Meryl Streep Net Worth
Meryl Streep net worth – What is the net worth of Meryl Streep? Meryl Streep is an American actress who has a net worth of $100 million. Often described as the “best actress of her generation,” she holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any actor in history. She is known for her mastery of accents and her ability to disappear into a vast array of characters, from a Polish Holocaust survivor to a terrifying fashion magazine editor.
What is Meryl Streep’s Net Worth?
As of 2026, Meryl Streep has an estimated net worth of US $100 million. Her wealth has been accumulated over a prolific career spanning five decades in theater, television, and film. Unlike many modern stars who rely on brand endorsements, Streep’s fortune comes almost exclusively from her acting salaries and real estate investments. She commands between $5 million and $20 million per film, depending on the project’s budget and her role.
Net Worth Comparison with Other Celebrities
| Celebrity | Estimated Net Worth |
| Meryl Streep | $100 Million |
| Robert De Niro | $500 Million |
| Jack Nicholson | $400 Million |
| Glenn Close | $50 Million |
| Jane Fonda | $200 Million |
| Helen Mirren | $100 Million |
Meryl Streep Net Worth Growth Timeline
| Year | Net Worth |
| 2015 | $65 Million |
| 2018 | $80 Million |
| 2021 | $90 Million |
| 2024 | $95 Million |
| 2026 | **$100 Million** |
Who is Meryl Streep?
Meryl Streep is an acting legend born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey. She burst onto the New York stage scene in the 1970s and quickly transitioned to film, earning her first Oscar nomination for The Deer Hunter (1978). She is celebrated not just for her dramatic roles in films like Sophie’s Choice and Out of Africa, but also for her comedic chops in blockbusters like The Devil Wears Prada and Mamma Mia!. She has received numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Meryl Streep Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Mary Louise Streep |
| Nickname | Meryl |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1949 |
| Age | 76 years |
| Birthplace | Summit, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 1975–present |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
| Salary | $10–20 Million Per Major Film |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Marital Status | Separated |
| Spouse | Don Gummer (m. 1978; sep. 2017) |
| Children | Henry Wolfe, Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer, Louisa Jacobson |
| Parents | Mary Wolf Wilkinson, Harry William Streep Jr. |
| Siblings | Harry Streep III, Dana Streep |
Early Life and Education
Meryl Streep was born in Summit, New Jersey. Her father was a pharmaceutical executive, and her mother was a commercial artist. She was raised in Bernardsville, New Jersey, where she attended Bernards High School. Although she appeared in school plays, she was not initially focused on a serious acting career and was even a cheerleader and homecoming queen.
She studied drama at Vassar College, graduating in 1971. She then applied to the prestigious Yale School of Drama. She paid her way through Yale by waitressing and typing, eventually earning her MFA in 1975. During her time at Yale, she performed in over 40 productions, famously developing ulcers from her intense workload.
Career
Streep’s career trajectory is unparalleled. After graduating from Yale, she moved to New York City and immediately found success in theater. Her film debut came in Julia (1977), followed by a breakout role in The Deer Hunter (1978). She won her first Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress) for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) and her second (Best Actress) for Sophie’s Choice (1982), a performance often cited as one of the greatest in cinema history.
In the 2000s, she found a new generation of fans with the massive commercial success of The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and the musical Mamma Mia! (2008), which became her highest-grossing film. She won her third Oscar for portraying Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady (2011). In recent years, she has embraced television, starring in the hit series Big Little Lies and Only Murders in the Building.
Personal Life
Meryl Streep was in a relationship with actor John Cazale (The Godfather) until his death from lung cancer in 1978. She stayed by his side throughout his illness. Six months after his death, she married sculptor Don Gummer.
The couple has four children, all of whom have entered the entertainment industry: musician Henry Wolfe, and actresses Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer, and Louisa Jacobson. Streep and Gummer were married for 45 years and were considered one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples. However, in October 2023, it was revealed that they had been quietly separated for more than six years, though they remain supportive of each other.
Favorite Things
| Category | Favorite |
| Food | Pasta, Chocolate |
| Drink | White Wine |
| Actress | Judi Dench |
| Actor | Robert De Niro |
| Hobbies | Knitting, Cooking, Violin |
| Director | Mike Nichols |
50 Unknown Facts about Meryl Streep
- Her real name is Mary Louise; “Meryl” was a nickname given by her father.
- She applied to law school but slept through her interview and took it as a sign to pursue acting.
- She was a cheerleader in high school.
- She left her first Oscar (Kramer vs. Kramer) on the back of a toilet during the after-party.
- She learned to play the violin for the movie Music of the Heart.
- She donated her entire salary from The Iron Lady to the National Women’s History Museum.
- She holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations (21).
- She has a deviated septum, which she refused to fix despite pressure from producers.
- She was told she was “too ugly” for the lead role in King Kong by producer Dino De Laurentiis (he said it in Italian, assuming she wouldn’t understand; she replied in fluent Italian).
- She almost quit acting after The Deer Hunter because of the emotional toll of John Cazale’s death.
- She learned Polish and a German accent for Sophie’s Choice.
- She writes her own speeches.
- She holds an honorary doctorate from Dartmouth, Princeton, and Harvard.
- She is a distant relative of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.
- She prepared for her role in The Devil Wears Prada by not speaking to Anne Hathaway on set to maintain her icy persona.
- She is 5’6″ tall.
- She has hosted the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.
- She was considered for the role of Ripley in Alien, which went to Sigourney Weaver.
- She used to wait tables at the Hotel Somerset in New Jersey.
- She has a photographic memory for lines.
- She is a registered Democrat.
- She famously advocated for equal pay in a letter to Congress.
- She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2014.
- She learned to kayak for The River Wild.
- She did most of her own stunts in The River Wild.
- She is terrified of helicopters.
- She loves to knit and often knits on set to relieve stress.
- She knitted the shawl she wears in the movie Doubt.
- She has been nominated for a staggering 33 Golden Globe Awards.
- She sang all her own songs in Mamma Mia! and Into the Woods.
- She once took opera lessons as a teenager but quit because she found it boring.
- She lived in the green room of a theatre in London when she was starting out.
- She is a huge fan of the TV show Judge Judy.
- She learned to ride a horse for Out of Africa.
- She has a fear of speaking at funerals.
- She is very private and rarely discusses her personal life in interviews.
- She voiced the character of Mrs. Fox in Fantastic Mr. Fox.
- She was the first choice to play Evita but was dropped.
- She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- She wore a fat suit for her role in The Laundromat.
- She learned rock guitar for the movie Ricki and the Flash.
- She appeared in the music video for Paul McCartney’s “Queenie Eye.”
- She has worked with Robert De Niro in four films.
- She is the most nominated actor in the history of the Oscars and Golden Globes.
- She has trademarked her name.
- She is a grandmother.
- She prefers cooking at home to going to restaurants.
- She was mentored by costume designer Jane Greenwood.
- She wore her own wedding ring in The Deer Hunter.
- She plans to direct a film in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Meryl Streep?
Meryl Streep is 76 years old (as of 2026).
Where was Meryl Streep born?
She was born in Summit, New Jersey.
When was Meryl Streep born?
June 22, 1949.
What is Meryl Streep’s height?
Meryl Streep is 5 feet 6 inches tall (1.68 m).
Who is Meryl Streep’s husband?
She was married to sculptor Don Gummer for 45 years. They separated in 2017 but the news was only made public in 2023.
Does Meryl Streep have children?
Yes, she has four children: Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa.
How many Oscars has Meryl Streep won?
She has won three Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer, and Best Actress for Sophie’s Choice and The Iron Lady.
What was Meryl Streep’s first movie?
Her film debut was in Julia (1977).
Is Meryl Streep British?
No, she is American. She is simply famous for her ability to do convincing British accents (e.g., The Iron Lady).
What is Meryl Streep’s real name?
Her birth name is Mary Louise Streep.