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Learn moreMary Louise Streep, better known as Meryl Streep, was born on June 22, 1949. She holds the record for the most Oscar nominations (21) and Golden Globe nominations (33). Meryl Streep also has four Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Robert De Niro described Streep as "a truly special person and a great actress," and Jack Nicholson noted that she is "perfect." Clint Eastwood, casting Streep for the lead role in The Bridges of Madison County, declared, "She's the greatest actress in the world." Meryl Streep continues to inspire audiences with her skill and unique talent, remaining one of the most influential figures in the film industry.
On the birthday of the remarkable actress Meryl Streep, film critic Fyodor Dubshan shares his thoughts on her contribution to cinema. Recognized as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, Meryl Streep has won numerous awards and acclaim from audiences worldwide. Her unique approach to roles and ability to inhabit her characters make her an icon of modern cinema. Fyodor Dubshan notes that each of her performances is a highlight in the world of cinema, and the diversity of her roles inspires both audiences and young actors. Streep continues to be a vital figure in the industry, with her work exemplifying the highest levels of skill and dedication to art.
- how a prom queen made her way onto the stage as a waitress;
- how Robert De Niro made the actress leave the theater for film;
- how the role of a simpleton from the provinces brought Meryl Streep her first Oscar nomination;
- how the actress infuriated Dustin Hoffman and then received her first Oscar for her high-handedness;
- what scene Meryl Streep performed in the first take and flatly refused to repeat;
- how the actress made everyone believe that a woman of any age can be a romantic heroine;
- what is the main secret of Meryl Streep's acting.
"She taught herself"
The future great actress was born in the city Mary Wilkinson Streep was born in Summit, New Jersey, to an artist mother and a pharmaceutical company employee. Biographers note that as a child, she was awkward, shy, and bespectacled. From an early age, she showed an interest in art and theater, which later became the foundation of her successful career.
Mary's parents were devout Presbyterians and strictly adhered to religious traditions. In contrast, their daughter displayed a more free spirit. At age 12, she was expelled from Sunday school for inappropriate behavior. Nevertheless, despite their religious strictness, her parents did not seek to restrict her freedom and actively supported her creative inclinations, especially her mother.
Mary Wilkinson Streep always supported her daughter, inspiring her to achieve. She constantly repeated: "You are capable of so much. You are amazing. If you try, you can achieve any goal." These words became an important incentive for the girl, allowing her to overcome her isolation and self-doubt. At 15, she decided to make a bold change: she dyed her hair blonde, removed her braces, and swapped her glasses for contact lenses. These changes made her a true star in her community. She was a cheerleader and was voted prom queen at her high school graduation. Her mother's support and her own efforts helped her realize her potential and become a confident individual.
Since childhood, Mary was passionate about performing in front of the camera and singing. Her dream of a career as an opera singer inspired her to participate in school plays. A logical continuation of this passion was Vassar College and the Yale School of Drama, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees.
In 1969, the young actress first attracted attention when she performed in a theatrical production of August Strindberg's "Miss Julie" at the university theater. Her performance caused a sensation, and she was the talk of every corner of the college. Drama professor Clinton J. Atkinson later shared his enthusiastic memories of how skillfully she embodied the role. This performance became a launching point in her career and opened the door to new opportunities in the world of theater and film.
Meryl Streep is undoubtedly one of the most talented actresses of our time. Many believe that her craft requires no additional lessons. She mastered the art of acting on her own, relying on her inner potential and intuition.
As with many other cases, Meryl faced difficulties at the beginning. To pay for her studies at Yale, she worked as a waitress and typist, while simultaneously participating in ten plays a year. Due to overwork, she developed ulcers, and she even considered leaving everything and switching to a legal career. However, after accidentally missing the law school entrance exam, Meryl took it as a sign of fate, and she had no doubt that she had chosen the right path.
"Why did you bring this?"
Meryl Streep began her career on the stage and initially aspired to become a theater actress. After completing her studies, she went to New York, where she took part in numerous productions of works by Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Chekhov, and Brecht, as well as in musicals on Broadway. Soon she gained recognition in the theater community and was nominated for the prestigious Tony Award.
In 1976, she saw the recently released film Taxi Driver, directed by Martin Scorsese. Robert De Niro's performance made a huge impression on her, and after watching, Meryl thought, "That's the kind of actor I want to be." This sparked her film career, and she began actively auditioning for roles.
Meryl Streep's first foray into film was unsuccessful. She auditioned for the lead role in the remake of King Kong. Renowned producer Dino De Laurentiis, upon seeing the young actress, dismissively remarked to his son in Italian, "What an ugly woman. Why did you bring her to me?" However, before his son could react, Streep, without losing her composure, replied in fluent Italian, "I'm sorry I don't meet your standards of beauty. But I am who I am." This incident marked the beginning of her career, which subsequently brought her recognition and numerous awards.
One of Meryl Streep's unsuccessful attempts was the role in the film "Julia", where she played opposite Jane Fonda. Most of her scenes were cut, and even the remaining parts turned out to be clumsy. The actress recalled: "I had a terrible wig, and in the editing room they gave me Fonda's lines. I realized I had made a big mistake and decided to never act in films again. Back then, I thought I hated this industry."
The Deer Hunter in the Cherry Orchard
Despite a series of failures, Meryl Streep's fate was influenced by Robert De Niro himself, who was impressed by her talent. He noticed her in the theater production of The Cherry Orchard and offered her the role of his girlfriend in the war drama The Deer Hunter by the young director Michael Cimino. Cimino gave the actress the opportunity to write her own lines, which became an important step in her career. Streep also had another personal reason for participating in the project: the film starred her then-partner, actor John Cazale, who was battling lung cancer. Streep was eager to spend as much time with him as possible. This decision proved fateful: Cazale died before the film's premiere, but their collaboration left a significant mark on cinema history.
Released just five years after the withdrawal of American troops, the Vietnam War film sparked heated debate and garnered a wide range of opinions, from praise to condemnation. Although The Deer Hunter would later achieve cult status, it was already clear at the time that this work of art had special significance. The film touches on profound themes, reflecting the reality of war and its consequences for soldiers and society. The film became an important milestone in cinematic history, drawing attention to tragic events and complex moral choices.
The film received nine Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Meryl Streep. Her character Linda is presented as an ordinary American girl from the provinces, who is used to submitting to men. However, Streep has developed the character so deeply and performed her role so masterfully that this everydayness reveals significant critical potential.
The Oscar nomination is a significant achievement for the twenty-nine-year-old actress, who attracted the attention of both critics and the general public. Also in 1978, Meryl Streep was awarded the prestigious Emmy Award for her performance in the miniseries Holocaust, in which she played the German wife of a Jewish artist in 1930s Germany. This work cemented her reputation as one of the most talented actresses of her generation and became an important step in her career.
The following year, a major event in cinema was the film Manhattan, directed by Woody Allen. Unlike Michael Cimino, Allen did not allow the actress to improvise and limited her access to the script, providing only six pages containing her own lines. This approach highlights Allen's filmmaking strategy, where he controlled every aspect of the actors' performances to achieve the desired result.
Meryl Streep plays Jill, the elegant ex-wife of the protagonist, who decides to write a memoir about their marriage. This process forces the hero to plunge into the depths of doubt and self-consciousness. The result is a performance that is simultaneously sad, funny, and incredibly talented. Streep's role in Manhattan ranks high in ratings, including her best roles on RottenTomatoes.
Streep vs. Hoffman
In 1979, Meryl Streep's role in Robert Benton's family drama Kramer vs. Kramer became especially significant. In this film, she starred opposite Dustin Hoffman, presenting audiences with the tense story of the divorce of spouses Joanna and Ted Kramer and their battle for custody of their five-year-old son, Billy. The film became a landmark in the actress's career and received critical acclaim, strengthening her status in Hollywood.
The actress deeply embraced her role, as the original portrayal of Joanna, who abandoned her family, seemed too cold and unsympathetic. She herself described her character as "an ogre and a princess rolled into one." Streep thought a lot about her role and actively consulted with her mother. As a result, she managed to achieve changes to the script, and she also wrote her own lines in two scenes.
Dustin Hoffman, observing the young actress's self-will, displayed aggressive behavior, mocked her, and behaved extremely inappropriately. However, Meryl Streep stoically endured all this humiliation. Later, even Hoffman himself admitted that his actions were unlawful.
She is distinguished by her incredible work ethic and dedication to her work. There is nothing on her mind except work. She is one of the most powerful individuals I've ever met.
The film "Kramer vs. Kramer" won five Academy Awards, a significant achievement in film history. Meryl Streep won one of the statuettes, albeit for her supporting role. Despite this, the award remained an important recognition of her talent. The actress was so moved by the moment that after her acceptance speech, she left her Oscar in the women's restroom at the Dolby Theatre. This funny incident highlights how deeply she was immersed in the emotions of this momentous occasion.
In 1978, Meryl Streep married sculptor Don Gummer. Their marriage lasted until 2017, during which time they raised four children. Their son, Henry Wolfe, became a musician, and their three daughters, Mamie, Grace, and Louise, became actresses. Meryl Streep, known for her outstanding acting work, successfully combined her career with her role as a mother, which made her a role model for many.
"I was just trying to understand"
She was called "the freshest face in Hollywood," admired her name, and noted her outstanding acting, which stood out among other stars. Meryl Streep continued to move to new heights, winning the hearts of audiences and critics. Her talent and professionalism make her one of the most significant actresses in modern cinema.
In the 1980s, Meryl Streep became one of the most sought-after actresses, receiving many offers for leading roles in films. She embodied a new format of acting: while many of her colleagues strove to maintain a single image throughout their films, Meryl, according to an article in New York magazine, was a true chameleon, capable of adapting and playing any role. Her talent and versatility made her an icon of the film industry, and the diversity of her characters attracted the attention of audiences and critics.
In the Victorian drama The French Lieutenant's Woman, based on the novel by John Fowles, Meryl Streep played a key role alongside Jeremy Irons. For this work, she received an Oscar nomination and won a BAFTA award. However, renowned critic Pauline Kael noted that, despite her technical mastery, Meryl failed to convey the intriguing mystery of her character, which, in her opinion, prevents the viewer from fully immersing herself in the film. However, many viewers may disagree with this point of view, as Meryl's dark and deep gaze, hidden under a wide hood, successfully refutes such accusations. This role is a shining example of how an actress's talent can transform a character and make them multi-layered and memorable.
Meryl Streep won her second Oscar for her performance in the 1982 film "Sophie's Choice." In this film, she again addresses the Holocaust, playing a Polish woman who survived the horrors of Auschwitz. The plot revolves around her complex relationships in a love triangle with a young writer and a Jewish intellectual, who also became victims of the concentration camp. The film's profound exploration of suffering, loss, and human emotion in the context of war makes it a significant contribution to cinema and historical memory.
The role was originally intended for Ursula Andress, but Meryl Streep was persistent and determined to secure it. She developed a unique accent and studied acting in Polish and German. Pauline Kael again criticized Streep's performance, noting its "disembodiment," but most critics and audiences were impressed with her performance.
The scene in which the heroine must make a terrible choice between the life of one of her children and sending another to the gas chamber is considered one of the most powerful of Meryl Streep's career. The actress played the role in the first take and refused to take more takes because the emotions were too painful and unbearable. This work demonstrates not only Streep's acting talent, but also a profound tragedy that reflects real historical events.
One of Meryl Streep's significant films is "Silkwood," which tells the story of an American labor activist based on a true story. Karen Silkwood was investigating serious violations at a plutonium production plant. Her life was tragically cut short in a car accident, which many believe was intentional. The film raises important issues about industrial safety and workers' rights, which makes it relevant today.
Meryl Streep, as always, approached preparation for the role with the utmost seriousness. This time, she had to portray a real person – Carrie Silkwood. This gave her a unique opportunity to communicate with Silkwood’s loved ones to better understand her character and life circumstances. Streep felt a deep connection with the character, which helped her create a believable and emotionally rich portrayal. She shared her impressions of the importance of conveying not only the external features, but also the inner world of a person who became a symbol of the struggle for workers' rights.
I didn’t strive to become Karen. My goal was to understand her actions more deeply. I gathered all the available information to better understand her inner world and motivations.
Pauline Kael again expressed her criticism of the actress. Noticeable tension was building between the two women. To the bright and abrupt Kael, who values sensuality and instincts, Meryl Streep seemed overly thoughtful, cold, and insufficiently attentive to her body. This confrontation highlights the differences in their approaches to acting and perception of art, which makes their interaction particularly interesting for film scholars.
Meryl Streep possesses a unique quality that makes her an outstanding actress. She aspired to be an intellectual actress, focusing on using her mind and will to convey various emotions and states. Streep is not just a darling of the high-brow public; she masterfully conveys a wide range of feelings, including love, hate, neurosis, fear, and narcissism. Therefore, to say that Meryl Streep is devoid of emotions would be completely unfair. Her talent lies in her ability to deeply immerse herself in roles and convey the most complex human experiences.
In 1985, Sydney Pollack's romantic drama Out of Africa was released, in which Meryl Streep and Robert Redford played the leading roles. The film tells a touching love story between a Danish aristocrat and an elephant hunter, unfolding against the backdrop of picturesque African landscapes. "Out of Africa" became a landmark work, combining elements of romance, drama and exciting adventure, which allowed it to win the recognition of both audiences and critics.
Streep always carefully prepared for filming, bringing She incorporated elements of an old-fashioned, aristocratic manner of speech into her work. Pollack, her director, sometimes considered this excessive and criticized her. Despite frequent on-set arguments, he acknowledged his admiration for her directness and honesty. Their interaction reflects a deep professional bond based on respect and a commitment to high performance. Out of Africa won Best Picture at the Oscars, and Meryl Streep received another nomination for her outstanding performance. This success became the catalyst for the actress's worldwide recognition, which significantly increased her salary. Streep was now earning $4 million for each role, confirming her status as one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.
"Nobody's Interested in You"
Paradoxically, at the moment of her greatest triumph, Meryl Streep faced a career crisis. Tired of the usual dramas and romantic films, she sought to find herself in other genres. For example, in the 1989 comedy "She-Devil," a satire on the cult of plastic surgery, and in the historical film "Thistle" with Jack Nicholson. However, these projects did not receive enthusiastic reviews from critics and audiences. Streep sought new avenues of self-expression, reflecting her commitment to diversity and experimentation in acting.
Streep attributes this to changes in the film industry, which is increasingly focused on primitive films. She notes that producers aim to attract only men aged 16 to 25 by releasing summer blockbusters and then conducting surveys to find out who their audience is. This leads to a vicious circle. However, this is not the only problem. The actress is already over forty years old, and she shares her thoughts on this matter.
By this time, you may become less interesting to others. If you plan to simultaneously raise children, it is important to choose your roles carefully and pursue only what truly matters. This will help maintain a balance between your personal life and professional responsibilities, and also provide quality time with your family. Focus on those projects and opportunities that align with your goals and values.
Streep not only gave interviews on this topic but also actively spoke at conferences, criticizing the industry for ageism towards women. Her experience filming the dark comedy Death Becomes Her with Bruce Willis and Goldie Hawn may also have influenced her opinion. During work on the film, she had to apply a large amount of makeup every day and use silicone pads to create the effect of aging the character. This filming lasted seven months, which was the longest and most difficult in her career. Streep continues to raise important questions about the perception of women in society and calls for change in the entertainment industry.
The film was met with lukewarm reviews, with Meryl Streep noting that the special effects did not match her artistic preferences. She vowed not to take part in such projects anymore.
Meryl Streep's most successful film of the last decade was the romantic drama "The Bridges of Madison County", released in 1995 and directed by Clint Eastwood. In this film, Streep played the role of a middle-aged Italian farmer who unexpectedly falls in love with a visiting photographer, played by Eastwood himself. The film became a landmark in the actress's career and was praised by critics for its deep emotional content and masterful performances.
Streep prepared for her role by gaining weight and striving to create an image reminiscent of Sophia Loren or Anna Magnani. She carefully selected dresses and rewatched Pasolini's Mamma Roma. This uncharacteristic image proved successful and attracted attention.
Without Meryl Streep's performance, as critics noted, the film could have remained a simple melodrama, but it became a powerful story condemning the conservative stagnation of post-war America. Moreover, Streep may have become the first actress of her age to convincingly present herself as a romantic heroine. Accusations of coldness and excessive intellectualism disappeared like snow in the sun.
Meryl Streep's success continued with her outstanding role in the drama "Music of the Heart," where she played Roberta Guaspari, a violin teacher in Harlem. As always, the actress demonstrated exceptional dedication to her character, mastering the violin and memorizing a Bach concerto in just six weeks. Audiences were delighted with her performance, which earned Streep further Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. The role further confirmed her talent and skill, cementing her status as one of the greatest actresses of our time.
Successful Experiments
Comedies such as Spike Jonze's Adaptation and sci-fi films in the style of Steven Spielberg's Artificial Intelligence followed. However, the real turning point in Meryl Streep's career was her role in The Devil Wears Prada, released in 2006. This film not only cemented her status in the film industry but also attracted the attention of a new audience, making Meryl Streep one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation.
The image of the strict fashion editor Miranda Priestly has become an iconic symbol in the fashion world. Her distinctive hairstyle, elegant jackets, and abrupt and sarcastic manner in communicating with her subordinates create a memorable image. Her icy gaze and wolfish grin emphasize her strength, but behind this mask lies loneliness and vulnerability. This contrast makes the character of Miranda Priestly particularly appealing to audiences, forcing them to consider the cost of success in the fashion industry.
The monologue about the blue sweater has become iconic not only for its succinct explanation of fashion principles, but also for the unique intonations the actress used to play Streep. The Huffington Post noted that "the word azure has never sounded so ominous." This moment highlights how fashion can be more than just an aesthetic choice, but also a means of expressing profound emotions and social commentary.
Miranda's role in The Devil Wears Prada earned the actress a record-breaking 14th Academy Award nomination and another Golden Globe. The film became her highest-grossing film to date, grossing over $326 million worldwide. The success of the film not only strengthened her status in the film industry, but also demonstrated a high level of acting, which was highly appreciated by both audiences and critics.
She will continue to explore the image of a female leader, considering it from different perspectives. In 2011, Meryl Streep received her third Oscar for her role as Margaret Thatcher in the film "The Iron Lady". To recreate this character, she spent extensive time studying footage of Thatcher and attended sessions of the British Parliament. Her performance received critical acclaim, despite the film's lackluster success.
Critics felt the script turned Thatcher into a caricature, but Streep managed to create a living image. She portrayed an elderly woman who, alone, reflects on her career.
After the film's release, the actress donated her entire salary to the National Women's History Museum. This action highlights the paradoxical nature of Margaret Thatcher: she was a conservative and controversial politician, yet at the same time a woman who managed to rise to the top of a male-dominated political world and assert her will. Thatcher remains a significant figure in history, demonstrating how female leadership can be reconciled with contradictory views and approaches.
Adam McKay's disaster comedy "Don't Look Up" casts American President Jane Orlean in a very different light. She is cynical and considers herself smarter than everyone else, but in reality, she is hopelessly limited. This narcissistic portrayal is reminiscent of many real-life politicians, whose qualities sometimes cause confusion. The film questions the competence and morality of leaders, making it relevant in the context of contemporary political discourse.
Watching her eccentric actions was both amusing and disturbing back in 2021, when the film was released. Now, four years later, the desire to look at the world around us has become even less appealing. The film received several Oscar nominations but did not win a single statuette, and Meryl Streep was not nominated. However, this is probably one of her best recent roles.
In 2008, the musical "Mamma Mia!" was released, in which Meryl Streep returned to her youthful dream about singing, performing famous ABBA songs. This film became the highest-grossing of the actress's career, earning over $600 million worldwide. "Mamma Mia!" attracted audiences not only with its musical numbers but also with its vibrant characters, which contributed to its popularity and longevity in the film industry.
The Laundromat (2019) is a comedy directed by Steven Soderbergh, in which Meryl Streep plays an elderly widow who accidentally uncovers a massive money-laundering scheme. Also worth noting is Greta Gerwig's "Little Women," in which Streep, as the stern Aunt March, actively cares for the characters played by Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Laura Dern. This new phase of Meryl Streep's career is marked by numerous successful projects, testifying to her continued creative inspiration. Streep continues to amaze audiences with the diversity of her roles and the depth of her characters, making her one of the most sought-after actresses of our time.
The projects the actress participates in are distinguished by their diversity, which is perhaps due to her unique approach to each role. Streep does not adhere to any specific acting method; her performances are based on intuition and flexibility. She carefully analyzes the material, paying attention to the physical characteristics of her characters, including their posture, gait, and movements. The actress pays special attention to accents, for which she has received recognition for her ability to reproduce the speech characteristics of native speakers from different regions. How does she achieve such mastery? The actress answers: "I listen."
Meryl Streep has a unique ability to find common ground between herself and any character she portrays on screen, even if they seem completely alien to her. This deep empathy becomes her primary tool in acting. Streep claims it's this quality that allows her to immerse herself in roles and create believable characters that resonate with audiences. Her ability to understand and empathize with the emotions of others transforms each of her performances into living art, making her one of the most respected actresses in cinema. Acting isn't just an attempt to transform into different characters, but also a profound process of self-discovery. It's important to seek commonalities in seemingly diverse roles and to find oneself in each role. This approach allows actors not only to convey the emotions and personalities of their characters but also to deepen their understanding of human nature. By developing acting skills, we discover new facets of our personality and learn to better perceive the world around us.
