Throughout the history of film and theatre, few actors have dominated the screen and stage as gracefully and powerfully as Meryl Streep. Born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, she has become a paragon of acting, celebrated worldwide for her ability to transform into her characters completely. Streep’s career, spanning over five decades and boasting numerous accolades, offers a rich case study for any aspiring actor.
Case Study: Meryl Streep
Education and Early Career
Raised in New Jersey, Streep was encouraged from a young age to explore her artistic abilities. However, it was not until her college years at Vassar College that she developed a passion for acting. Streep immersed herself in the theatre program, appearing in numerous plays and learning the foundations of the craft.
After Vassar, she enrolled at the Yale School of Drama, one of America’s premier theatre programs. Here, Streep honed her skills through rigorous training and extensive stage performances. It was at Yale that Streep began to grasp the power of transformation, an ability she would become renowned for in her professional career.
Streep’s first professional stage role came shortly after graduation in a production of “Trelawny of the ‘Wells'” in 1975. Her talent did not go unnoticed, and she received a Tony nomination the following year for her Broadway debut in “27 Wagons Full of Cotton.”
Cinematic Debut and Rise to Fame
Streep’s cinematic debut came with a small role in the 1977 film “Julia.” However, her breakthrough arrived just a year later when she starred in the mini-series “Holocaust,” earning her an Emmy Award. This success was followed by her role in “The Deer Hunter” (1978), which earned Streep her first Oscar nomination.
Over the next decade, Streep continued to impress critics and audiences alike with her chameleon-like ability to adopt various accents, physicalities, and personalities. Films like “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979), “Sophie’s Choice” (1982), and “Out of Africa” (1985) solidified her reputation as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, with “Sophie’s Choice” earning her an Oscar for Best Actress.
Versatility and Longevity
One of Streep’s defining attributes as an actress is her extraordinary versatility. She has portrayed a vast array of characters, from the fictional (the evil witch in “Into the Woods”) to the historical (British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady”). Her ability to disappear into these roles is often attributed to her rigorous preparation and deep character study, including learning new skills, dialects, and even physical traits.
This versatility has also contributed to her impressive career longevity. Even as she transitioned into older roles, Streep remained a dominant force in Hollywood. Notably, in the 2000s and 2010s, she delivered acclaimed performances in films like “Adaptation” (2002), “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006), “Julie & Julia” (2009), and “The Post” (2017).
Legacy and Influence
Streep’s impact on the world of acting extends beyond her performances. She has used her platform to advocate for gender equality in Hollywood and has been a role model for countless young actors. Her ability to maintain a successful career while raising a family has challenged traditional notions of women in the industry.
Moreover, Streep’s consistent commitment to the craft of acting – including her dedication to ongoing training, her rigorous preparation for roles, and her fearless approach to character transformation – serves as an example to all actors. This unwavering dedication to her craft has resulted in a body of work that is not only acclaimed but also varied, nuanced, and deeply human.
Lessons from Streep’s Career
There are numerous lessons aspiring actors can learn from studying Meryl Streep’s career. First, her educational background underscores the value of formal training in developing an actor’s skills. Streep’s time at Yale allowed her to experiment, make mistakes, and learn in a safe and supportive environment.
Second, Streep’s career highlights the importance of versatility. By not allowing herself to be typecast into specific roles or genres, Streep has maintained a varied and exciting career. She has also shown that an actor’s career can evolve over time, with different kinds of roles becoming available as one gains experience and maturity.
Finally, Streep’s advocacy work reminds actors of the potential to use their platform for change. With fame comes the opportunity to influence society and bring attention to critical issues. As actors, it’s important to consider not only the roles we play on stage or screen but also the role we play in our communities and societies.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
One of the key aspects of Streep’s acting style is her ability to portray vulnerability and strength simultaneously. Whether she is portraying a determined mother fighting for custody of her child in “Kramer vs. Kramer,” a Holocaust survivor burdened by a devastating secret in “Sophie’s Choice,” or even a feared and respected fashion magazine editor in “The Devil Wears Prada,” Streep manages to make her characters real and relatable by tapping into their emotional core.
This is perhaps best illustrated in her portrayal of Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada.” While it would be easy to dismiss Priestly as a cold, heartless boss, Streep imbues the character with subtle vulnerability, hinting at the pressures and loneliness that come with her position of power. This nuanced performance transforms what could have been a one-note character into a complex, multidimensional person.
For actors studying Streep’s work, this is a crucial lesson: no character is simply one thing. Even in roles that might seem straightforward on the surface, there is always room for depth and complexity. By exploring a character’s vulnerabilities and weaknesses, actors can create more nuanced and compelling performances.
Mastering the Craft
A key aspect of Streep’s success is her commitment to mastering the craft of acting. She is known for her exhaustive preparation for roles, which often includes extensive research, physical training, and dialect coaching.
For instance, while preparing for her role in “Sophie’s Choice,” Streep learned both German and Polish to enhance her performance as a Holocaust survivor. For “The Iron Lady,” she spent months studying Margaret Thatcher’s speeches and mannerisms to convincingly portray the former British Prime Minister. This commitment to detail allows Streep to fully inhabit her characters, lending authenticity and depth to her performances.
Streep’s dedication to her craft is a reminder of the work that goes into acting. While talent is important, it is through continuous learning, practice, and preparation that actors can truly excel in their craft. As such, actors studying Streep’s career should be prepared to invest significant time and effort into honing their skills and preparing for roles.
Concluding Thoughts
Meryl Streep’s career provides a wealth of insights for aspiring actors. Her extensive body of work, spanning multiple decades and a variety of roles, serves as a testament to the value of versatility, dedication, and nuanced performance in acting. Furthermore, her advocacy for gender equality and her ability to balance a successful career with a fulfilling personal life make her a role model for actors everywhere.
Studying Streep’s career can be immensely rewarding for actors. Not only does it provide a roadmap for building a successful and enduring career in acting, but it also underscores the importance of constant learning, preparation, and the willingness to take on challenging and varied roles. In the world of acting, Meryl Streep stands as a towering figure, and her career offers invaluable lessons to actors at every stage of their career journey.
Meryl Streep’s career offers a rich study in the power of versatility, the value of ongoing training, and the potential for actors to effect change. Her unyielding commitment to the craft and her ability to fully embody a vast range of characters have firmly established her as one of the greatest actors of all time. As such, her career is a source of inspiration for any actor, regardless of where they are on their artistic journey.