Meryl Streep: A Legendary Actress With An Impressive Net Worth

How Much Is Meryl Streep Worth, Anyway?

Let’s talk about one of the most iconic actresses of all time: Meryl Streep. This powerhouse has built an incredible career that’s earned her a staggering net worth of $100 million. Meryl Streep is not just any actress—she’s a legend who's been nominated for 21 Academy Awards and has won three of them. She also boasts two BAFTAs, eight Golden Globes, and two Emmy Awards. Her talent has made her one of the highest-paid actresses in the world. For instance, from September 2019 to September 2020 alone, she raked in $25 million from her various projects. Her typical movie salary? A cool $20 million. But here’s the kicker—Meryl is known to take on roles for less money if the project is meaningful or offers a piece of the profits. Talk about dedication!

Early Days: Growing Up to Become a Star

Meryl Streep, born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, didn’t start out as the Hollywood legend we know today. She grew up with two younger brothers, Harry William and Dana David, who also pursued acting careers. Her mom, Mary Wilkinson Streep, was a commercial artist and art editor, while her dad, Harry William Streep Jr., worked in pharmaceuticals. Meryl attended Bernards High School in Bernardsville, New Jersey, where she was a cheerleader and even crowned homecoming queen her senior year. But it was her passion for theater that truly set her apart. She appeared in countless school plays and took opera lessons from Estelle Liebling for four years, honing her craft from an early age.

After high school, Meryl headed to Vassar College, graduating in 1971. It was during her time at Vassar that she discovered her love for serious theater, starring in the play "Miss Julie" in 1969. Meryl then went on to Yale School of Drama, earning her MFA in 1975. To support herself, she juggled jobs as a waitress and typist while performing in over a dozen stage productions annually. Talk about multitasking!

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A Career That Defines Excellence

Meryl Streep’s professional journey began in earnest in 1975 when she landed a job at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Playwrights Conference. Over six weeks, she acted in five plays, showcasing her versatility. That same year, she moved to New York City, where she performed in numerous stage productions. Her early performances included roles in "Henry V" and "Measure for Measure" at the Delacorte Theater in 1976, "Happy End" at the Martin Beck Theatre in 1977, and "Secret Service" at the Playhouse Theatre in 1976. Her big break came in the 1977 film "Julia," though most of her scenes were cut. However, thanks to Robert De Niro, who saw her in "The Cherry Orchard," she auditioned for the role of his girlfriend in "The Deer Hunter" (1978). For this role, she earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Meryl’s career skyrocketed after "The Deer Hunter." In 1979, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Kramer vs. Kramer." Over the years, she delivered unforgettable performances in films like "Manhattan" (1979), "Sophie’s Choice" (1982), "Silkwood" (1983), "A Cry in the Dark" (1988), "Defending Your Life" (1991), "Death Becomes Her" (1992), "The Bridges of Madison County" (1995), "One True Thing" (1998), "Adaptation" (2002), "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006), "Mamma Mia!" (2008), "Julie & Julia" (2009), "The Iron Lady" (2011), and "The Post" (2018). Her most commercially successful film, "Mamma Mia!," grossed an impressive $609 million worldwide.

But Meryl’s talents aren’t limited to the big screen. She’s also made waves in television, starring in projects like "Angels in America" (2003), "Freedom: A History of US" (2003), "Web Therapy" (2010-2012), "Big Little Lies" (2019), and "Only Murders in the Building" (2023–present). She’s even lent her voice to documentaries such as "Ocean Voyagers" (2007), "Makers: Women Who Make America" (2013), and "Five Came Back" (2017). With over 150 major awards under her belt, including the 2004 AFI Life Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, Meryl Streep is truly a force to be reckoned with.

More Than Acting: Meryl’s Other Ventures

Beyond her acting career, Meryl Streep has explored various other passions. She’s narrated several audiobooks, including the children’s classics "Brave Irene," "Spinky Sulks," and "The One and Only Shrek" by William Steig. She’s also been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, serving as the spokesperson for the National Women’s History Museum. To further support education, she established two scholarships for students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Meryl’s commitment to making a difference extends far beyond her work in front of the camera.

Her Personal Side: Love, Family, and Beyond

Meryl was in a relationship with actor John Cazale for three years until his tragic passing from lung cancer in March 1978. Six months after his death, she married sculptor Don Gummer. Together, they raised four children, including actresses Grace Gummer and Mamie Gummer. Grace is married to DJ Mark Ronson, and in February 2019, Meryl became a grandmother when her eldest daughter, Mamie, welcomed her first child.

In October 2023, Meryl and Don revealed they had been separated for six years. Their publicist issued a statement saying, "Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart." Despite their separation, it’s clear that their bond remains strong.

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Real Estate: Where Does Meryl Call Home?

Meryl and Don have made some savvy real estate moves over the years. In 1995, they purchased a New York City townhouse for $2.175 million, selling it in 2005 for a tidy profit of $9.1 million. In 2006, they spent $10.13 million on a luxurious four-bedroom penthouse in NYC, listing it for $25 million in 2018 before eventually selling it for $16 million in 2020. They also own a mid-century modern home in Pasadena, California, which they bought for $3.6 million in 2017, and a sprawling 90-acre country estate in Salisbury, Connecticut.

Salary Secrets: How Much Does Meryl Earn?

Back in 1978, Meryl earned $35,000 for her role in "The Deer Hunter"—that’s roughly $140,000 in today’s money. The following year, she made $85,000 for "Kramer vs. Kramer," equivalent to about $340,000 today. Throughout the 1980s, she consistently commanded $4 million per film. More recently, she’s been known to earn upwards of $20 million per movie or $10 million if the project includes backend profits. Interestingly, she accepted just $1 million to star in 2011’s "The Iron Lady" and donated the entire amount to the Women’s History Museum. Now that’s what I call generosity!