From the streets of Summit, New Jersey, to the glittering lights of Hollywood, Meryl Streep has carved a niche for herself in the world of acting that few can rival. Yet, there’s a part of her past that she wishes she could change. It’s not a role she regrets or a missed opportunity, but something more personal – her name.
Yes, the name that has become synonymous with acting excellence was once a source of discomfort for the three-time Academy Award winner. Let’s delve into the story behind Meryl Streep’s name, her journey to acceptance, and her rise to stardom.
The Birth of Mary Louise Streep
Born on June 22, 1949, Meryl Streep was christened Mary Louise Streep, a name chosen to honor her mother, Mary, and her mother’s best friend, Louise Buckman. The name Mary has a long lineage in her family passed down through generations, a testament to the strong women who shaped Meryl into the person she is today.
However, her father, Harry William Streep Jr., had a different moniker in mind for his daughter. He affectionately nicknamed her Meryl, a name that would eventually eclipse her birth name and become recognized worldwide. Yet, as a young girl, Meryl found herself at odds with the name her father had bestowed upon her.
Meryl Streep Longs to Change One Aspect of Her Childhood
Growing up, Meryl Streep was not fond of her unique name. She once confessed,
“I haaaaaaaated my name. I wanted to be named Patty or Cathy. But I had glasses, and my name was Meryl, and [my last name] had a ‘p’ on the end. It should have been ‘Street.’ ‘Why didn’t they just put a ‘t’ on the end instead of ‘p’?'”
This sentiment was shared on The Graham Norton Show, where she humorously lamented her name’s distinctiveness. Her name, a source of childhood discontent, was a constant reminder of her uniqueness, a trait she would later appreciate.
She often wondered why her parents didn’t just put a T at the end of her last name instead of a P, making it Street instead of Streep. Despite her initial dislike, Meryl eventually embraced her name, acknowledging that if she had been named Patty, she might have turned out to be different.
The Undisputed GOAT of Hollywood
Meryl Streep’s journey in Hollywood is nothing short of extraordinary. Despite her early career being marked by self-doubt and fear of failure, she has become one of the most acclaimed actresses in the industry. Once a source of discomfort, her name is now synonymous with acting excellence. With three Academy Awards and numerous other accolades, Streep is often called the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in acting circles.
Off-screen, Meryl Streep is a dedicated mother and wife. She has been married to sculptor Don Gummer since 1978, and they have four children together: Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa. Streep’s personal life has remained relatively private, with the actress preferring to let her work speak for itself. However, she has been vocal about certain issues, using her platform to advocate for women’s rights and press freedom.
Source: YouTube
