Actress par excellence, Meryl Streep rings in her birthday today and our inner fanatic’s joy knows no bounds. Unarguably the best actress of this generation, Streep is celebrated for her versatile and dynamic roles that are relevant even today.
With 20 Academic nominations and 3 big Oscars wins to her name, she has indeed proved to be the master of her craft. Apart from this, she has been a recipient of many honorary awards including AFI Life Achievement Award (2004), Gala Tribute from the Film Society of Lincoln Center (2008), and Kennedy Center Honor (2011) for her contribution to the cinema.
Known for her iconic roles in Devil Wears Prada, Sophie’s Choice, The Iron Lady, Manhattan, Kramer vs. Kramer, Big Little Lies, amongst many others, she has become a source of inspiration for many millennial actors and fans out there. Although, one cannot achieve the level of awesomeness like Meryl without a fair share of wisdom and life lessons. Being the dynamic person that she is, Meryl has never been the one to shy away from speaking on ageism, sexism and being different from the rest of the lot. Exuding confidence in her every statement that she speaks, Streep has always inspired many with her thought-provoking quotes.
As this ‘Iron Lady' turns 71 today, here are some dynamic quotes on life, success and everything in between straight from the dashing ‘Devil that wears Prada’
ON PROFESSION
Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.
It's amazing what you can get if you quietly, clearly and authoritatively demand it.
What makes you different or weird—that’s your strength.
ON EMBRACING AGE
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.
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.
ON SEXISM
No one has ever asked an actor, 'You're playing a strong-minded man…' We assume that men are strong-minded, or have opinions. But a strong-minded woman is a different animal.
EXUDING CONFIDENCE
I think the best role models for women are people who are fruitfully and confidently themselves, who bring light into the world.
You don't have to be famous. You just have to make your mother and father proud of you.
Put blinders on to those things that conspire to hold you back, especially the ones in your own head.
ON SELF LOVE
The minute you start caring about what other people think, is the minute you stop being yourself.
True freedom is understanding that we have a choice in who and what we allow to have power over us.
WISDOM WITH SASS
It is well that the earth is round that we do not see too far ahead.
Happy Birthday, Meryl! Keep us inspiring with your iconic roles and thought-provoking wisdom…