Meryl Streep's Philosophy on Time and Family in Her Later Years
At 76, Meryl Streep remains a formidable force in Hollywood, celebrated for her award-winning performances and iconic roles. However, beyond the glitz and glamour, Streep has gained profound clarity about what truly matters in her life. As excitement builds for the upcoming sequel, 'The Devil Wears Prada 2', she is not only making headlines for returning as Miranda Priestly but also for sharing intimate insights into her personal journey, work ethic, and family values.
The Mindset That Keeps Meryl Streep Grounded
In a recent joint interview with Anna Wintour for Vogue, Streep revealed a guiding principle that anchors her both as an actress and a grandmother: "You can’t get anything back." For Streep, time is the most precious commodity, and she feels its fleeting nature more acutely with age, especially during moments with her grandchildren. She elaborated on this sentiment, stating, "It's just grabbing seconds, just grabbing everything you can of them, with the knowledge of how completely fleeting it all is and how rapidly time goes." This perspective was shared with director Greta Gerwig, echoing advice from her own mother about the paradoxical nature of time as "the longest, shortest time."
Streep has six grandchildren, all aged between 1 and 6, and she expressed deep gratitude for the time her children allow her to spend with them. "I can’t even talk about how much it means to me that my kids give me as much time as they do with their kids. The only thing is that they’re on two coasts, so I’m in the airplane a lot," she joked, highlighting her commitment to family despite a demanding schedule.
How This Philosophy Shapes Her Career
Streep's awareness of time's value profoundly influences her professional life. She continues to take on challenging roles, maintain a rigorous travel schedule, and fuel her creative energy, but with greater intentionality. She knows what deserves her attention and effort. Reflecting on the unpredictability of acting, she quoted playwright Tom Stoppard, a former partner: "You’ve got to shift your weight." Streep explained that fame and opportunities in Hollywood are transient, requiring adaptability. "That takes time, and you can’t do it at home by yourself. It’s not like writing or composing. I don’t think: I love this job. I’m going to have this job for a long time. I think: This is the world. The unstable world. Everything changes and it’s about learning to sort of be prepared for that," she said.
This mindset is not new for Streep; in 2008, she discussed the ongoing challenge of balancing work and family, calling it "a constant process" and "the best kind of challenge."
Meryl Streep: Embracing Grandmotherhood Away from the Spotlight
Known for her privacy, Streep has recently allowed glimpses into her life as a grandmother, a role she cherishes deeply. With six grandchildren from her children Henry Wolfe, Mamie Gummer, and Grace Gummer, she describes the experience as "divine" and humorously admits to being an "over-involved" grandmother. While acknowledging the difficulties, she embraces these moments wholeheartedly, stepping away from her legendary on-screen persona to simply be a grandmother savoring every second.
'The Devil Wears Prada 2': The Return of Miranda Priestly
Nearly two decades after the original film's release, Streep is set to reprise her iconic role in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'. The sequel reportedly follows Miranda Priestly as she navigates the decline of traditional print media and adapts to the fast-paced changes in the fashion industry. Scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, the film will reunite key cast members, including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, promising a highly anticipated return to the world of high fashion and sharp wit.
