Profile of the Day: Meryl Streep

Happy birthday to Meryl Streep! Today the star turns 73.

Image: Meryl Streep / Wikimedia Commons

Mary Louise Streep was born on June 22, 1949 in Summit, New Jersey to Mary Wilkinson Streep, a commercial artist and art editor, and Harry William Streep, a pharmaceutical executive.

A graduate of Yale Drama School, Streep began her career on the stage. Before long, she lit up the big screen opposite Robert De Niro in The Deer Hunter and earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Since her breakthrough performance, Streep has starred in a wide variety of films, including Sophie’s Choice, The Devil Wears Prada, and Mamma Mia!

Considered one of the greatest film actors of all time, Meryl holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any actor, with a total of 21 nominations since her first nod in 1979.

What’s your favorite Meryl Streep performance?

Explore Meryl Streep’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the star. 

View Meryl Streep’s Geni Profile