Streep, Meryl (Mary Louise) 1949 - . US actress. A leading star of the 1980s and 1990s, she is known for her strong character roles, portrayed with emotionally dramatic intensity, and her accomplished facility with a wide variety of accents. Her films include The Deer Hunter 1978, Kramer vs Kramer 1979 (Academy Award for best supporting actress), The French Lieutenant's Woman 1981, Sophie's Choice 1982 (Academy Award), Out of Africa 1985, Ironweed 1988, A Cry in the Dark 1989, and the comedy Death Becomes Her 1992.