Early Life
Streep studied at Vassar College and the Yale School of Drama, then began her career on the New York stage.
Career
She earned her first Oscar nomination for The Deer Hunter (1978), won Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), and won Best Actress for Sophie's Choice (1982) and The Iron Lady (2011). Other notable roles include Out of Africa, Silkwood, The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Julie & Julia and the musical Mamma Mia!
Legacy
Streep has received 21 Academy Award nominations, the most of any actor. She has also won multiple Golden Globes and Emmys, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.
Sources and further reading
Last updated: 2026-09-24