Transformations Into Real-Life Grande Dames Julia Child And Politician Margaret Thatcher
Some of Meryl Streep’s most stunning character transformations happened when she took on two very influential and different real-life women.
Streep portrayed pioneering chef and cookbook author Julia Child in the 2009 film, Julie & Julia.
Child’s former protégé Sara Moulton told The Daily Beast that Streep captured her former boss’s distinctive voice, awkward body language, and assertive attitude.
But taking on the part of the celebrated cook didn’t come naturally.
In an interview, Streep said, “To cook well takes practice and to be honest I feel much more confident about my acting skills than my cooking skills.”
However, Streep admitted to “Fresh Air” that she became a better cook after taking the part.
In 2011, Streep played another powerful woman, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in The Iron Lady.
For Streep, portraying the powerful and icy figure was not just about the grand moments of Thatcher’s political career, but also about capturing what happens when it’s all over.
The film examined, according to conversation with Film4, “What it’s like to be an old lady and ignored by society in general. What it’s like to lose power.”
My Oscar Book:
For her uncanny physical and emotional transformation into Thatcher, both Streep and her long-time makeup artist Roy Helland won Oscars. It was Streep’s second Best Actress and last Oscar–thus far.
She had previously won the Supporting Actress Oscar for the 1979 Kramer Vs. Kramer, and the Best Actress for the 1982 Sophie’s Choice.
