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Explore the life and career of Meryl Streep in this detailed 2025 biography. Learn about her early life, age, Oscar wins, movies, legacy, and net worth in this in-depth guide.
🎭 Meryl Streep Biography (2025): Hollywood’s Greatest Living Actress
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👶 Early Life and Education
Full Name: Mary Louise Streep
Date of Birth: June 22, 1949
Place of Birth: Summit, New Jersey, USA
Nationality: American
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Meryl Streep was born to Mary Wilkinson Streep, a commercial artist, and Harry William Streep Jr., a pharmaceutical executive. Her early exposure to arts through her mother shaped her future path. Streep studied drama at Vassar College and earned a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious Yale School of Drama.
🎬 Early Career and First Breakthrough
After Yale, Streep began performing in theater productions in New York. Her breakthrough came with the 1977 film Julia, followed by a memorable role in The Deer Hunter (1978), which earned her first Academy Award nomination.
Her early career was characterized by:
- A commitment to serious dramatic roles
- Mastery of accents and emotional depth
- Quick rise to critical and commercial acclaim
🏆 Awards and Achievements
Meryl Streep is often cited as the greatest actress of her generation. As of 2025, she holds:
- 3 Academy Awards (from 21 nominations – the most ever for an actor)
- 8 Golden Globe Awards (from 32 nominations)
- 2 BAFTA Awards
- 2 SAG Awards
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014)
- Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement (2017)
🎥 Meryl Streep’s Iconic Filmography
Here are some of her most influential and loved films:
| Year | Film Title | Role | Notable Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | The Deer Hunter | Linda | First Oscar Nomination |
| 1979 | Kramer vs. Kramer | Joanna Kramer | First Oscar Win |
| 1982 | Sophie’s Choice | Sophie Zawistowski | Career-defining role |
| 2006 | The Devil Wears Prada | Miranda Priestly | Pop culture phenomenon |
| 2008 | Mamma Mia! | Donna Sheridan | Musical success |
| 2011 | The Iron Lady | Margaret Thatcher | Third Oscar win |
| 2019 | Little Women | Aunt March | Literary adaptation |
| 2021 | Don’t Look Up | Janie Orlean | Satirical role in Netflix hit |
🧍 Personal Life and Family
Streep married sculptor Don Gummer in 1978. The couple has four children, including Mamie Gummer, who is also an actress. Known for fiercely guarding her privacy, Meryl Streep has built a life rooted in family, art, and integrity.
She avoids Hollywood glitz, living primarily in Connecticut and New York City.
🆕 What Is Meryl Streep Doing in 2025?
Even in her seventies, Meryl Streep remains creatively active. In 2025, she is:
- Starring in a Netflix limited series based on historical female icons
- Producing an off-Broadway play about aging and art
- Guest lecturing at Yale and NYU on performance and theater
She also champions environmental and women’s rights causes through her foundation work.
💰 Meryl Streep Net Worth (2025)
Estimated Net Worth: $180–200 million
Revenue Sources:
- Film salaries
- Endorsements and royalties
- Book deals
- Theater productions
- Investment portfolio
🎓 Acting Philosophy and Legacy
Streep’s acting technique emphasizes:
- Deep character study
- Voice and dialect mastery
- Emotional vulnerability
- Humanistic storytelling
Many modern actors cite her as their biggest inspiration, including Viola Davis, Jennifer Lawrence, and Saoirse Ronan.
📚 Honors & Cultural Impact
- AFI Life Achievement Award (2004)
- Named a UN Messenger of Peace
- Kennedy Center Honors recipient (2011)
- Inducted into American Academy of Arts and Letters
She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and numerous honorary doctorates.
🌐 Quotes About Meryl Streep
“Meryl is not just the greatest actress alive, she’s the greatest artist working today.”
– Steven Spielberg
“Working with Meryl is like going to graduate school.”
– Anne Hathaway
📜 Meryl Streep Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Louise Streep |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1949 |
| Age (2025) | 75 Years |
| Height | 5’6” (168 cm) |
| Spouse | Don Gummer |
| Children | 4 (including Mamie Gummer) |
| Oscars | 3 Wins, 21 Nominations |
| Net Worth | $180–200 Million |
| First Film | Julia (1977) |
✍️ Final Thoughts
Meryl Streep’s career is a blueprint for artistic excellence and longevity. With over 50 years in the industry, she has left a legacy unmatched in Hollywood history. Whether it’s in a courtroom, kitchen, newsroom, or throne room, she continues to captivate audiences with grace, gravitas, and unshakable authenticity.
