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The word “iconic” may be overused, but if you can’t whip it out for Meryl Streep, when can you? Today, the universally beloved actor turns 70, and she is every bit as respected and relevant—if not more so—as she was when she took home her very first Oscar in 1980. (She has since collected two more, along with over one hundred other various awards and honors). If you think those numbers are impressive, you’re going to love these: She’s embodied some 65 different roles in her 44 years of acting and has been nominated for 31 Golden Globes, 21 Academy Awards, 3 Emmys, and one Tony.
Whether your first encounter with Streep was Kramer vs. Kramer, The Devil Wears Prada, or Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, there is no wrong way to be indoctrinated into the cult of Meryl. Though it would be impossible to do justice to every acting gift she has given us over the years, we rounded up some of our personal favorite Streep-isms. In honor of the legend’s 70th year of existence, here are 35 iconic Meryl Streep moments we know will never be forgotten.
That time she threw a shovel through Goldie Hawn's stomach and wasn't sure how to feel.
Death Becomes Her (1992) –Anna Menta
When she treated Jack Nicholson to a face full of pie.
Heartburn (1986) –Karen Kemmerle
"Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking."
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) –AM
And that time she was so done with hanging on a ledge.
Postcards from the Edge (1990) –KK
When she absolutely destroyed Anna Kendrick.
Into the Woods (2014) –AM
And when she and the rapids got the upper hand.
The River Wild (1994) –KK
When she let those boys know that, actually, it's her company.
The Post (2017) –AM
When she tenderly kissed Allison Janney.
The Hours (2002) –AM
And when she accepted a tender kiss from Emma Thompson... while flying.
Angels in America, Episode 6 (2003) –AM
That unforgettable elevator entrance.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) –AM
And that time she was on a safari, but made it fashion.
Out of Africa (1985) –AM
When she made her "heart" flutter for Stanley Tucci.
Julie & Julia, (2009). –Meghan O’Keefe
"Flaaaaaaaaaaacid."
Death Becomes Her (1992) –AM
When she decided she didn't want those chips after all.
Postcards from the Edge (1990) –KK
And when she made sure her giant laptop matched her outfit.
She-Devil (1989) –KK
When she savored her pasta like a lady.
Defending Your Life (1991) –KK
And when she fell through a roof in front of her ex-boyfriends like a lady.
Mamma Mia! (2008) –Sarah Perrin
"If what I think is happening is happening... it better not be."
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) –Brett White
When she strutted onto screen with her long, flowing hair.
Manhattan (1979) –AM
And when she realized she'd failed Dustin Hoffman.
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) –KK
When she went full camp.
Mary Poppins Returns (2018) –AM
When she belted it out.
Postcards from the Edge (1990) –KK
Two words: gold caftan.
The Post (2017) –KK
That time she pretended she was an actor messing up a take when she was actually an actor nailing a take.
Postcards from the Edge (1990) –KK
"That's all."
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) –AM
When she finally took a good, hard look at herself.
Postcards from the Edge (1990) –KK
When she rocked a side braid (and pulled it off).
Ricki and the Flash (2015) –AM
When she mocked weak-minded men.
The Manchurian Candidate (2004) –AM
When she threw a very mature tantrum.
She-Devil (1989) –KK
When she finally let her guard down...
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) –MO
...but held onto her acerbic wit.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) –SP
When she made the choice to publish.
And when she made that other choice.
Sophie’s Choice (1982) –AM
When she enthusiastically endorsed Patricia Arquette's call for equal pay.
The 87th Academy Awards (2015) –MO
And of course: The Scream.
Big Little Lies, Season 2, Episode 1 (2019) –MO
