Meryl Streep

Generally considered, without hyperbole, to be the world’s greatest living actress, Meryl Streep is certainly the most honored with a record-breaking 18 Oscar nominations (and three wins) and 28 Golden Globe nominations (and eight wins). Early acting highlights for the Yale School of Drama graduate and former New York stage actress include the TV miniseries “Holocaust” and such acclaimed films as “The Deer Hunter,” “Kramer vs. Kramer” (first Oscar win), “Sophie’s Choice” (second Oscar win), “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” and “Silkwood.” The earthy blond, famed for her facility with foreign dialects, was next seen in such dramas as “Out of Africa,” “Ironweed” and “A Cry in the Dark,” as well as in lighter fare such as “Heartburn,” “Postcards From the Edge” and “Death Becomes Her,” which successfully showcased her comedic abilities. The wry, often self-deprecating Streep has been married to sculptor Don Gummer since 1978. They have four children, including actors Mamie Gummer and Henry Gummer.