Meryl Streep: Bio, Height, Husband, Net Worth, Awards (2025)
Meryl Streep is an American actress widely regarded as one of the greatest performers in film history. height is 5ft 6 or 167.6 cm tall, net worth ~$100 – $120 million USD Known for her versatility, technical mastery, and emotional depth, she has delivered iconic performances across more than five decades in film, theatre, and television.
General Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Louise “Meryl” Streep (Wikipédia) |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1949 (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| Age (2025) | 75 years old (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| Height | height is 5ft 6 or 167.6 cm tall |
| Weight | 63 kg |
| Place of Birth | Summit, New Jersey, United States (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| Nationality | American (Wikipédia) |
| Profession | Film & theatre actress, producer, public-figure (Wikipédia) |
| Years Active | 1975–present (Wikipédia) |
| Net Worth (2025 estimate) | ~$100 – $120 million USD (Finance Mensuel) |
Early Life & Education
Meryl Streep was born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey. (Encyclopedia Britannica) She grew up in a family that valued creativity and learning: her mother was involved in the arts, and her upbringing encouraged both intellectual and artistic pursuits. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Meryl’s training in performance began young: she started voice training around age 12. (Encyclopedia Britannica) She attended Vassar College, graduating in 1971 with a degree in drama and costume design. (Encyclopedia Britannica) After college, she pursued advanced acting studies at the Yale School of Drama, earning her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 1975. (Wikipédia)
Her rigorous training — both vocal and dramatic — laid a strong foundation for the depth, versatility, and technical mastery that would define her acting career.
Early Career: Theatre & First Screen Roles
Shortly after graduating, Meryl Streep moved to New York City to begin her professional acting career. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Her Broadway debut came in 1975 in the play Trelawny of the “Wells”. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Her first feature-film appearance was in Julia (1977), though her role was minor. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Her first major recognition came in 1978 with her role in The Deer Hunter. Even though her screen time was limited, her performance captured attention and helped launch her Hollywood career. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- That same year, she appeared in the television miniseries Holocaust, winning an Emmy Award, which introduced her to a wider audience. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
These early roles demonstrated Streep’s capacity for emotional nuance, subtlety, and a strong screen presence — qualities that would become hallmarks of her long career.
Breakthrough & Stardom: 1979–1985
Between the late 1970s and mid-1980s, Meryl Streep established herself as a powerhouse actress in Hollywood, through a series of critically acclaimed and influential films:
- Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): She won her first Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress) for her portrayal of a mother struggling with family and custody issues. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981): She delivered a complex dual-role performance that showcased her range and depth. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Sophie’s Choice (1982): In what many consider her signature role, she portrayed a Holocaust survivor with emotional intensity and nuance, earning her a second Oscar (Best Actress). (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Silkwood (1983), Out of Africa (1985): These films solidified her versatility — from gritty drama to epic romance — proving she could carry complex, emotionally demanding roles across different genres. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
By the mid-1980s, Meryl Streep was firmly established as one of the finest actresses of her generation, combining technical proficiency, emotional vulnerability, and a willingness to take on challenging roles.
Diversification: 1986–1999
As her career matured, Streep continued to stretch her acting muscles, experimenting with different genres, characters, and tones. She balanced serious dramas with lighter fare, showing a willingness to avoid being typecast. Notable works from this period include:
- A Cry in the Dark (1988) — a gripping dramatic role based on a real-life tragedy. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Postcards from the Edge (1990) — a more comedic, self-reflective film, where she played a Hollywood actress trying to recover from addiction and personal struggles. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995) — a romantic drama with deep emotional resonance, widely appreciated by critics and audiences. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Other films such as Marvin’s Room, One True Thing, among others that explored family dynamics, identity, moral dilemmas, and human vulnerability. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
During this period, Streep consolidated her reputation not only for dramatic intensity but also for her willingness to explore subtle, character-driven narratives that demanded emotional authenticity rather than spectacle.
2000s Renaissance: Comedy, Adaptation & Mainstream Success
In the early 2000s, Meryl Streep reinvented herself for a new generation — embracing comedic roles, musicals, and stories based on contemporary issues, while still honoring her roots in serious drama.
Key films include:
- Adaptation (2002): Her supporting role showcased her ability to navigate complex, layered scripts and earned her critical acclaim. (Biography)
- The Hours (2002): Demonstrated her continued strength in dramatic roles. (Biography)
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Her portrayal of Miranda Priestly — a powerful, demanding fashion editor — became iconic, showing her comedic timing, sharp presence, and adaptation to modern storytelling. The film was a major box-office hit. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Mamma Mia! (2008): Venturing into musical/comedy territory, Streep surprised many with her lightness and charm, reaching a new audience and proving her versatility yet again. (Biography)
- Doubt (2008), Julie & Julia (2009): Returned to more serious and emotionally challenging roles, earning accolades and awards nominations, balancing her filmography with both light and profound works. (Biography)
This period revitalized her career and expanded her fan base: she showed she could excel in blockbusters, comedies, musicals and prestige dramas — a testament to her enduring talent and adaptability.
Later Career: Prestige Roles, Biopics & Continued Excellence (2010s–2020s)
Even into her 60s and 70s, Meryl Streep has remained relevant — continuing to choose meaningful, diverse roles. Some highlights:
- The Iron Lady (2011): Her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher won her a third Academy Award and demonstrated her ability to fully transform into real-life figures with depth and nuance. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Florence Foster Jenkins (2016): Her nuanced performance of the troubled but determined amateur singer earned critical praise and added to her legacy of portraying complex, vulnerable characters. (Biography)
- The Post (2017): As Katharine Graham, the film’s publisher fighting for press freedom, Streep showed her ability to handle politically and socially relevant topics with gravitas. (Biography)
- In recent years she has also embraced television and streaming: for instance, she joined Only Murders in the Building (2023–2024) in a supporting role, proving her adaptability even in shifting media landscapes. (Wikipédia)
Her capacity to continually reinvent, to choose varied roles, and to perform with integrity and emotional truth, even decades into her career, is a rare achievement in the film industry.
Filmography Highlights (Selective)
| Year | Film / Project | Role / Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | The Deer Hunter | Supporting role — early recognition (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 1979 | Kramer vs. Kramer | Lead role — first Oscar win (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 1982 | Sophie’s Choice | Iconic role — Oscar win (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 1985 | Out of Africa | Dramatic leading role (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 1995 | The Bridges of Madison County | Romantic drama lead (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 2006 | The Devil Wears Prada | Iconic supporting/lead role in mainstream hit (Wikipédia) |
| 2008 | Mamma Mia! | Musical/comedy role — broadened audience (Biography) |
| 2011 | The Iron Lady | Biopic — third Oscar win (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 2016 | Florence Foster Jenkins | Critically acclaimed performance (Biography) |
| 2017 | The Post | Lead role — prestige political drama (Biography) |
| 2023–2024 | Only Murders in the Building (series) | Television / streaming role, demonstrating continued relevance (Wikipédia) |
Awards, Recognition & Career Milestones
Meryl Streep’s career is one of the most decorated in cinematic history. Some of her major honors include:
- Academy Awards: 3 wins (from a record 21 nominations) (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Golden Globe Awards: Multiple wins and nominations, across dramatic, comedic, and musical roles. (Wikipédia)
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Awards for television roles, reflecting her versatility across media. (Wikipédia)
- Lifetime honors and cultural awards recognizing her contribution to arts and cinema. (Wikipédia)
Her continuous recognition over decades speaks not only to her talent, but to her commitment to artistic integrity — she has consistently chosen roles that challenge her and reflect diverse facets of human experience.
Net Worth & Financial Standing (2025)
According to recent estimates, Meryl Streep’s net worth is around US$ 100–120 million. (Finance Mensuel)
Her income sources include:
- Film and television salaries
- Residuals from past movie releases
- Participation in high-profile projects (films, streaming series)
- Voice work, documentaries, and occasional producing roles
Her financial success matches her critical acclaim, showing that longevity, versatility, and artistic integrity in Hollywood can coincide with commercial viability.
Acting Style, Strengths & Artistic Legacy
What distinguishes Meryl Streep — and cements her as a legend — is a combination of:
- Versatility: She has played a vast array of characters across genres — from intense drama and historical biopics to comedies and musicals.
- Emotional depth and authenticity: Her performances often resonate because of the emotional truth she brings, making characters believable, human, complex.
- Technical mastery: Strong voice training, accent work, control over physicality — these allow her to inhabit widely varied roles, including characters with accents, different nationalities, and vocations.
- Adaptability and reinvention: Over decades, she has avoided stagnation. She moves between film, theatre, TV, musicals, dramatic roles, light comedies — staying relevant across generations.
- Professional discipline and longevity: Maintaining a high standard across a 50+ year career is rare; Streep embodies a model of consistency, dedication, and artistic integrity.
Because of this, many critics, filmmakers, and fellow actors consider her the greatest living actress — a benchmark against which others are often compared.
Personal Life & Off-Screen: Family, Values, Influence
Meryl Streep has balanced a stellar career with a private personal life. She has four children — Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa — and over the decades has managed to keep a sense of normalcy despite fame. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
She is also recognized for her advocacy and commitment to social issues, including support for arts education, free speech, and public awareness. Her integrity, humility, and grounded persona continue to win respect in and beyond the entertainment world.
Why Meryl Streep Remains Relevant in 2025 & Her Enduring Legacy
Even in 2025, more than 50 years after her debut, Meryl Streep remains relevant and influential — a rare feat in the fast-changing world of cinema. Her legacy matters because:
- She has proven that great acting transcends age, era, and trends.
- She continues to secure meaningful, challenging roles — rather than merely relying on past fame.
- Her filmography serves as a masterclass in acting versatility, emotional truth, and dedication to craft.
- She inspires new generations of actors — especially women — to pursue diverse, ambitious, and authentic careers.
- She exemplifies that longevity in Hollywood is possible when talent, discipline, and integrity are prioritized.
Meryl Streep – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Meryl Streep?
Meryl Streep is an American actress widely regarded as one of the greatest performers in film history, known for her versatility, emotional depth, and more than five decades of acclaimed work in cinema, theatre, and television.
2. What is Meryl Streep’s real name?
Her real name is Mary Louise Streep.
3. When was Meryl Streep born?
She was born on June 22, 1949.
4. How old is Meryl Streep in 2025?
Meryl Streep is 75 years old in 2025.
5. Where was Meryl Streep born?
She was born in Summit, New Jersey, USA.
6. Is Meryl Streep married?
Yes. Meryl Streep married sculptor Don Gummer in 1978. The couple reportedly separated quietly after many decades, though they remain on good terms.
7. Does Meryl Streep have children?
Yes, she has four children: Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa Gummer, several of whom are also involved in the arts.
8. What is Meryl Streep known for?
She is known for her exceptional acting ability, mastery of accents, versatility across genres, and her iconic performances in films like Sophie’s Choice, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Iron Lady.
9. What was Meryl Streep’s breakout role?
Her breakout role was in The Deer Hunter (1978), followed by major acclaim for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).
10. How many Oscars has Meryl Streep won?
She has won three Academy Awards.
11. How many Oscar nominations does Meryl Streep have?
She holds a record 21 Oscar nominations, more than any other actor in history.
12. What was Meryl Streep’s first Oscar?
Her first Oscar was Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).
13. What is considered Meryl Streep’s best performance?
Many critics consider Sophie’s Choice (1982) her most powerful and technically impressive performance.
14. What languages or accents can Meryl Streep perform?
She is known for mastering numerous accents, including Polish, British RP, Australian, Italian-American, and more—one reason she is considered a highly technical performer.
15. Is Meryl Streep classically trained?
Yes. She graduated from Vassar College and earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama, where she trained extensively in theatre and voice.
16. What awards has Meryl Streep won besides Oscars?
She has won multiple Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Emmys, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and numerous lifetime achievement awards.
17. What was her role in The Devil Wears Prada?
She played Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of a high-fashion magazine—one of her most iconic performances.
18. Did Meryl Streep sing in Mamma Mia?
Yes, Meryl Streep performed all her own vocals in Mamma Mia! (2008) and its sequel.
19. Is Meryl Streep active in television?
Yes. Recently, she appeared in Only Murders in the Building (2023–2024), among other projects.
20. Has Meryl Streep ever directed a film?
She has not directed a full-length feature, but she has been involved creatively in producing and supporting women-led productions.
21. What is Meryl Streep’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is between $100 and $120 million USD.
22. What is Meryl Streep’s height?
She stands at approximately 5 ft 6 in (168 cm).
23. What are some of Meryl Streep’s most famous films?
- Sophie’s Choice
- Kramer vs. Kramer
- The Iron Lady
- The Devil Wears Prada
- Out of Africa
- The Bridges of Madison County
- Mamma Mia!
24. Has Meryl Streep ever done voice acting?
Yes. She has voiced characters in documentaries and animated projects, including Fantastic Mr. Fox.
25. What makes Meryl Streep such a legendary actress?
Her depth, emotional intelligence, ability to completely transform for roles, and her mastery of technique—including vocal work and accents—set her apart from her peers.
26. Is Meryl Streep involved in activism?
Yes. She is an advocate for women’s rights, equal pay, arts funding, environmental issues, and freedom of speech.
27. What is Meryl Streep’s acting style?
Her style combines method-like immersion, classical training, deep research, emotional honesty, and technical precision.
28. What is one of her highest-grossing films?
The Devil Wears Prada and Mamma Mia! are among her top box-office successes.
29. Does Meryl Streep still act in 2025?
Yes. Meryl Streep continues to act in both film and television, choosing selective but impactful roles.
30. What is Meryl Streep’s legacy?
She is considered the most celebrated actress of her era, a transformative figure in modern acting, and a role model for generations of performers.
Sources & References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica – “Meryl Streep” biography and film analysis. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- IMDb & Wikipedia – Full career overview, awards, roles and filmography. (Wikipédia)
- Financial and industry estimates of net worth (2025). (Finance Mensuel)
- Biographical interviews and retrospectives from major media outlets. (Biography)