Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway are two of Hollywood’s most revered actresses, each with a remarkable career and an impressive list of accolades. They are known not only for their exceptional acting talents but also for their elegant personas and professionalism. However, one question that often pops up among fans and media outlets alike is whether these two incredible actresses are friends. Their collaboration in the iconic film The Devil Wears Prada in 2006 led to many speculating about the nature of their relationship behind the scenes. Did their on-screen chemistry translate into a real-life friendship, or was it just a professional working relationship?
In this article, we will explore Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway’s relationship, their time working together on The Devil Wears Prada, and the dynamics of their friendship. We’ll delve into their personal lives, public appearances, and interviews to understand whether the bond they share extends beyond the set of this famous movie.
Meryl Streep: The Icon
The Beginning of Meryl Streep’s Career
Meryl Streep is often considered one of the greatest actresses of all time. Her career spans over five decades, and her talent has earned her numerous awards, including three Academy Awards and 21 nominations—the most of any actor in history. Streep’s versatility is unmatched, and she has portrayed a wide range of characters, from historical figures to fictional personalities in a variety of genres.
Born in 1949 in Summit, New Jersey, Meryl Louise Streep showed an interest in acting early on. She attended Vassar College and later studied at the Yale School of Drama. Her breakout role came in 1977 with the television film The Seduction of Joe Tynan, but it was her performances in films like Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) and Sophie’s Choice (1982) that solidified her as an acting powerhouse.
Meryl Streep’s Reputation in Hollywood
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has earned a reputation not only for her acting skills but also for her graciousness and professionalism. She has become a role model for aspiring actors, particularly women in the entertainment industry, known for her dedication to her craft and her willingness to take on complex and challenging roles. Her ability to transform into any character she portrays has earned her widespread respect and admiration from both her peers and fans.
Beyond her acting, Streep is also known for her activism and strong voice on social issues, particularly those affecting women. She has used her platform to advocate for equal rights and to raise awareness about various societal issues.
Anne Hathaway: The Rising Star
The Early Years of Anne Hathaway’s Career
Anne Hathaway, born in 1982 in Brooklyn, New York, is another talented actress who has built a career based on versatility and dedication to her craft. Although she had an early start in acting with roles in theater productions and television, her major breakthrough came with the film The Princess Diaries in 2001. Playing the role of Mia Thermopolis, a teenager who discovers she is a princess, Hathaway won over audiences with her charm and relatability.
Since The Princess Diaries, Anne Hathaway’s career has flourished. She has starred in a variety of films, including The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Les Misérables (2012), and The Intern (2015). Hathaway’s performance in Les Misérables earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, solidifying her position as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses.
Anne Hathaway’s Public Image
Like Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway has become known for her professionalism and dedication to her work. She has garnered a reputation for being down-to-earth and approachable, earning her a devoted fanbase. In addition to her acting career, Hathaway is a vocal advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. She is also known for her philanthropic work and active participation in various charitable organizations.
The Devil Wears Prada: A Collaboration Between Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway
The Plot of The Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada, released in 2006, was a major commercial success and remains one of the most beloved films of the 21st century. The film, based on the best-selling novel by Lauren Weisberger, tells the story of Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway), a young woman who lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep), the powerful and notoriously difficult editor of a high-fashion magazine.
The movie explores the dynamic between Andy and Miranda, who serves as a demanding boss that pushes Andy to her limits. While the film focuses on Andy’s struggles to balance her career and personal life, it also delves into the power dynamics, loyalty, and challenges that come with working in a highly competitive environment like the fashion industry.
On-Screen Chemistry Between Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway
The relationship between Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway’s characters in The Devil Wears Prada is filled with tension, with Streep playing the cold, ruthless Miranda Priestly and Hathaway playing the wide-eyed, somewhat naïve Andy Sachs. Despite the harshness of Miranda’s character, Hathaway’s portrayal of Andy reveals a layer of empathy and understanding, leading many to question if there was any behind-the-scenes camaraderie between the two actresses.
While their on-screen characters appear to have a strained relationship, it seems that Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway’s off-screen bond was much warmer. In interviews and public appearances, both actresses have spoken fondly of each other, with Hathaway often praising Streep for her professionalism and generosity.
Are Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway Friends?
Their On-Set Relationship During The Devil Wears Prada
While it’s clear that the characters of Miranda and Andy didn’t have the best relationship on-screen, Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway developed a positive and respectful bond while working on the film. Hathaway has spoken about how much she learned from working with Streep, noting her generosity and kindness on set. In various interviews, Hathaway has expressed how lucky she felt to be able to watch Streep in action and to learn from one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood.
Streep, in turn, has also expressed her admiration for Hathaway. She has spoken about Hathaway’s work ethic and how she was impressed by her ability to portray such a complex character at such a young age. The mutual respect between the two actresses seems to have fostered a sense of camaraderie, even if their characters were at odds on-screen.
Public Appearances Together
In the years since The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway have made several public appearances together. These appearances have further fueled speculation that the two actresses share a genuine friendship. For instance, during the 2013 Academy Awards, where Hathaway won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Les Misérables, Streep was there to support her, sitting beside her in the audience.
Their interactions at these events suggest a warm relationship, as they are often seen laughing, chatting, and offering support to one another. This is a stark contrast to the cold, distant dynamic between their characters in The Devil Wears Prada. While it’s impossible to know the full extent of their private relationship, their public appearances suggest that they enjoy each other’s company and share a sense of mutual respect.
Social Media and Interviews
In interviews and on social media, both actresses have shared positive remarks about each other. Hathaway has referred to Streep as a mentor and a source of inspiration. She has spoken about how working with Streep on The Devil Wears Prada was a life-changing experience and how grateful she is for the opportunity to learn from such a seasoned actress.
Streep, on the other hand, has praised Hathaway for her talent and humility. In several interviews, she has spoken highly of Hathaway’s growth as an actress and how proud she is of her accomplishments. These interactions on and off screen suggest that Streep and Hathaway share more than just a professional relationship—they appear to genuinely care for one another and have a strong bond of friendship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the characters Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway portrayed in The Devil Wears Prada may not have been friends, it’s clear that the two actresses have developed a positive and supportive relationship over the years. Their mutual respect for one another, along with their public appearances and kind words, suggest that they are indeed friends. Whether they meet up for coffee, exchange advice, or just enjoy each other’s company, it seems that Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway share a friendship that extends beyond their time on set.
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