'Right Place, Right Time' 70 Years Of Meryl

She Tells Why Her Mum Has Been Her Inspiration.

- Judy Kean

Meryl Streep just turned 70, and has plenty to celebrate. The most acclaimed actress of her generation, she’s achieved a lot in her seven decades. As well as a successful career − that has landed her three Oscars, nine Golden Globes and two BAFTAs − she’s also managed to juggle work with family life, raising four children while staying happily married to husband Don Gummer for 41 years.

The secret to her success?

A lot of it comes down to being inspired by her mother Mary, says Meryl.

“My mother always told me she believed in me and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to – there were no limits. She gave me the feeling that women can be everything if we really want it and work hard for it. She had a dynamic personality and a very positive and enthusiastic outlook on life.”

The Iron Lady star also learned some valuable life lessons from her grandmother.

“There was no more brilliant or interesting person than my grandmother,” tells Meryl.

“She was a very influential person in my life, very intelligent. She brought up five children who were all well-educated and independent. And yet she was not allowed to vote.

“She was a brilliant woman with a very strong character, who was always telling me to stand up for myself.”

As a result of her upbringing, Meryl promised herself that she would always try to stand on her own two feet and be as independent as possible, even if she was married.