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, technical skill, and mastery of dialects. A Vassar College and Yale School of Drama graduate, Streep is known for creating characters with psychological depth and agency. In addition to her acting career, she actively advocates for gender equality, labor rights, and challenging the male gaze in the film industry.

Sections (5)

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

1981: Concerns about actress' roles in mid-forties

In a 1981 interview, Meryl Streep stated concerns that by the time an actress hits her mid-forties, no one's interested in her anymore.

1987: Acting Method Statement

In 1987, Meryl Streep stated that she has no particular method when it comes to acting. She said she has a smattering of things learned from different teachers, but nothing that she can count on, making it more dangerous and more exciting.

2003: Mike Nichols, Kennedy Center Honoree

In 2011, she received a Kennedy Center Honors, introduced by Tracey Ullman, and speeches by 2003 Kennedy Center Honoree Mike Nichols.

2004: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2004, Meryl Streep was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award by the American Film Institute.

2006: "Choice" scene is considered Streep's most famous scene

In 2006, Emma Brockes of The Guardian wrote about Meryl Streep's most famous scene, the "choice" scene from Sophie's Choice. In this scene, Streep is ordered by an SS guard at Auschwitz to choose which of her two children would be gassed.

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2008: Praise for Plenty

In 2008, Molly Haskell praised Meryl Streep's performance in Plenty, believing it to be "one of Streep's most difficult and ambiguous" films and "most feminist" role.

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2009: Robert De Niro, Kennedy Center Honoree

In 2011, she received a Kennedy Center Honors, introduced by Tracey Ullman, and speeches by 2009 Kennedy Center Honoree Robert De Niro.

2011: Kennedy Center Honors

In 2011, Meryl Streep received a Kennedy Center Honors, introduced by Tracey Ullman, and speeches by Robert De Niro and Mike Nichols. The tribute included Kevin Kline, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Anne Hathaway. The tribute ended with the cast singing "She's My Pal".

November 2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In November 2014, Meryl Streep was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama for her contributions to the arts. The citation acknowledged her wide range of roles and ability to capture audiences, highlighting her embodiment of the full range of human experience.

2014: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2014, Meryl Streep was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2015: Fonda's Lasting Influence

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

January 2017: Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes

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