How much does Meryl Streep earn per movie? That’s a question many fans and industry watchers have asked for years. With a career spanning over five decades, she remains one of Hollywood’s most respected and highest-paid actresses.
Her financial success isn’t just about acting; it’s also about smart investments, strategic real estate moves, and an impressive salary history.
In this article, Aupeo dives deep into Meryl Streep’s wealth, salary, and financial journey, revealing how she built her fortune and how much she continues to earn today.
Meryl Streep Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Mary Louise Streep |
| Popular Name | Meryl Streep |
| Birth Date | June 22, 1949 |
| Age (As of 03/11/2025) | 75 years old |
| Birthplace | Summit, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (German, Swiss, Irish, English ancestry) |
| Education | Vassar College (B.A.), Yale School of Drama (MFA) |
| Marital Status | Separated |
| Spouse | Don Gummer (separated since 2017) |
| Children | Grace Gummer, Mamie Gummer, Louisa Jacobson Gummer, Henry Wolfe Gummer |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Harry William Streep III, Dana David Streep |
| Parents | Mary Wilkinson Streep, Harry William Streep Jr. |
| Height | 1.68 meters |
| Net Worth | $100 million (estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, film salaries, television roles, endorsements, real estate |
What is the Net Worth of Meryl Streep in 2025?
Meryl Streep’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $100 million. As one of Hollywood’s most decorated actresses, she commands high salaries for her film roles, sometimes earning up to $20 million per movie.
However, she has also accepted lower paychecks for meaningful projects, such as her $1 million salary for The Iron Lady, which she donated.
When compared to other leading actresses, her wealth is substantial but not the highest in the industry. For instance, stars like Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts have similar earnings, but Streep’s net worth reflects her careful financial planning rather than just blockbuster paychecks.
Related People in the Industry
- Sandra Bullock
- Julia Roberts
- Maggie Smith
- Robert De Niro
- Tom Hanks
- Emma Thompson
- Nicole Kidman
- Helen Mirren
- Viola Davis
- Steven Spielberg
Want to explore more wealthy celebrities and their financial success? Click here.
Meryl Streep Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does She Earn Per Year and Per Movie?
Meryl Streep is consistently one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. Between 2019 and 2020 alone, she earned $25 million from various acting projects. Her standard movie salary is $20 million, though she has been known to take smaller paychecks when passionate about a role.
For example:
- Earned $35,000 for The Deer Hunter (1978) – equivalent to about $140,000 today.
- Earned $85,000 for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) – now worth around $340,000.
- Regularly made $4 million per film in the 1980s.
- Currently earns between $10 million and $20 million per movie, depending on backend deals.
What Are Her Major Sources of Income?
Meryl Streep’s wealth comes primarily from acting, but she also has other income streams.
- Movie salaries – Her biggest earnings come from her film career.
- Television roles – Recent appearances on Big Little Lies and Only Murders in the Building add to her wealth.
- Real estate investments – She has bought and sold multiple high-value properties.
- Narration and audiobooks – She has narrated several projects, adding to her financial portfolio.
How Did She Build Her Wealth Over the Years?
Streep’s financial journey began with modest earnings in the 1970s. She quickly rose to prominence, winning multiple awards, which increased her market value.
- Breakthrough with Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) – Her first major Oscar-winning role significantly boosted her salary.
- Consistent pay raises throughout the 1980s and 1990s, earning millions per film.
- Box office success – Movies like The Devil Wears Prada and Mamma Mia! were massive hits, increasing her financial standing.
What Are Her Most Lucrative Movies?
She has starred in some of the highest-grossing films in Hollywood history.
- Mamma Mia! – $609 million worldwide
- The Devil Wears Prada – $326 million worldwide
- Into the Woods – $213 million worldwide
- The Post – $179 million worldwide
These films not only earned big at the box office but also secured Streep high salaries and backend profits.
What Properties and Real Estate Does She Own?
She has made significant real estate investments over the years.
- New York City Penthouse – Purchased for $10.13 million, sold for $16 million in 2020.
- Pasadena, California Home – Bought for $3.6 million in 2017.
- 90-acre estate in Connecticut – One of her long-term properties.
She previously owned a townhouse in NYC, which she sold for $9.1 million in 2005, more than quadrupling her initial investment.
What Are Her Major Financial Decisions and Donations?
Meryl Streep is not only a savvy investor but also a generous donor.
- Donated her entire $1 million salary from The Iron Lady to the Women’s History Museum.
- Supports Yale School of Drama with scholarships.
- Backs numerous charity projects focused on the arts and women’s rights.
Her financial choices reflect her values, often prioritizing meaningful projects over just high paychecks.
How Does Her Wealth Compare to Other Hollywood Stars?
Compared to other legendary actors, Meryl Streep holds a strong financial position:
- Higher than Viola Davis ($30 million) but lower than Julia Roberts ($250 million).
- Similar earnings trajectory to Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
- Her focus has always been artistic quality rather than commercial success.
Conclusion
Meryl Streep’s net worth reflects decades of excellence, strategic financial decisions, and a career that continues to thrive. From blockbuster salaries to smart real estate moves, she has built a legacy that extends beyond acting. Want to learn more about other celebrities’ finances? Visit Aupeo for in-depth coverage.
