Meryl Streep

Considered by many critics as the best living actress, Meryl Streep has been nominated for an Oscar 21 astonishing times, and has won it three times.

Chameleon Woman

After her prominent roles in two of the most successful films of the 1970's, and also winners of the Oscar for Best Picture: The Deer Hunter and Kramer vs. Kramer, along with other accolades for the versatility of her performances, Streep successfully ventured into leading roles. Her first film of the '80s was The French Lieutenant's Wife in 1981. A melodrama in the Victorian era and the present, and where she shared the stage with Jeremy Irons. A New York Magazine article commented that while other female stars tried to cultivate a singular identity for each film, Streep was a "chameleon", able to embody any role.

Awards, awards, and more awards!

In 2002, she returned to the theater for the first time in twenty years playing Arkadina in The Seagull, directed by Mike Nichols. The same year, she made Adaptation, playing the reporter Susan Orlean. This performance earned her the applause of international critics, being awarded her fourth Golden Globe and a new Oscar nomination. Also in 2002, she starred opposite Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore in The Hours, based on Michael's novel.

She achieved critical and box office success with The Devil Wears Prada, an acclaimed comedy-drama where she played "Miranda Priestly", the sadistic senior editor and head of an influential fashion magazine. For this performance, she received her fourteenth Oscar nomination, becoming the actress most nominated for these awards in the category of best actress.

Meryl Streep Fun Facts

• She was a cheerleader in high school.
• She is married to a sculptor.
• She has a degree from the Yale School of Drama.
• She trained as an opera singer when she was young.