### Meryl Streep Biography
Meryl Streep, born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, is widely regarded as one of the greatest film actors of all time. Her career spans over four decades, during which she has received numerous accolades for her versatile performances in a variety of roles.
#### 1. Early Life
Meryl Streep was born to Mary Wolf Wilkinson, a commercial artist and art editor, and Harry William Streep Jr., a pharmaceutical executive. She grew up in a family that valued education and the arts, which paved the way for her initial interest in acting. Streep attended Bernards High School in Bernardsville, New Jersey, where she participated in cheerleading and acted in several school plays. Her early exposure to the stage left a profound impact, propelling her to pursue acting more seriously.
After high school, Streep enrolled at Vassar College, where she continued to excel in theater. She graduated with a BA in Drama in 1971 and later earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama in 1975, where she honed her craft alongside other budding actors.
#### 2. Career
Meryl Streep’s professional career began in the theater, with her Broadway debut occurring in 1975 in the play "Trelawny of the 'Wells'". Her film debut came in 1977 with a role in the movie "Julia". However, it was her role in the 1978 mini-series "Holocaust" that earned her significant critical acclaim and her first Emmy Award.
Streep quickly rose to prominence with a series of successful films in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979) and "Sophie's Choice" (1982), both of which earned her Academy Awards. Her ability to seamlessly adopt various accents and delve deep into her characters' psyches became her trademark.
Over the years, Streep has shown an astonishing range, starring in diverse genres from dramas to musicals and comedies. Notable films include "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006), "Mamma Mia!" (2008), and "The Iron Lady" (2011), in which she portrayed Margaret Thatcher.
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Meryl Streep's list of awards is extensive and includes several groundbreaking records: she has received 21 Academy Award nominations, winning three. She has also been awarded two BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, and an unprecedented eight Golden Globe Awards. In 2010, President
Barack-Obama awarded her the National Medal of Arts, and in 2014, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Her role in "Kramer vs. Kramer" won her first Oscar, and her performance in "Sophie's Choice" is often cited as one of the greatest acting performances in film history.
#### 4. Personal Life
Meryl Streep married sculptor
Don-Gummer in 1978. The couple has four children: Henry Wolfe, Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer, and Louisa Jacobson, all of whom have pursued careers in the arts. Streep is known for her philanthropy, particularly her support for women's rights and the arts. She has worked with organizations such as the National Women's History Museum and has been vocal about issues regarding gender equality in Hollywood and beyond.
Meryl Streep continues to be a formidable presence in the film industry, known not only for her talent but also for her intelligence, compassion, and advocacy. She remains a role model and inspiration to actors and filmmakers around the world, proving that age is no barrier to relevance and success in Hollywood.