Meryl Streep is 72 years old today.
A performer in theater, film and television, Streep is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time. She made her professional stage debut in The Playboy of Seville (1971), before her screen debut in the television movie, The Deadliest Season (1977). In that same year, she made her film debut in Julia (1977).
Both critical and commercial success came quickly with roles in The Deer Hunter (1978) and Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), the first of which brought her an Academy Award nomination, and the second, her first win, for Best Supporting Actress. She later won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her roles in Sophie's Choice (1982) and The Iron Lady (2011).
Streep holds the record as being the most nominated actor (male or female) in Academy Awards history.
Streep was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2004 and the Kennedy Center Honor in 2011 for her contribution to American culture through performing arts, the youngest actor in each award's history.
President Barack Obama awarded her the 2010 National Medal of Arts. In 2003, the government of France made her a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters.
Above, Streep as Julia Child in Julie and Julia