How Meryl Streep Got Into Acting: The Making of a Legendary Career
(Meryl Streep)
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Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, with a career adorned with Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and countless other accolades. Known for her ability to disappear into roles, from The Devil Wears Prada to Sophie’s Choice, Streep’s journey to stardom is a fascinating story of natural talent, rigorous training, and an unshakable commitment to her craft.
Early Life and the Spark of Curiosity
Born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, Streep grew up in a comfortable, middle-class household. Her mother was a commercial artist, and her father was a pharmaceutical executive. Though creative influences surrounded her, Streep initially showed no particular interest in acting.
“I didn’t dream about being an actress when I was a kid,” Streep once said. “I wanted to be an opera singer. I was really into music and drama, but acting didn’t come into the picture until later.”
While attending Bernards High School, Streep dabbled in acting but treated it more as a hobby than a serious pursuit. It wasn’t until her time at Vassar College, where she initially enrolled as a pre-law student, that her passion for acting began to take shape.
Discovering Her Passion
At Vassar, Streep was introduced to the world of theater and quickly became enthralled. “I was cast in a play, and something just clicked,” she recalled. “I realized that acting gave me a way to explore other lives and experiences, and that was exciting to me.”
Her professors noticed her immense talent and encouraged her to pursue acting professionally. Following their advice, Streep enrolled at the Yale School of Drama, one of the most prestigious acting programs in the country.
The Yale Years
At Yale, Streep honed her craft under the guidance of renowned instructors. Her time there was transformative, but it was also challenging. She took on demanding roles in student productions while juggling odd jobs to support herself. “I was constantly pushing myself to do better,” she said. “It was a time of growth, but it was also exhausting.”
One of the defining aspects of her time at Yale was her ability to take on a wide variety of roles. “I wanted to be versatile,” Streep explained. “I didn’t want to be typecast, so I threw myself into everything — comedies, tragedies, contemporary plays, and classics.”
Breaking into the Industry
After graduating in 1975, Streep moved to New York City to pursue acting professionally. She quickly made a name for herself in the theater world, earning critical acclaim for her performances in off-Broadway productions.
Her first foray into film came in Julia (1977), where she had a small but memorable role. Just a year later, she earned her first Academy Award nomination for The Deer Hunter. “I felt like I was learning on the job,” Streep said of her early film roles. “I had no idea if I was doing it right, but I poured everything into it.”
The Turning Point
Streep’s big break came in 1979 when she starred in Kramer vs. Kramer, opposite Dustin Hoffman. Her portrayal of Joanna, a mother caught in a bitter custody battle, earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and cemented her place as one of Hollywood’s most compelling performers.
“I didn’t approach that role as an opportunity to win awards,” Streep explained. “I just wanted to tell the truth of that character’s story.”
A Career Defined by Excellence
Over the years, Streep has taken on a staggering variety of roles, from historical figures to fictional characters, in dramas, comedies, and musicals. Her dedication to research and preparation is legendary. For Sophie’s Choice, she learned to speak Polish and German, and for The Iron Lady, she studied hours of footage to embody Margaret Thatcher.
“I’ve always believed in giving everything to a role,” Streep said. “If you don’t fully commit, you’re not doing justice to the story or the audience.”
Advice for Aspiring Actors
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring actors, Streep offered words of encouragement: “Be curious. Acting is about empathy and imagination. Don’t worry about being perfect — focus on being authentic and open to discovery.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
Meryl Streep’s journey from a curious college student to one of the most acclaimed actors in history is a testament to talent, perseverance, and an insatiable love for storytelling.
As Streep once said, “Acting is about finding humanity in every character. It’s about listening, observing, and telling the truth. That’s what keeps me going, even after all these years.”
Her career, marked by a blend of brilliance and humility, continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.
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