- Meryl Streep met her husband when she was mourning her boyfriend of two years. Streep and her husband became close friends quickly. The couple courted for six months before getting married.
- Streep has been married to her husband for 45 years, and they have four children together. The couple likes to keep their marriage life private but has on occasion revealed the secret to the long-lasting union.
- The actress and her husband have a lovely mid-century home in Pasadena, California. The pair enjoy their quiet life here and spending time with their grandchildren.
Meryl Streep is an exceptional actress who has 21 Oscar nominations, and 3 Oscar wins. The "Out of Africa" actress has been featured in several incredible movies including, "The Iron Lady" and "Don't Look Up."
Streep is also an outspoken advocate for women and one of Hollywood's most vocal proponents of the #MeToo movement. She is arguably the greatest exponent of female empowerment in the chronicles of cinema. The actress's personal life is also filled with warmth and fullness.
Meryl Streep in New York City on February 9, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Streep has a four-decade and counting love story that is better than happily-ever-after romance movies. The actress and her husband, Don Gummer, have kept their decades-long marriage private.
Gummer, a sculptor, was born on December 12, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was previously married to Peggy Jenel Lucas. His interest as a sculptor lies in large outdoor works that have led to his passion for public art.
The "Mamma Mia!" star and her husband met in 1978 via the actress's brother. When Streep and Gummer met, the actress was mourning the death of her boyfriend of two years, John Cazale.
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer in 1984 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Cazale was an actor like Streep and had appeared in movies like "The Godfather." In his final film, "The Deer Hunter," Cazale shared the screen with Streep. This was the only film they appeared together before Cazale died of lung cancer in March 1978.
Michael Sulman's biography "Her Again: Becoming Meryl Streep" provided a detailed account of Gummer and Streep's initial days after their first meeting. As stated in the biography, Streep needed to move out of the apartment she shared with Cazale.
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer in California in 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Streep's brother showed up with his friend Gummer on the move-out day so he could help. The actress ended up subletting Gummer's apartment in New York City while he traveled. At this time, Streep was filming "Kramer vs. Kramer," the movie that landed the actress her first Oscar.
Gummer corresponded with Streep using long letters when he was away. The two quickly became close friends. When Gummer came back to New York City, they fell in love so fast that the pair got married six months later at Streep's parents' Connecticut home in September 1978.
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer on December 31, 1979 | Source: Getty Images
The couple is blessed with four kids, who are all grown, and they're all going strong and enjoying life together as a family. The couple has raised their wonderful kids while maintaining their successful careers and bond in marriage.
According to Streep, the secret to their wonderful marriage and family is goodwill and willingness to bend. She added that shutting up every once in a while also helps:
"There's no road map on how to raise a family: It's always an enormous negotiation. But I have a holistic need to work and to have huge ties of love in my life. I can't imagine eschewing one for the other."
Meryl Streep kisses Don Gummer at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 17, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Streep also said she works in a partnership with her husband, which makes everything easier. The actress noted that she is the bad cop while Gummer is the good cop. She revealed:
"Teamwork is everything. My husband Don was … very involved. He was a little more relaxed when it comes to raising kids. I was more of a tiger mom."
The mother of four added that she was happy to have a husband who was always happy to look after the kids, which made her feel not guilty to travel for work.
Don Gummer and son Henry at Heathrow in London on January 25, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Streep's and Gummer's four kids are Henry Gummer, Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer, and Louisa Jacobson. The actress opened up about raising her kids to pursue their dreams.
She disclosed that when her son Henry was little, he wanted to pursue piano, but the teacher they hired wasn't good:
"…Henry lost interest. I thought he should continue to take lessons, but my husband thought it was my dream that I was trying to impose on him. Today, my son is 37, and he's a musician. Tigermom Meryl was right."
Mamie Gummer(L) and Meryl Streep in New York City on November 20, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
When it comes to her daughters, Streep said she was strict with them as her mother was with her. The actress said her daughters would ask why they weren't allowed to do something every other child was doing.
Streep would tell them, "I don't care what other kids are doing," just as her mom told her. Eventually, the actress realized she was being such as taskmaster and was a bit too involved in her kids' lives. She noted that this realization was not easy for her to admit:
"You sometimes forget that they grow up. You treat a 14-year-old like a 10-year-old out of habit. A teenager doesn't like that at all…I'm sure I was too protective at times – kids need to learn to stand on their own two feet."
Grace Gummer (L) and Meryl Streep in Beverly Hills, California on October 20, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the ups and downs of parenting, Streep said raising her kids for over 25 years on a sprawling property in Connecticut was an absolute pleasure. She noted that the home was her oasis.
The actress also said she enjoyed being a confidant to her children and loved doing everything to help them grow into independent young people.
The mid-century house rests on two acres of land and has a view of the San Gabriel Mountains. The couple purchased their home for $3.7 million.
Meryl Streep and Louisa Jacobson Gummer (R) in Hollywood, California on February 22, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Aside from being a great partner in raising children, Streep also praised her husband for giving her an amazing life. The couple has attended lots of red carpets events together, including the 2012 Oscar Awards, where Streep thanked her husband in her acceptance speech:
"First, I'm going to thank Don because when you thank your husband at the end of the speech, they play him out with the music, and I want him to know that everything I value most in our lives, you've given me."
Gummer has also always spoken positively about his wife. He once said Streep was everything in his life. "You've never considered yourself a star, you get mad and correct the press if they call you that, but you are, and not only in your work, you are the star that lightens my existence," he said.
Meryl Streep and Henry Gummer in Central Park in New York on August 21, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
The couple have had a lovely marriage, which is evident in how they speak about each other and take care of one another years after they got married.
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer in Rome, Italy on October 23, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
The Millionaire Actress Who Cooks for Her Family
Streep is not only a great actress but also a good cook. Her costars revealed that she invited them to her Oklahoma apartment to rehearse "August: Osage County" scenes around her dinner table.
During these rehearsals, the cast cooked for each other, and Julia Roberts praised Streep's home cooking. Chris Cooper also recommended Streep's stuffed chicken to everyone. Margo Martindale spoke exceptionally about Streep's cooking during the rehearsals:
"Meryl cooked. She would be like, Come over! I'm making this. Come over! I'm making that. She can cook. Oh, my goodness. She can cook anything. She's Meryl Streep! Think about it. She has an enormously large family, and she cooks breakfast for all of them."
According to Martindale, Streep would make breakfast for close to 12 people. Martindale noted that cooking was one of Streep's joys because the actress seemed to really love preparing meals for everyone. Martindale added:
"She made these incredible, incredible small lamb chops, like I've never tasted before. Unbelievable salads."
Despite having an estimated net worth of $160 million, Streep is humble and loves to host her costars as well as prepare food for her family. In 2020, the actress was named one of the best-paid actors.
Meryl Streep cooking for her costars | Source: YouTube.com/Movieclips
In 2020, the actress made $20 million. She raked up $5 million after appearing in "Let Them All Talk," which was sold to HBO for $33 million.
The actress has come a long way from her first film salary of $35,000, which can be approximated at $181,000 at the current inflation rate.
Streep's most successful movie was "Mamma Mia!" which made more than half a billion dollars globally.
Meryl Streep in New York City on December 05, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
The actress earns greatly from her acting career and has been awarded and nominated for various roles. Streep has 17 Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and four for Best Supporting Actress.
The "Death Becomes Her" star also boasts of 32 Golden Globe nominations and eight wins. Some of the films she has won the Golden Globe for are "Adaptation," "The Devil Wears Prada," "Julie & Julia," and "Angels in America."
The movie star has also appeared on small screens where she starred in TV hits such as "Web Therapy" and Big Little Lies."
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer in Hollywood, California on March 2, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Despite being the greatest actor of all time, the "Little Women" star once alluded to doing her own laundry. Streep, who has a deep understanding of people, places, tragedy, and victory, said, "I try to lead an ordinary life as I can. You can't get spoiled if you do your own ironing."
Moreso, the actress who undertook a Master of Fine Arts at Yale University and graduated in 1975, said she always chose brilliance over beauty:
"My advice: don't waste so much time worrying about your skin or your weight. Develop what you do, what you put your hands on in the world."
Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons on the set of "The House of the Spirits" on August, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
The 73-year-old is also not worried about her age as she believes women deserve to be loved, respected, and heard regardless of their age. She remarked:
"You have to embrace getting older. Life is precious, and when you've lost a lot of people, you realize each day is a gift."
Streep has lived a fulfilling life by dancing to the beat of her own drum. She doesn't let anyone direct her life as she creates her own rules and isn't afraid of breaking them if necessary.
Meryl Streep in New York City on December 7, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Living in the House of Their Dreams
Streep and her husband bought a magnificent home in Pasadena, California, in 2017. The mid-century house rests on two acres of land and has a view of the San Gabriel Mountains. The couple purchased their home at $3.7 million.
The home is stunning and features three spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms, and gorgeous glass walls and vaulted ceilings. The house is a marvel, as it even has its original doors and windows. This beauty of a house was designed by famous architects Smith and Williams.
Streep's and her husband's home has picturesque green gardens and a swimming pool that is inviting to people who have spent busy and long hours shooting to relax. The swimming pool is located within the garden and has a lagoon-like appearance.
The couple's home opens into a hallway bathed in natural light due to the floor-to-ceiling windows and a skylight in the roof. The hallway leads to the large living room next door.
The living room's décor points to a Japanese inspiration. The room has original terrazzo floors, high ceilings, and glass walls. The furniture is cream sofas and armchairs placed around a traditional fireplace.
The dining room is elegant, with a door that leads out into the garden. The room has a wooden dining table and eight milky-white seats, making it a place worthy of hosting dinner parties.
Meryl Streep's and Don Gummer's home in Pasadena, California | Source: YouTube.com/Famous Entertainment
The property has a room with perfect blank walls ready to be decorated to the couple's taste. The room has a double bed and armchair, plus its own en suite bathroom.
A small office area leads off to the house's principal bedroom. The office has muted color schemes, a black desk, and a white office chair, perfect for working. The room also has a three-seater sofa for anyone who wants to relax in it.
The grounds of the home are as beautiful as its inside. The home's grounds are park-like, filled with numerous grown trees and hedges, which gives it a natural aura unlike the lawns and terraces seen in most celebrity homes.
Meryl Streep's and Don Gummer's home in Pasadena, California | Source: YouTube.com/Famous Entertainment
The couple spends time in this home away from Hollywood with their grandchildren. Streep and Gummer first became grandparents in 2019 when their daughter Mamie welcomed a baby boy with her fiancé Mehar Sethi. An excited Streep told the media:
"… I'm getting ready for my first grandchild. My daughter's having a baby in February, so I'm going to go out and ruin her life. I specialize in unsolicited advice."
Meryl Streep's and Don Gummer's home in Pasadena, California | Source: YouTube.com/Famous Entertainment
Streep's son Henry then made the pair grandparents by giving them two more grandchildren. Henry and his wife, Tamryn Gummer, welcomed their first child Ida June in 2020 and their second child Quinn William in 2022.
The actress and Gummer have one more grandchild on the way as their daughter Grace is expecting her first child with husband Mark Ronson.
Meryl Streep's and Don Gummer's home in Pasadena, California | Source: YouTube.com/Famous Entertainment
Streep and Gummer have raised talented and successful children who are all celebrated artists in their own rights. Now that their children are all grown up, the proud grandparents sometimes share tips on parenting and how the journey has been for them.
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