Widely regarded as one of the greatest film actors of all time, today we pay tribute to Meryl Streep on her 66thย birthday.
Born Mary Louise Streep on 22 June 1949, Meryl is the oldest of three siblings born to Harry William Streep Jr., a pharmaceutical executive, and Mary Wolf (Wilkinson), a commercial artist.
Taking singing lessons from an early age, Streepโs early performing ambitions leaned toward opera. Thankfully for us, Meryl Streep became interested in acting a little later and enrolled in the Yale School of Drama, where she studied alongside none other than Sigourney Weaver.
Interesting Fact:ย Meryl Streep was a finalist to play the role of Ellen Ripley inย Alienย but the part went to good friend Sigourney Weaver.
Having broken into films in 1977 with an outstanding performance inย Julia, it was just a year later that Meryl Streep got her first Oscar nomination for her performance inย The Deer Hunter.
She went on to win the Academy Award for her performances inย Kramer vs. Kramerย andย Sophie's Choice, in which she gave a heart-wrenching portrayal of an inmate mother in a Nazi death camp.
Having played everyone from Julia Child to Margaret Thatcher, itโs really no wonder that Meryl Streep has garnered more Oscar nominations that any other actor in history, 19 in total with three wins. Streep has also received 29 Golden Globe nominations, winning eight, more nominations and more wins than any other actor (male or female) in history.
A prolific actress and a master of her craft, we couldnโt be happier to wish Meryl Streep a very happy birthday from all at the M-Net family.