Lasting Legacy of Meryl Streep: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Meryl Streep continue to shape the world today.

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

1981: Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Dartmouth College

In 1981, Meryl Streep received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, recognizing her contributions to the arts and her successful career.

1981: Meryl Streep's foresight on roles for actresses

In a 1981 interview, Meryl Streep foresaw the limited options available to actresses in their mid-forties, especially with a family.

1987: Streep Describes Her Acting Method

In 1987, Meryl Streep discussed her approach to acting, describing it as a collection of techniques learned from various teachers, emphasizing the role of danger and excitement in her process.

2003: Honorary César

In 2003, Meryl Streep received an Honorary César award, recognizing her contributions to film.

2004: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2004, Meryl Streep was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award, celebrating her distinguished career in film.

2006: Legacy of Sophie's Choice scene

In 2006, Emma Brockes of The Guardian described the "choice" scene from Sophie's Choice (1982) as Meryl Streep's most famous, highlighting her handling of complex emotions.

December 2008: Lack of Religious Belief Alluded To

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

2008: Gala Tribute from the Film Society of Lincoln Center

In 2008, Meryl Streep received a Gala Tribute from the Film Society of Lincoln Center, honoring her work in film.

2008: Praise for Streep's performance in Plenty

In 2008, Molly Haskell praised Meryl Streep's performance in Plenty (1985), considering it one of her most difficult, ambiguous, and feminist roles.

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.

2010: National Medal of Arts

In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the National Medal of Arts, recognizing her contributions to the arts.

2011: Kennedy Center Honors

In 2011, Meryl Streep received Kennedy Center Honors. Tracey Ullman introduced her, and Robert De Niro and Mike Nichols gave speeches. Kevin Kline, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Anne Hathaway also honored Streep, with the tribute concluding with a performance of "She's My Pal."

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.

2012: Honorary Golden Bear

In 2012, Meryl Streep was awarded an Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, celebrating her contributions to cinema.

November 2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In November 2014, Meryl Streep was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, recognizing her as one of history's most acclaimed actors.

2014: Establishment of scholarships at UMass Lowell

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 nation's highest civilian honor.

April 2015: Funding of the Writers Lab

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

2015: Fonda's Lasting Influence

In 2015, Meryl Streep stated that Jane Fonda had a lasting influence on her as an actress, crediting her with opening doors in her career.

January 2017: Cecil B. DeMille Award at Golden Globes

In January 2017, Viola Davis presented Meryl Streep with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes. During her acceptance speech, Streep quoted Carrie Fisher.