Meryl Streep is deemed by the U.S. media to be “the best actress of her generation,” and she has the experience and the awards to back it up. Since making her professional acting debut in a 1975 theatre production called Trelawny of the Wells, Streep has gone on to star in a variety of films spanning many genres. Her IMDB page cites 93 acting credits over the course of her career, as well as credits for other positions in the film world, such as soundtrack and producing.
Streep has earned 21 Academy Award nominations, three of which were wins, and 31 Golden Globe nominations, eight of which were wins–all extremely impressive statistics considering how difficult it is to win even just one of these awards. She has also received a variety of other prestigious awards for her work, including the AFI Life Achievement Award (2004), the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014), and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award (2017).
Streep has an extensive fan base who have loved her movies over the year and if she is one of your entertainment idols, then what better way to celebrate her birthday than to watch her on the big screen? In honor of Meryl Streep’s 72nd birthday. Here is a list of some of her best movies.
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
If you’re curious about the earlier days of Meryl Streep’s acting career, check out this movie, which is an American family courtroom drama that explores the impact that divorce can have on a family and particularly on a child. Streep plays Joanna, an unhappy wife who leaves her husband (Dustin Hoffman) alone with their child (Justin Henry), but eventually returns in order to partake in a custody battle.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
In this mid-2000s comedy, Streep plays “Runway” Fashion Magazine Editor Miranda Priestly, who has little patience for her inept intern played by Anne Hathaway. Streep’s character is blunt, to the point of cruelty, and manages to make us laugh with her harsh commentary directed towards the intern, but she also has a softer, more vulnerable side that is revealed later on.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
In this film adaptation of the 1999 musical–a story weaved together by songs from ABBA’s album from the mid-’70s–Meryl Streep takes on the iconic role of Donna, a mother who is shocked when three ex-boyfriends (Stellan Skarsgård, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth) show up during the days leading up to her daughter’s (Amanda Seyfried) wedding. This fantastic movie showcases Streep’s musical talent and is a must-watch this summer because the sequel is coming out on July 20.
Julie & Julia (2009)
Meryl Streep plays chef and author Julia Child in this film, which is adapted from two books: My Life in France, the real Child’s autobiography, and Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes by Julie Powell. The film follows two plotlines: the life of Julia Child in 1950s Paris as learns about cuisine, and the life of Julie Powell (Amy Adams) in the early 2000s as she blogs about trying out all of Child’s recipes in order to better her own life. This is a great movie for anyone who likes cooking, writing or all things French.
The Iron Lady (2012)
If you are interested in historical dramas, watch Streep star in The Iron Lady. This film tells the life story of Margaret Thatcher, the first female and longest-serving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the 20th century–played by Streep, of course. Although the film itself had mixed reviews, receiving just a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes, many people consider Streep’s performance as Thatcher to be one of the best of her career.
Happy Birthday, Meryl Streep! Keep on being your wonderful, witty, beautiful self.