hunter."
1979: Working on "Alice in Concert" and Rising Fame
In 1979, Meryl Streep began working on the musical "Alice in Concert." Her increasing fame led to media attention, with Newsweek featuring her as "A Star for the 80s."
1979: Birth of Henry Wolfe Gummer
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer welcomed their son Henry Wolfe Gummer in 1979.
1979: Venturing into Diverse Roles
Meryl Streep took on a variety of roles in 1979, appearing in films like "The Seduction of Joe Tynan" and Woody Allen's "Manhattan," further expanding her acting range.
1979: Academy Award for "Kramer vs Kramer"
Meryl Streep's performance as a troubled wife in "Kramer vs. Kramer" earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1979.
1979: Award Recognition for "Kramer vs. Kramer"
Meryl Streep's performance in "Kramer vs. Kramer" in 1979 earned her critical acclaim, winning her the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, solidifying her status as a rising star.
1979: Critical Acclaim with "Kramer vs Kramer"
Streep's performance in the 1979 film "Kramer vs Kramer" earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades, establishing her as a prominent figure in the film industry.
1979: Streep's Accents in Film
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has showcased her impressive ability to master various accents in films like "The Seduction of Joe Tynan" (1979).
December 1980: Premiere of "Alice in Concert"
"Alice in Concert," a musical adaptation of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" featuring Meryl Streep, premiered at New York's Public Theater in December 1980.
1981: Honorary Doctorate from Dartmouth College
Streep's alma mater, Dartmouth College, bestowed upon her an honorary Doctor of Arts degree in 1981.
1981: Streep's Accents in Film
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has showcased her impressive ability to master various accents in films like "The French Lieutenant's Woman" (1981).
1981: Anticipating Ageism in Hollywood
In 1981, Meryl Streep, in an interview, expressed her concerns about ageism in Hollywood, predicting the challenges actresses face in their mid-forties and beyond.
1981: First Leading Role in "The French Lieutenant's Woman"
Meryl Streep took on her first leading role in the 1981 film "The French Lieutenant's Woman," showcasing her ability to carry a film and earning her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress.
1981: Continued Success with "The French Lieutenant's Woman"
In 1981, Streep starred in "The French Lieutenant's Woman," further cementing her reputation as a gifted and versatile actress capable of portraying complex characters.
1982: Multilingual Performance in "Sophie's Choice"
In the 1982 film "Sophie's Choice," Meryl Streep delivered a remarkable performance speaking English, German, and Polish, further highlighting her linguistic versatility.
1982: Starring in "Still of the Night"
Meryl Streep starred alongside Roy Scheider in the psychological thriller "Still of the Night" in 1982, a film that paid homage to Alfred Hitchcock's works.
1982: Critically Acclaimed Performance in "Sophie's Choice"
Meryl Streep's powerful performance in the 1982 film "Sophie's Choice" earned her widespread critical acclaim, particularly for her portrayal of a Polish Auschwitz survivor.
1982: Oscar-Winning Performance in "Sophie's Choice"
Streep's performance in the 1982 film "Sophie's Choice" earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, marking a significant milestone in her career.
1982: Oscar Win for "Sophie's Choice"
Streep's portrayal of a Holocaust survivor in the 1982 film "Sophie's Choice" led to her winning the Academy Award for Best Actress.
1983: Birth of Mamie Gummer
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer welcomed their daughter Mary Willa "Mamie" Gummer in 1983.
1983: Nuclear Fallout Drama in "Silkwood"
In 1983, she starred in "Silkwood," a film that tackled the dangers of nuclear power, showcasing her ability to take on challenging and socially relevant roles.
1983: Silkwood
In 1983, Meryl Streep took on the challenging role of Karen Silkwood, a nuclear whistleblower and labor union activist, in the biographical film "Silkwood," directed by Mike Nichols. This marked her first foray into portraying a non-fictional character.
1984: Falling in Love
Meryl Streep starred opposite Robert De Niro in the romance film "Falling in Love" in 1984, which unfortunately, did not resonate well with audiences and received poor reviews.
1985: Out of Africa
"Out of Africa," released in 1985, became a pivotal film in Meryl Streep's career, solidifying her stardom. She starred as the Danish author Karen Blixen, sharing the screen with Robert Redford as Denys Finch Hatton.
1985: Move to Connecticut Estate
In 1985, Meryl Streep and her family relocated to a private estate in Connecticut.
1985: Plenty
In 1985, Meryl Streep showcased her versatility by portraying a fighter for the French Resistance during World War II in the British drama "Plenty," adapted from David Hare's play.
1985: Release of "Out of Africa"
Streep starred in the commercially successful film "Out of Africa" in 1985.
1985: Streep's Accents in Film
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has showcased her impressive ability to master various accents in films like "Out of Africa" (1985) and "Plenty" (1985).
1986: Birth of Grace Gummer
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer welcomed their daughter Grace Jane Gummer in 1986.
1986: Heartburn
Meryl Streep co-starred with Jack Nicholson in the drama "Heartburn" in 1986, marking a shift towards more dramatic roles.
1987: Meryl Streep's Approach to Acting
In 1987, Meryl Streep discussed her approach to acting, noting that she relies on a collection of techniques learned from various teachers and values artistic control, improvisation, and learning from mistakes.
1987: Ironweed
In 1987, Meryl Streep showcased her vocal talents once again in the drama "Ironweed," where she shared the screen once more with Jack Nicholson. This marked her first onscreen singing performance since her role in the televised production of "Secret Service" in 1977.
1987: Streep's Accents in Film
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has showcased her impressive ability to master various accents in films like "Ironweed" (1987).
1988: Evil Angels
In 1988, Meryl Streep took on the role of Lindy Chamberlain in the film "Evil Angels," filmed in Australia. She portrayed an Australian woman wrongly convicted of murdering her infant daughter, despite her claims that a dingo had taken the child.
1988: Streep's Accent in "Evil Angels"
In the film "Evil Angels" (1988), Meryl Streep skillfully portrayed a New Zealand character living in Australia, demonstrating her ability to blend accents seamlessly. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and several awards.
1988: Dramatic Prowess in "A Cry in the Dark"
Streep delivered a powerful performance in the 1988 film "A Cry in the Dark," based on the true story of Lindy Chamberlain, accused of murdering her own child.
1989: She-Devil
Meryl Streep starred in the satirical comedy "She-Devil" in 1989, a departure from her more dramatic roles. The film satirized society's obsession with beauty standards and cosmetic surgery.
1990: Purchase of Brentwood Mansion
Meryl Streep and her family acquired a mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, in 1990.
1990: Speaking Out for Women in Film
Meryl Streep delivered a powerful keynote address at the Screen Actor's Guild National Women's Conference in 1990, bringing attention to the inequalities faced by women in the film industry.
1990: Psychological Thriller "Postcards from the Edge"
In 1990, Streep starred in the dark comedy-drama "Postcards from the Edge," showcasing her versatility and captivating audiences with her portrayal of an actress battling addiction.
1990: Streep Stars in "Postcards from the Edge" and "Defending Your Life"
In 1990, Meryl Streep took on roles in the comedy-drama "Postcards from the Edge" and the comedy-fantasy "Defending Your Life."
1990: Release of "Postcards from the Edge"
"Postcards from the Edge," a film starring Meryl Streep and based on Carrie Fisher's book, was released in 1990. Notably, Fisher also wrote the screenplay for the film.
1991: Streep Stars in "Defending Your Life"
In 1991, Meryl Streep starred in the comedy-fantasy "Defending Your Life."
1991: Birth of Louisa Jacobson Gummer
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer welcomed their daughter Louisa Jacobson Gummer in 1991.
1991: Legal Thriller "Defending Your Life"
Streep took on a role in the thought-provoking comedy-drama "Defending Your Life" in 1991, exploring themes of life, death, and self-reflection.
1992: Streep Stars in "Death Becomes Her"
In 1992, Meryl Streep starred alongside Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis in the dark comedy "Death Becomes Her." This film marked the longest shoot of Streep's career at seven months, and required her to undergo extensive prosthetics to appear older. While a commercial success, the film received mixed reviews, particularly regarding its comedic aspects.
1992: "Death Becomes Her" Achieves Commercial Success
The dark comedy "Death Becomes Her," starring Streep, achieved commercial success upon its release in 1992.
1993: Streep Appears in "The House of the Spirits"
In 1993, Meryl Streep starred in "The House of the Spirits" alongside Jeremy Irons, Glenn Close, and Winona Ryder. The film, set during Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship in Chile, was poorly received by critics.
1995: Streep's Accents in Film
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has showcased her impressive ability to master various accents in films like "The Bridges of Madison County" (1995).
1995: Romantic Drama "The Bridges of Madison County"
Streep's performance in the 1995 romantic drama "The Bridges of Madison County" captivated audiences, portraying a woman torn between her family and a passionate love affair.
1995: Critical and Commercial Acclaim for "The Bridges of Madison County"
Streep's performance in the 1995 film "The Bridges of Madison County" garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success.
1995: Streep Stars in "The Bridges of Madison County"
In 1995, Meryl Streep starred in "The Bridges of Madison County," directed by and co-starring Clint Eastwood. Based on the novel by Robert James Waller, the film tells the story of a photographer who has an affair with an Italian farm wife. Streep gained weight for the role and drew inspiration from Italian actresses like Sophia Loren. The film was a commercial and critical success, with Streep receiving praise for her performance.
1996: Streep Stars in "Marvin's Room"
In 1996, Meryl Streep appeared alongside Diane Keaton in "Marvin's Room," an adaptation of the play by Scott McPherson. Streep played the estranged sister of Keaton's character, who is battling leukemia. The film garnered critical acclaim, and Streep earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
1996: Family Drama "Marvin's Room"
In 1996, Streep starred in the family drama "Marvin's Room," portraying a woman reconnecting with her estranged family amidst difficult circumstances.
1997: Streep Stars in "...First Do No Harm"
In 1997, Meryl Streep starred in the television movie "...First Do No Harm," for which she received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress.
1997: Television Film "...First Do No Harm"
Streep continued to appear in television projects, starring in the 1997 film "...First Do No Harm," further demonstrating her range and acting prowess.
1998: Streep Stars in "Dancing at Lughnasa" and "One True Thing"
In 1998, Meryl Streep appeared in two films: "Dancing at Lughnasa," an adaptation of the Broadway play, and "One True Thing," where she portrayed a housewife dying of cancer. Both films received positive reviews, with critics praising Streep's performances.
1998: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 1998, Meryl Streep received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
1999: Streep Stars in "Music of the Heart"
In 1999, Meryl Streep starred in "Music of the Heart," portraying Roberta Guaspari, a real-life teacher who brought music to underprivileged children in East Harlem. Streep learned to play the violin for the role, dedicating months to intensive training. Her performance earned her Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
December 11, 2001: Streep Co-Hosts Nobel Peace Prize Concert
On December 11, 2001, Meryl Streep co-hosted the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert with Liam Neeson in Oslo, Norway. The concert honored the United Nations and Kofi Annan, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
2002: Notable Roles in "Adaptation" and "The Hours"
Meryl Streep delivered acclaimed performances in the films "Adaptation" and "The Hours," both released in 2002.
2002: Adaptation. and The Hours Release
In 2002, Meryl Streep starred in two critically acclaimed films: "Adaptation." and "The Hours." In "Adaptation.", she played journalist Susan Orlean, earning her a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. The same year, her role in "The Hours," alongside Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore, exploring the interconnected lives of three women, won them a shared Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival.
2002: Meta Comedy-Drama "Adaptation."
In 2002, Streep took on a unique role in the meta comedy-drama "Adaptation.", showcasing her willingness to experiment with unconventional storytelling.
2003: Angels in America
Meryl Streep reunited with Mike Nichols in 2003 for HBO's adaptation of "Angels in America," portraying four roles and earning her a second Emmy Award and fifth Golden Globe.
2003: Acclaimed Miniseries "Angels in America"
Streep's performance in the 2003 miniseries "Angels in America" earned her critical acclaim, demonstrating her ability to captivate audiences in both film and television.
2003: Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters
The French government honored Streep in 2003 by making her a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters.
2003: Second Primetime Emmy for "Angels in America"
In 2003, Streep won her second Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the miniseries "Angels in America."
2004: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2004, Meryl Streep was honored with the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award by the American Film Institute's board of directors.
2004: The Manchurian Candidate and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
In 2004, Streep starred in "The Manchurian Candidate" alongside Denzel Washington and in "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" with Jim Carrey. The latter film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup.
2004: AFI Life Achievement Award
Streep's illustrious career was recognized with the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2004.
2005: Prime
Streep starred in the comedy film "Prime" in 2005, playing Lisa Metzger, a psychoanalyst whose personal and professional life intersect.
September 2006: Mother Courage and Her Children and A Prairie Home Companion
In September 2006, Streep starred in a stage production of "Mother Courage and Her Children" in Central Park and appeared in Robert Altman's final film, "A Prairie Home Companion," alongside Lily Tomlin.
2006: Streep's Accents in Film
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has showcased her impressive ability to master various accents in films like "A Prairie Home Companion" (2006).
2006: Fashionable Role in "The Devil Wears Prada"
In 2006, Streep took on the iconic role of Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada," captivating audiences with her portrayal of a powerful and demanding fashion magazine editor.
2006: Success with "The Devil Wears Prada"
Streep's performance in the 2006 film "The Devil Wears Prada" was a major critical and commercial success.
2006: The Devil Wears Prada Release
Meryl Streep's performance as the demanding fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada" in 2006 earned her critical acclaim and a 14th Oscar nomination. The film became her biggest commercial success to that point.
2006: Recognition of "Sophie's Choice" Scene
In 2006, Emma Brockes of The Guardian highlighted a pivotal scene in "Sophie's Choice" as Meryl Streep's most famous, solidifying its impact on cinema history.
2007: Evening and Lions for Lambs Release
Streep appeared in two films in 2007: "Evening," based on the 1998 novel, and "Lions for Lambs," directed by and co-starring Robert Redford.
October 2008: Streep's musical success
In October 2008, Meryl Streep's rendition of 'Mamma Mia!' peaked at number eight on the Portuguese music charts. Her version won 'Favorite Song From A Soundtrack' at the 35th People's Choice Awards, and she received a Grammy nomination for the Mamma Mia! soundtrack.
December 2008: Streep on Religion
In December 2008, Meryl Streep touched upon her personal beliefs, hinting at her lack of religious affiliation.
2008: Releases of "Doubt" and "Mamma Mia!"
The year 2008 saw Streep starring in two diverse films: the drama "Doubt" and the musical "Mamma Mia!."
2008: Streep's Accents in Film
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has showcased her impressive ability to master various accents in films like "Doubt" (2008).
2008: Dark Matter Limited Release
Streep's film "Dark Matter" received a limited release in 2008 after being delayed due to the Virginia Tech shooting.
2008: Film Society of Lincoln Center Gala Tribute
The Film Society of Lincoln Center paid tribute to Meryl Streep's cinematic achievements with a Gala Tribute in 2008.
2008: Mamma Mia! Release
Streep starred in the musical film adaptation of "Mamma Mia!" in 2008, which became her highest-grossing film to date, solidifying her status as a movie star.
2008: Musical Hit "Mamma Mia!"
Streep showcased her singing and dancing talents in the 2008 musical film "Mamma Mia!," a testament to her versatility and ability to excel in various genres.
2008: Praise for "Plenty"
In 2008, film critic Molly Haskell revisited Streep's performance in "Plenty" (1985), praising it as one of her most challenging and nuanced roles, highlighting its feminist themes.
2008: Release of "Doubt"
In 2008, Meryl Streep starred in the film "Doubt" alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis. The film, set in 1964, revolves around a strict nun who accuses a priest of pedophilia. "Doubt" achieved moderate box office success and garnered critical acclaim, including five Academy Award nominations.
2009: Streep on Religion
In 2009, Meryl Streep addressed the role of religion in her life, stating that she does not adhere to any specific doctrine or belong to a particular religious institution.
2009: Voice Acting in "Fantastic Mr. Fox"
In 2009, Streep lent her voice to the animated film "Fantastic Mr. Fox," demonstrating her versatility and appeal to audiences of all ages.
2009: Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia" and "It's Complicated"
Meryl Streep starred in two prominent films in 2009: "Julie & Julia" and "It's Complicated." In "Julie & Julia," she portrayed chef Julia Child alongside Amy Adams and Stanley Tucci. The film contrasted Child's early culinary career with a modern-day blogger attempting her recipes. Streep's performance earned widespread praise. In "It's Complicated," a romantic comedy, she starred alongside Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Streep received Golden Globe nominations for both films, winning for "Julie & Julia." This performance also earned her a 16th Oscar nomination.
2009: Starring Roles in "Julie & Julia" and "It's Complicated"
Streep continued her successful run in 2009 with leading roles in the films "Julie & Julia" and "It's Complicated."
2010: National Medal of Arts Recipient
President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the National Medal of Arts in 2010, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.
2011: Kennedy Center Honor
Streep received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2011 for her contributions to American culture through her work in the performing arts.
2011: Streep's Accents in Film
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has showcased her impressive ability to master various accents in films like "The Iron Lady" (2011).
2011: Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady"
In 2011, Meryl Streep portrayed former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady." To prepare for the role, she observed British Parliament members in action. Despite mixed reviews for the film itself, Streep's performance received high praise, earning her a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, and her third Academy Award.
2011: Third Oscar Win for "The Iron Lady"
Meryl Streep's portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the 2011 film "The Iron Lady" earned her her third Academy Award.
2011: Kennedy Center Honors
Meryl Streep received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011. The event included a memorable introduction by Tracey Ullman and speeches by notable figures such as Robert De Niro and Mike Nichols.
October 4, 2012: Streep's donation to The Public Theater
On October 4, 2012, Meryl Streep donated $1 million to The Public Theater in honor of its late founder, Joseph Papp, and her friend, author Nora Ephron.
2012: Meryl Streep Stars in "Hope Springs"
Meryl Streep starred alongside Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell in the romantic comedy-drama "Hope Springs" in 2012. The film, directed by David Frankel, follows a middle-aged couple attending intensive marriage counseling to rekindle their relationship.
2013: Meryl Streep in "August: Osage County"
In 2013, Meryl Streep starred in the black comedy-drama "August: Osage County" alongside Julia Roberts and Ewan McGregor. Based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the film centers on a dysfunctional family reuniting after their patriarch's disappearance. Streep's portrayal of the family's strong-willed matriarch, battling cancer and addiction, earned her critical acclaim and nominations for a Golden Globe, SAG Award, and Academy Award.
July 2014: Meryl Streep as the Witch in "Into the Woods" and Planned Role as Maria Callas
In July 2014, Meryl Streep starred as the Witch in Rob Marshall's Disney film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Into the Woods." The film, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, reimagines classic Grimm Brothers fairy tales. While some critics found the film underwhelming, Streep's performance received nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG Award, and Critics' Choice Award. In July 2014, it was also announced that Streep would portray opera legend Maria Callas in "Master Class." Sadly, the project was canceled following director Mike Nichols' death in November of that year.
November 2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In November 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The citation recognized her unparalleled acting prowess and ability to portray diverse characters.
2014: Historical Drama "The Homesman"
Streep starred in the 2014 historical drama "The Homesman," showcasing her ability to portray strong and resilient women in challenging historical settings.
2014: Meryl Streep in "The Giver" and "The Homesman"
In 2014, Meryl Streep appeared in two films: "The Giver" and "The Homesman." In "The Giver," a film adaptation of a young adult dystopian novel, she played a community leader in a world without pain or choice. The film received mixed reviews. Streep also had a supporting role in "The Homesman," a period drama set in the 1850s, starring Hilary Swank and Tommy Lee Jones. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews.
2014: Performance in "Into the Woods"
Streep showcased her versatility with a role in the film adaptation of the musical "Into the Woods" in 2014.
2014: Streep's scholarships
In 2014, Meryl Streep established two scholarships at the University of Massachusetts Lowell: the Meryl Streep Endowed Scholarship for English majors and the Joan Hertzberg Endowed Scholarship for math majors.
2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
April 2015: Streep's Writers Lab initiative
In April 2015, Meryl Streep funded the Writers Lab for female screenwriters over forty years old, run by New York Women in Film & Television and IRIS. It was the only lab of its kind globally. She also signed an open letter for One Campaign and sent letters to U.S. Congress supporting the Equal Rights Amendment.
August 2015: Oleg Sentsov's imprisonment
In August 2015, Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov was sentenced to 20 years in a Siberian prison by Russia after a sham trial. Meryl Streep later campaigned for his release.
2015: Acknowledging Jane Fonda's Influence
In 2015, Meryl Streep acknowledged the significant influence Jane Fonda had on her career, crediting Fonda with opening doors and shaping her journey as an actress.
2015: Streep's humanist stance
In 2015, Meryl Streep identified herself as a humanist in an interview and signed an open letter for gender equality. She also supported the Equal Rights Amendment by sending letters to U.S. Congress members.
2015: Critique of Rotten Tomatoes
In 2015, Meryl Streep raised concerns about gender bias on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting that the platform's overrepresentation of male film critics negatively impacted the reception of female-led films.
2015: Meryl Streep in "Ricki and the Flash" and "Suffragette"
In 2015, Meryl Streep starred in two films: "Ricki and the Flash" and "Suffragette." "Ricki and the Flash," directed by Jonathan Demme, featured Streep as a grocery store worker who is also a rock musician. The film, which co-starred her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer, received mixed reviews. In the period drama "Suffragette," Streep played the small but significant role of Emmeline Pankhurst, a leader of the British women's suffrage movement. Co-starring Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter, the film garnered generally positive reviews, with particular praise for the cast's performances.
March 2016: Streep's advocacy for gender equality
In March 2016, Meryl Streep signed a letter advocating for gender equality worldwide in observance of International Women's Day, organized by One Campaign.
2016: Streep's Political Speech
At the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Meryl Streep delivered a speech in support of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, reflecting her political stance.
2016: Operatic Performance in "Florence Foster Jenkins"
In 2016, Streep took on the titular role in "Florence Foster Jenkins," portraying a tone-deaf opera singer with remarkable conviction.
2016: Meryl Streep as Florence Foster Jenkins
In 2016, after presiding over the 66th Berlin International Film Festival, Meryl Streep starred in the comedy "Florence Foster Jenkins." Directed by Stephen Frears, the film told the true story of a tone-deaf opera singer determined to perform publicly, co-starring Hugh Grant and Simon Helberg. Streep's performance was widely acclaimed for its warmth and pathos, earning her a Critics' Choice Movie Award and nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG Award, and BAFTA Award.
January 2017: Cecil B. DeMille Award
At the 74th Golden Globe Awards in January 2017, Viola Davis presented Meryl Streep with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, praising her inspiring impact on artists.
January 2017: Golden Globes Speech and Controversy
During her Cecil B. DeMille Award acceptance speech at the 74th Golden Globe Awards in January 2017, Meryl Streep's remarks, which appeared to criticize then-President-elect Donald Trump, sparked both support and controversy.
April 25, 2017: Streep supports Oleg Sentsov
On April 25, 2017, Meryl Streep publicly supported the campaign to free Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was jailed in Siberia. She was pictured with a 'Free Sentsov' sign at the PEN America Annual Literary Gala, where Sentsov was honored with the 2017 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write award.
2017: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
Meryl Streep was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
2017: Critical Acclaim for "The Post"
Streep's performance in the 2017 historical drama "The Post" received widespread critical acclaim.
2017: Streep stars in The Post
In 2017, Meryl Streep starred as Katharine Graham in Steven Spielberg's political drama The Post. The film, which centers on The Washington Post's publication of the 1971 Pentagon Papers, was well-received and earned over $177 million. Streep received her 31st Golden Globe nomination and 21st Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
2017: Introducing Carmen de Lavallade at Kennedy Center Honors
During the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors, Meryl Streep had the distinct privilege of introducing her former teacher, the renowned choreographer Carmen de Lavallade.
2018: Streep's involvement in Time's Up
In 2018, Meryl Streep collaborated with 300 women in Hollywood to establish the Time's Up initiative, aimed at protecting women from harassment and discrimination.
2018: Streep's roles in musical sequels
In 2018, Meryl Streep reprised her role in the musical sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and played a supporting part in Mary Poppins Returns. These roles showcased her versatility in musical performances.
2018: Last Public Appearance with Don Gummer
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer made their last public appearance together at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018.
2019: Return to Television and Literary Adaptation "Little Women"
Streep returned to television in 2019 with the HBO series "Big Little Lies." She also starred in the latest film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel "Little Women," showcasing her enduring talent and ability to embody beloved characters.
2019: Roles in "Big Little Lies" and "Little Women"
In 2019, Streep appeared in the HBO series "Big Little Lies" and starred in the film adaptation of "Little Women."
2019: Streep's television and film roles
In 2019, Meryl Streep starred in the second season of HBO's Big Little Lies, received an Emmy nomination for her role, and appeared in Steven Soderbergh's The Laundromat and Greta Gerwig's Little Women.
2020: Ensemble Cast in "Let Them All Talk"
In 2020, Streep led an ensemble cast in the film "Let Them All Talk," demonstrating her ability to shine alongside other talented actors in character-driven narratives.
2021: Streep in Don't Look Up
In 2021, Meryl Streep played a comical role as the President of the United States in the Netflix film Don't Look Up, directed by Adam McKay.
2022: Streep as executive producer
In 2022, Meryl Streep served as an executive producer on Sell/Buy/Date, directed by Sarah Jones.
June 2023: SAG-AFTRA Strike Support
In June 2023, it was reported that Meryl Streep joined numerous high-profile members of SAG-AFTRA in signing a letter expressing their willingness to strike, signifying solidarity within the entertainment industry.
2023: Streep in Extrapolations and Only Murders in the Building
In 2023, Meryl Streep appeared in the Apple TV+ series Extrapolations and played Loretta Durkin in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, receiving critical acclaim for her performance.
2023: Separation from Don Gummer
Reports emerged in 2023 indicating that Meryl Streep and Don Gummer had been living separately for over six years.
2023: Appearance in "Only Murders in the Building"
Streep joined the cast of Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building" in 2023.
2024: Streep to reprise role
In 2024, it was announced that Meryl Streep would reprise her role as Loretta Durkin in the fourth season of Only Murders in the Building.
2048: Setting of "The Giver"
"The Giver", the movie starring Meryl Streep, is set in the year 2048. The film depicts a post-apocalyptic society that has eliminated pain, suffering, and individual differences.