In 1971, young Meryl overslept her law school interview. And if it hadn’t happened, the world of cinema would have been left without the legendary Miranda Priestly and the cool Madeline Ashton. Here are some interesting facts from the exciting biography of Meryl Streep .
Meryl Streep was going to quit the stage and become a lawyer, but then decided not to give up on her dream
Streep was interested in acting since her youth. She didn’t really believe that she could achieve any heights, but she happily participated in student productions. Meryl quickly memorized her lines and became famous among local actors for her flawless imitation of different accents. At the same time, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College, and then entered the Yale School of Drama. To pay for her studies at Yale, Meryl worked part-time as a typist and waitress.
Combining study and work is already a difficult task. But Meryl also took part in many productions. This regime led her to overwork and health problems. She thought about quitting acting and going to study to become an environmental lawyer. In 1971, Meryl actually applied to law school, and the morning before the interview… she overslept! But Streep was not particularly upset. She took this as a sign that she should not give up on her dream, and continued her studies at the Yale School of Drama. We were not upset either, because thanks to the alarm clock that did not go off, we have an amazing actress!
Meryl Streep pushed for script changes in Kramer vs. Kramer to make her character more empathetic
In Robert Benton’s drama, Meryl played the role of an unhappy married woman who abandons her husband and young son. Streep was originally cast as Phyllis, Ted Kramer’s one-night stand. But she managed to get an audition for the role of Joanna Kramer. Faye Dunaway, Jane Fonda , and Ali MacGraw had all turned down the lead role at the time.
After reading the script, Streep felt that it made her character too evil. She insisted that Joanna Kramer’s character did not represent real women who faced marriage breakdowns and child custody battles. The filmmakers agreed with her and reworked the script. She also wrote the speech that Joanna Kramer gives in court.
The film was a success for the team. Kramer vs. Kramer won five Academy Awards. And critics noted that the film well reflected the cultural shift that began to change ideas about motherhood and fatherhood. Kramer vs. Kramer gave equal weight and importance to the points of view of both main characters. You could say that this was partly due to Meryl, who was not afraid to defend the change in the main character. And then Streep was far from the level of popularity she has today.
Meryl Streep Fell into Creative Crisis While Filming The Devil Wears Prada
The film about the cruel world of fashion and gloss became one of the pearls of Meryl Streep’s career. She played the role of Runway magazine editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. It is believed that the prototype was Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour , who is distinguished by a rather tough management style. This is exactly how Miranda Priestly appeared – powerful, demanding and uncompromising.
Although the film itself received mixed reviews, many critics raved about Meryl’s performance. Her portrayal of Miranda Priestly earned her numerous awards, including an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe Award.
Meryl Streep herself was not thrilled with the role of the tyrant editor-in-chief. Fifteen years after the film’s release, she admitted that the image led her to a creative crisis during filming and forced her to abandon the acting technique known as the Method . The technique is based on Stanislavsky’s system and assumes that the actor gets so into the character that he almost never leaves it even outside the stage.
Meryl followed the Method and tried to remain a cold bitch in everyday life. Which was very different from her natural character, open and friendly.
Meryl Streep Helps Open School for Screenwriters Over 40
Forbes author Katie Caprino noted that as of 2014, only 17% of directors, screenwriters, producers, and editors of the highest-grossing films were women. The same percentage was recorded back in 1998, meaning, the journalist concluded, the situation has not changed one bit in 16 years. Streep, who had previously spoken out against sexism and ageism, has in her own way influenced the situation to finally change.
In April 2015, Meryl Streep, along with Nicole Kidman, funded the Screenwriters Lab , offered by the New York Women in Film & Television organization. The school accepts only female screenwriters over the age of 40. The lab is a four-day workshop that helps older women stay on top of their careers and work on their scripts under the supervision of recognized industry professionals.
By the way, Meryl Streep fights ageism not only in the film industry. She is also against plastic surgery. The actress herself has not had a facelift or Botox injections. Meryl Streep said that she prefers natural aging rather than escaping age. And she managed to prove that even after sixty, an actress can be in demand.
Meryl Streep has a record number of Oscar and Golden Globe nominations
Meryl Streep’s remarkable talent has not only brought her popularity and the love of fans. She has also become a real record holder!
Meryl has won three Oscars so far in her career: for Best Supporting Actress in Kramer vs. Kramer and for Best Actress in Sophie’s Choice and The Iron Lady. In total, Meryl has been nominated for an Oscar 21 times. And this is an absolute record among actors and actresses! In 2018, after another award ceremony, Time magazine even wrote the headline: “Meryl Streep Just Broke Her Own Oscar Nomination Record Because She’s Meryl Streep.”
Meryl also boasts the largest number of Golden Globe nominations – 32! An absolute record in the history of the award.
Well, we love Meryl not so much for the number of awards, but for her sense of humor, charm and, of course, for her acting. For Joanna Kramer, Sophie, Madeline Ashton, Miranda Priestly and even for the grumpy Aunt March!