Meryl Streep is an iconic American actress who has made a lasting impact on theater, television, and film. With an estimated net worth of $100 million, Streep is considered one of the most respected and acclaimed actresses in the entertainment industry. Throughout her career, she has won three Academy Awards (out of 21 nominations), two BAFTA Awards, eight Golden Globes, and two Emmy Awards, among numerous other prestigious accolades. She is also known for being one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. For example, between September 2019 and September 2020, Streep earned $25 million from various acting roles. Her standard salary per movie is around $20 million, though she sometimes accepts reduced pay in exchange for a share of backend profits or to be a part of roles she considers important.
Early Life
Born Mary Louise “Meryl” Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, Meryl grew up alongside her two younger brothers, Harry William and Dana David, who are also actors. Her mother, Mary Wilkinson Streep, was a commercial artist and art editor, while her father, Harry William Streep Jr., was a pharmaceutical executive. Meryl attended Bernards High School in Bernardsville, New Jersey, where she was a cheerleader and won the title of homecoming queen in her senior year. Her interest in performing began early, as she participated in many school plays and studied opera under Estelle Liebling for four years.
After high school, Meryl continued her education at Vassar College, where she graduated in 1971. It was during her time at Vassar that she developed a passion for serious theater, particularly after performing in the play “Miss Julie” in 1969. Meryl went on to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree at Yale School of Drama, which she completed in 1975. To support herself during her studies, she worked as a waitress and took on typing jobs while participating in numerous stage productions.
Career Beginnings
Meryl Streep’s professional career began in 1975 when she joined the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Playwrights Conference, acting in five plays over six weeks. That same year, she relocated to New York City, where she starred in several stage productions. Some notable performances include productions of “Henry V” and “Measure for Measure” at the Delacorte Theater in 1976, as well as “Happy End” at the Martin Beck Theatre in 1977. Her film debut came in 1977 with the movie Julia, in which she shared the screen with Jane Fonda. Although many of her scenes were cut from the final edit, it marked the start of her cinematic journey.
In 1978, at the suggestion of actor Robert de Niro, Meryl auditioned for a role in The Deer Hunter, which resulted in her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career in film, where Streep would continue to impress with her versatile performances.
Rise to Fame
Meryl Streep’s career took off in the late 1970s and early 1980s with notable performances in a variety of films. In 1979, she earned her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Kramer vs Kramer. Other films that helped establish her as a leading actress include Manhattan (1979), Sophie’s Choice (1982), Silkwood (1983), and A Cry in the Dark (1988).
Her career continued to soar throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, with standout roles in films such as The Bridges of Madison County (1995), One True Thing (1998), and Adaptation (2002). Streep also starred in The Devil Wears Prada (2006), a commercial hit that solidified her place in mainstream Hollywood. In 2008, she played a pivotal role in the box office success Mamma Mia!, which grossed $609 million globally.
Streep has also extended her talents to television, appearing in critically acclaimed series such as Angels in America (2003), Freedom: A History of US (2003), Web Therapy (2010-2012), Big Little Lies (2019), and Only Murders in the Building (2023–present). In addition to her acting work, Streep has narrated several documentaries, such as Ocean Voyagers (2007), Makers: Women Who Make America (2013), and Five Came Back (2017).
Over the years, Streep has amassed more than 150 awards and accolades. In 2004, she received the AFI Life Achievement Award, and in 2014, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. In 2017, she received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
Other Work and Contributions
In addition to her illustrious acting career, Meryl Streep has been involved in various other creative and philanthropic endeavors. She has narrated several audiobooks, including children’s books like Brae Irene, Spinky Sulks, and The One and Only Shrek, written by William Steig. Furthermore, Meryl serves as the spokesperson for the National Women’s History Museum and has also established two scholarships at the University of Massachusetts Lowell to support aspiring students.
Real Estate Ventures
Meryl Streep’s real estate investments reflect her successful career. In 1995, she and Don Gummer purchased a New York City townhouse for $2.175 million, which they later sold in 2005 for $9.1 million. In 2006, the couple acquired a luxurious four-bedroom penthouse in the city for $10.13 million. This property was listed for sale at $25 million in 2018 and eventually sold for $16 million in February 2020.
In addition to their city properties, Meryl and Don invested in a mid-century modern home in Pasadena, California, for $3.6 million in December 2017. They also own a 90-acre country estate in Salisbury, Connecticut, where they enjoy a quieter, more private lifestyle.
Salary Insights
Meryl Streep’s salary history showcases her growing influence and success in the industry. She earned $35,000 for her role in The Deer Hunter (1978), which is equivalent to about $140,000 today when adjusted for inflation. A year later, her salary for Kramer Vs. Kramer was $85,000, or around $340,000 today. Throughout the 1980s, Streep consistently commanded around $4 million per film. In more recent years, her salary per film has reached as much as $20 million, although she has occasionally accepted $10 million for films that include backend profits. For her performance in The Iron Lady (2011), she agreed to a lower fee of $1 million, which she later donated in full to the Women’s History Museum.
Meryl Streep’s impressive career and various ventures have solidified her as one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood, both financially and artistically. Through her dedication to her craft, remarkable versatility, and philanthropic efforts, Streep has built an enduring legacy that continues to inspire new generations of actors and audiences alike.
