Meryl Streep Net Worth: A Deep Look Into the Icon’s Wealth

Meryl Streep is undeniably one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history. With a career spanning over five decades, multiple awards to her name, and a string of iconic performances, her legacy remains unmatched. Alongside her critical acclaim, Meryl Streep has attained financial success that reflects her illustrious career. Today, Meryl Streep net worth is estimated to be an impressive $100 million.

Meryl Streep's Career and Earnings

Meryl Streep’s wealth stems primarily from her acting career. Known for her versatility and emotional depth, she has mastered every genre, from drama to comedy and musicals. Over the years, she has consistently been one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.

Streep gained recognition with her role in The Deer Hunter (1978), which earned her an Academy Award nomination. The following year, she won her first Oscar for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), establishing herself as a force in Hollywood. Her career took off from there, and so did her earnings.

Salary Highlights

Meryl Streep’s salary has evolved significantly with time. She earned $35,000 for The Deer Hunter, which today equals around $140,000 after adjusting for inflation. For Kramer vs. Kramer, her paycheck rose to $85,000.

Throughout the 1980s, she consistently earned $4 million per film. Movies like Out of Africa and Postcards from the Edge showcased her consistent box-office appeal. By the 2000s, her earnings skyrocketed further with films like The Devil Wears Prada, for which she received $5 million, and Julie & Julia, where she earned a percentage of the gross profits.

Her current standard salary for a single film is around $20 million. However, Streep is known to accept lower paychecks for roles that resonate with her or films offering backend profit participation. For instance, she accepted just $1 million to star in The Iron Lady in 2011 but donated her earnings to the National Women’s History Museum.

Between 2019 and 2020, she earned $25 million from her acting projects, showcasing her continued dominance in the industry.

Career Earnings Overview

To date, Meryl Streep has appeared in over 70 films, securing three Academy Awards and a record 21 nominations. Her most commercially successful movie, Mamma Mia!, grossed $609 million. Her total career earnings, considering salaries and profit shares, amount to over $41 million.

Real Estate Ventures and Investments

Beyond her acting career, Meryl Streep has made strategic investments in real estate, adding to Meryl Streep net worth. Over the years, she and her husband, Don Gummer, have owned and sold several high-value properties across the U.S.

Notable Properties

New York Townhouse

In 1995, Meryl and Don purchased a townhouse in New York City for $2.175 million. Ten years later, they sold it for a profit at $9.1 million.

New York Penthouse

One of their most renowned properties was a luxurious four-bedroom penthouse in New York City. The couple purchased it in 2006 for $10.13 million. They initially listed it for $25 million in 2018 and ultimately sold it in February 2020 for $16 million.

Connecticut Home

The couple owns a sprawling 90-acre estate in Salisbury, Connecticut, which serves as a peaceful retreat away from the limelight.

Pasadena, California Home

Adding to their real estate portfolio, Streep and Gummer bought a stylish mid-century modern house in Pasadena, California, in 2017 for $3.6 million.

These ventures contribute significantly to Meryl Streep net worth, reflecting her sharp eye for profitable investments.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Meryl Streep’s enormous wealth is complemented by a grounded personal life. She was in a relationship with actor John Cazale, her partner of three years, until he died in 1978. Later that year, she married sculptor Don Gummer, with whom she shares four children, two of whom, Grace and Mamie Gummer, have followed in their mother’s acting footsteps.

Though Meryl and Don were separated for over six years, they discreetly maintained their lives apart until confirming the split in October 2023. Despite this, both continuously supported one another and maintained amicable ties.

Philanthropy and Other Ventures

An inspiring aspect of Meryl Streep's personality is her commitment to using her wealth for good causes. She actively contributes to women’s rights organizations and has funded scholarships for students pursuing careers in the arts. Her generosity also shines through her work with the National Women’s History Museum, where she serves as the spokesperson. She also donated her entire million-dollar paycheck from The Iron Lady to this organization.

Additionally, Streep narrates audiobooks and documentaries, ensuring that her talents extend beyond just acting. Her voice has been featured in projects like Makers: Women Who Make America and Five Came Back.

The Legacy of Meryl Streep Net Worth

Meryl Streep’s success story is inspirational. Her $100 million net worth reflects not only her immense talent but also her business acumen and philanthropic spirit. From earning modest sums early in her career to being recognized as one of the elite actresses commanding multi-million-dollar paychecks, her financial growth is as impressive as her artistic one.

While she’s a celebrated icon on screen, her ability to wisely invest in real estate, support causes, and give back to the community underscores her well-rounded approach to life.