Meryl Streep Through the Years: Photos of the Iconic Actress When She Was Young to Today

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January 4, 2024 4:13PM EST
Meryl Streep
Stewart Cook/Shutterstock for SAG Awards

Celebrate Meryl Streep by going down memory lane with these photos of the three-time Oscar winner throughout her career!

Meryl Streep, born June 22, 1949, is an American actress. She has starred in over 90 films and has earned three Academy Awards over her decades-long career. Meryl first broke onto the scene with her impressive performance in ‘The Deer Hunter,’ for which she earned her very first Oscar nomination.

Meryl would go on to win her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in the film ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ and would later win two more Oscars for her leading work in ‘Sophie’s Choice’ and ‘The Iron Lady.’ Meryl is the most nominated actor in Academy history, with 21 nominations to her name as of 2021. Meryl’s career has seen her take on drama, comedy, musical, and so much more and she has transitioned to television with absolute ease. Meryl is, without a doubt, one of the most towering figures in Hollywood.

In addition to being an actress, Meryl is also a family woman. She married her husband, Don Gummer, in 1978, and they had four children together: Henry Wolfe Gummer, Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer and Louisa Jacobson Gummer. All four kids have followed in their mom’s footsteps with careers in the entertainment industry.

To see more pictures of Meryl Streep, check out the rest of this gallery!

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Meryl Streep At The 2022 SAG Awards

Meryl Streep At The 2022 SAG Awards
Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep is simply sizzling in a strapless black dress whil on stage at the 28th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Barker Hangar, in Santa Monica, California on Feb. 27, 2022. She wore slim glasses and a long, beaded necklace as she took the stage to present.

June 21, 2022, 9:09PM
2 of 25

Meryl Streep At The Premiere Of ‘The Laundromat’

Meryl Streep At The Premiere Of ‘The Laundromat’
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep turns heads in blue paint-splotched Givenchy during the premiere of ‘The Laundromat’ at the 76th Venice Film Festival in Italy on Sep. 1, 2019. Sunglasses, red heels, and sunglasses gave the look offbeat glamour.

June 21, 2022, 9:09PM
3 of 25

Meryl Streep In 2019

Meryl Streep In 2019
Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep smiles while taking questions during a Q&A at a special screening of ‘Little Women’ in LA on Oct. 23, 2019. She wore a classic black look.

June 21, 2022, 9:09PM
4 of 25

Meryl Streep At The Premiere Of ‘Don’t Look Up’

Meryl Streep At The Premiere Of ‘Don’t Look Up’
Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep is so chic at the premiere of Netflix’s ‘Don’t Look Up’ in New York on Dec. 5, 2021. Her look teamed a chunky black sequined shift with a turtleneck and tights.

June 21, 2022, 9:09PM
5 of 25

Meryl Streep With Husband Don Gummer

Meryl Streep With Husband Don Gummer
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutt

Meryl Streep and her husband, Don Gummer, attend the 87th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Meryl looked stunning in a pantsuit, while Don was dapper in his tuxedo.

 

October 12, 2021, 11:35AM
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Meryl Streep & Daughter Grace Gummer

Meryl Streep & Daughter Grace Gummer
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep cozies up to her daughter Grace Gummer at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in Jan. 2018. She sparkled in a sequined outfit for the event with her third oldest child.

October 12, 2021, 11:35AM
7 of 25

Meryl Streep In ‘Sophie’s Choice’

Meryl Streep In ‘Sophie’s Choice’
ITV/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep in a still from the film ‘Sophie’s Choice.’ The actress won her second Oscar and first for a leading performance for the 1982 film.

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
8 of 25

Meryl Streep At A Beverly Hills Photo Shoot

Meryl Streep At A Beverly Hills Photo Shoot
Elisa Leonelli/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep at a photoshoot in Beverly Hills in October 1988. She posed in an oversized plazer. 

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
9 of 25

Meryl Streep At ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ Film Premiere

Meryl Streep At ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ Film Premiere
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep at ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ film premiere in July 2004. She starred in the film opposite Denzel Washington.

June 22, 2021, 2:08PM
10 of 25

Meryl Streep In ‘The Devil Wears Prada

Meryl Streep In ‘The Devil Wears Prada
Henry Lamb/BEI/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep on the set of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ in New York on September 18, 2005. She looked fierce.

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
11 of 25

Meryl Streep Wears Valentino

Meryl Streep Wears Valentino
Gregory Pace/BEI/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep, wearing a Valentino dress, at the 22nd Annual Night of Stars Gala in New York on October 27, 2005. She looked simply dazzling. 

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
12 of 25

Meryl Streep At The 2006 Berlinale Film Festival

Meryl Streep At The 2006 Berlinale Film Festival
Michele Tantussi/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep attends the 56th Berlinale Film Festival on February 12, 2006. She posed for cameras and waved on the red carpet.

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
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Meryl Streep In 2008

Meryl Streep In 2008
Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstoc

Meryl Streep attends the Film Society Of Lincoln Center 35th Gala Tribute in New York on April 14, 2008. She posed with her award.

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
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Meryl Streep In ‘The Iron Lady’

Meryl Streep In ‘The Iron Lady’
©Weinstein Company/Courtesy Eve

Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in the 2011 film ‘The Iron Lady.’ She went on to win her third Oscar for her performance in the film. 

June 22, 2021, 3:32PM
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Meryl Streep At The 84th Annual Academy Awards

Meryl Streep At The 84th Annual Academy Awards
Broadimage/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles on February 26, 2012. She showed off her Oscar in the press room.

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
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Meryl Streep With Her Third Academy Award

Meryl Streep With Her Third Academy Award

Meryl Streep poses with her Oscar after winning Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for her work in ‘The Iron Lady.’ This marked her third Oscar overall and second for a leading performance. 

June 22, 2021, 3:32PM
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Meryl Streep At The 86th Annual Academy Awards Oscars

Meryl Streep At The 86th Annual Academy Awards Oscars
Stewart Cook/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep at the 86th Annual Academy Awards Oscars in Los Angeles on March 2, 2014. She earned an Oscar nomination for Best Perfomance by an Actress in a Leading Role for her work in ‘August: Osage County’ for this ceremony.

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
18 of 25

Meryl Streep At The BAFTA British Academy Film Awards

Meryl Streep At The BAFTA British Academy Film Awards
Nils Jorgensen/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep attned sthe BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 12, 2017. She wore Givenchy for the ceremony.

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
19 of 25

Meryl Streep At The 90th Academy Awards

Meryl Streep At The 90th Academy Awards
Mike Nelson/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep attends the 90th Academy Awards on March 4, 2018. The three-time Oscar winner looked gorgeous in red as she posed with one hand on her hip.

November 7, 2019, 11:05AM
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Meryl Streep At The ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Film Premiere

Meryl Streep At The ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Film Premiere
Ray Tang/LNP/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep attends the ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ film premiere in London on Dec. 12, 2018. She wore Elie Saab for the premiere of the film, in whcih she co-starred with Emily Blunt! 

November 7, 2019, 11:05AM
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Meryl Streep At The New York Red Carpet Premiere for Season 2 of HBO’s ‘Big Little Lies’

Meryl Streep At The New York Red Carpet Premiere for Season 2 of HBO’s ‘Big Little Lies’
Marion Curtis/StarPix for HBO/Sh

Meryl Streep at the New York Red Carpet Premiere for Season 2 of HBO’s ‘Big Little Lies’ in New York on May 29, 2019. She wore Oscar de la Renta with shoes by Stuart Weitzman. 

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
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Meryl Streep At A Photocall For The Film ‘The Laundromat’

Meryl Streep At A Photocall For The Film ‘The Laundromat’
ETTORE FERRARI/EPA-EFE/Shutterst

Meryl Streep poses at a photocall for ‘The Laundromat’ during the 76th annual Venice International Film Festival in Venice on Sept. 1, 2019. The movie was presented in official competition.

November 7, 2019, 11:05AM
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Meryl Streep At ‘The Laundromat’ Film Premiere

Meryl Streep At ‘The Laundromat’ Film Premiere
Camilla Morandi/Shutterstock

Meryl Streep at the premiere of ‘The Laundromat’ at the 76th Venice Film Festival on Sept. 1, 2019. She wore Givenchy for the red carpet event.

June 22, 2021, 2:09PM
24 of 25

Meryl Streep On The Set Of ‘The Prom’

Meryl Streep On The Set Of ‘The Prom’
P&P / MEGA

Meryl Streep shoots scenes for ‘The Prom’ on March 6, 2020. The actress starred in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical.

March 6, 2020, 11:40AM
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meryl-streep-gallery-ftr

meryl-streep-gallery-ftr
Stewart Cook/Shutterstock for SAG Awards
January 4, 2024, 4:09PM