After 45 years of marriage, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer have been separated for over six years. Despite their deep connection and decades together, the two decided to live separate lives, maintaining mutual respect and affection.
A Quiet Separation
On October 21, 2023, a source confirmed that the legendary actress Meryl Streep and her husband, sculptor Don Gummer, had been living apart for more than six years.
While their separation had not been publicly acknowledged before, a representative for Streep issued a statement:
“Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than six years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart.”
This revelation surprised many fans, as the couple had long been seen as one of Hollywood’s most enduring pairs.
Last Public Appearance Together
Although Streep and Gummer had not been photographed together in public since the 2018 Academy Awards, where they walked the red carpet side by side, the Only Murders in the Building actress was seen wearing her wedding ring as recently as October 2023.
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Despite their separation, Streep still publicly acknowledged their milestone 45th wedding anniversary on September 30, 2023, adding another layer of intrigue to their discreet split.
A Love That Began in Heartbreak
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer’s love story started in the late 1970s, during one of the most difficult periods of Streep’s life. She had been deeply in love with actor John Cazale, best known for playing Fredo Corleone in The Godfather films. When Cazale was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, Streep devoted herself to caring for him until his death in 1978.
During her time of mourning, she met Don Gummer through her brother. The sculptor provided her with emotional support, and their friendship soon blossomed into romance.
Just six months after meeting, they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at her parents’ home.
A Life of Love and Partnership
Unlike many Hollywood couples, Streep and Gummer kept their personal lives private, rarely speaking about their relationship in interviews. However, in a 2002 interview with Vogue, Streep gave a rare insight into their marriage:
“The secret to our longevity? Goodwill, willingness to bend — and to shut up every once in a while.”
Throughout their 45 years together, Streep and Gummer supported each other’s careers. While Streep became one of the most celebrated actresses of all time, Gummer established himself as a successful sculptor.
His works have been displayed in exhibitions worldwide, and he holds an MFA from Yale University.
Raising a Family Together
Beyond their professional lives, Streep and Gummer built a strong family unit. They raised four children together:
- Henry Wolfe, a musician and actor
- Mamie Gummer, an actress known for The Good Wife
- Grace Gummer, an actress who has appeared in Mr. Robot
- Louisa Jacobson, an actress featured in The Gilded Age
In a 1998 interview with The Washington Post, Streep described motherhood as her most challenging role, saying:
“Mothering. Definitely. Acting — that’s praise, money, fulfillment. Mothering — they don’t even say, ‘Thank you.’ They don’t even clear the table unless you say, ‘Excuse me.’ Real life, there’s no comparison to acting.”
Despite her demanding career, Streep always prioritized her family, a testament to the strong partnership she and Gummer shared.
A Lasting Legacy of Gratitude
Although their romantic relationship ended, Gummer remained a significant part of Streep’s life. In 2012, when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Iron Lady, she began her speech with a heartfelt tribute to him:
“First, I’m going to thank Don because when you thank your husband at the end of the speech, they play him out with the music, and I want him to know that everything I value most in our lives, you’ve given me.”
Even in separation, the respect and gratitude they shared remained evident.
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What’s Next for Meryl Streep?
At 74, Meryl Streep continues to dominate Hollywood. She recently starred in the hit series Only Murders in the Building, amazing audiences with her performance. Meanwhile, Gummer remains dedicated to his art, keeping a low profile.
While they may have chosen different paths, Streep and Gummer’s enduring love story is one of mutual respect, deep connection, and quiet separation.
Their journey together—filled with love, loss, and partnership—will remain an inspiring chapter in Hollywood history.
