The Shocking Truth About Meryl Streep's Marriage: 5 Facts About Her 45-Year Relationship And Current Status

The question of "Is Meryl Streep married?" has a far more complicated and surprising answer than most fans realize, especially after a major revelation in late 2023. For decades, the celebrated actress was known for her enduring, seemingly rock-solid marriage to sculptor Don Gummer, a union that spanned 45 years. However, in October 2023, the public was stunned by the news that the couple had actually been living separate lives for over half a decade, fundamentally changing her official relationship status today, on December 18, 2025.

The reality is that Meryl Streep and her husband, Don Gummer, have been separated since 2017, despite keeping the information private for six years. This quiet split has now opened a new chapter in the Oscar winner's personal life, sparking intense media speculation and rumors about a potential new romance with a beloved co-star. The following details explore the full biography, the timeline of her separation, and the latest updates on her current relationship status.

Meryl Streep: A Complete Biographical Profile

Meryl Streep, born Mary Louise Streep, is arguably the most respected and acclaimed actress of her generation. Her career is defined by her incredible versatility, mastery of accents, and unparalleled ability to transform into complex characters on screen. She holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any actor, male or female.

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• Full Name: Mary Louise Streep
• Date of Birth: June 22, 1949
• Age (as of 2025): 76
• Birthplace: Summit, New Jersey, U.S.
• Education: Vassar College (B.A.), Yale School of Drama (M.F.A.)
• Spouse: Don Gummer (m. 1978; separated 2017)
• Children: Henry Wolfe Gummer, Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer, and Louisa Jacobson
• Key Career Highlights: Three Academy Awards (out of 21 nominations) for *Kramer vs. Kramer*, *Sophie's Choice*, and *The Iron Lady*. Also known for *The Devil Wears Prada*, *Mamma Mia!*, *Out of Africa*, and *Little Women*.

The 45-Year Marriage That Ended in Silence: Meryl Streep and Don Gummer

The relationship between Meryl Streep and Don Gummer was, for decades, a Hollywood anomaly—a long-lasting, successful marriage free from the typical tabloid drama. Their meeting and subsequent quick marriage occurred under emotionally challenging circumstances for the actress.

A Whirlwind Romance After Tragedy

Before Don Gummer, Meryl Streep was in a committed and intense relationship with actor John Cazale, best known for his role as Fredo Corleone in *The Godfather*. Cazale was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and Streep cared for him until his death in March 1978.

In the wake of this devastating loss, Streep's brother introduced her to his friend, the renowned sculptor Don Gummer. Gummer offered Streep his empty loft apartment while he was traveling, and their friendship quickly developed into a romance.

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They married just six months after Cazale's death, in September 1978, in a ceremony at her parents' home. This rapid union was a testament to the emotional support and connection they found in each other during a difficult time. The couple went on to have four children together, all of whom have pursued careers in the arts and entertainment industry, cementing a powerful family legacy.

The Shocking 2017 Separation Reveal

For years, the couple maintained a seemingly united front, often appearing together on red carpets, including the 2018 Academy Awards. However, in October 2023, a spokesperson for Streep confirmed to Page Six that the couple had quietly separated six years earlier, in 2017.

The statement clarified that "Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for six years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart." This means that while they were married for 45 years, their relationship as a couple effectively ended in 2017. The news sent shockwaves through the celebrity world, as Meryl Streep and Don Gummer had successfully navigated the complexities of Hollywood life while raising their family of four children: Henry Wolfe, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa Jacobson.

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The reason for the separation remains private, but the decision to live separate lives while remaining legally married for a period is a common choice for long-term couples, especially those with shared assets, a large family, and a desire for privacy. The focus now shifts to whether the separation will lead to a formal divorce proceeding, which some reports have hinted at due to "divorce delays," though no official filing has been confirmed.

Meryl Streep's Current Relationship Status: The Martin Short Rumors

Following the October 2023 revelation of her long-term separation from Don Gummer, public interest in Meryl Streep's dating life surged, leading to a high-profile rumor that dominated entertainment headlines in early 2024.

The *Only Murders in the Building* Connection

The speculation centered on her *Only Murders in the Building* co-star, the beloved comedian and actor Martin Short. Streep joined the third season of the Hulu hit as Loretta Durkin, a recurring role that placed her in close proximity to Short's character, Oliver Putnam, and their on-screen chemistry was undeniable.

Rumors of a real-life romance between the two began to circulate widely after they were seated together at the 2024 Golden Globes and were frequently seen enjoying intimate dinners and public outings. Fans and the media alike were quick to embrace the idea of the two illustrious actors, both in their 70s and both having experienced the loss of a long-term partner, finding love.

Are Meryl Streep and Martin Short Dating?

Despite the intense and widespread speculation, the rumors were officially addressed and seemingly put to rest by Martin Short himself. In an appearance on Bill Maher's *Club Random* podcast in January 2024, Short clarified their relationship status.

He stated unequivocally: "We're not a couple. We are just very close friends." While this denial has cooled the most fervent dating talk, the close professional and personal bond between the two remains evident, and they continue to work together on the successful show. This denial confirms that Meryl Streep is currently not married, and her current relationship status is officially single, though she maintains a very close friendship with Martin Short.

Topical Entities & Relationship History

Meryl Streep's life has involved a number of significant professional and personal entities that define her journey:

• John Cazale: Her first great love, whose death deeply impacted her.
• Don Gummer: Her husband and father of her four children.
• Henry Wolfe, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa Jacobson: Her four children, all of whom are actors or musicians.
• *Only Murders in the Building*: The television show that introduced her to Martin Short and fueled the recent dating speculation.
• Sculpture: The primary artistic medium of her estranged husband, Don Gummer.

In summary, Meryl Streep is not currently married. She is legally separated from Don Gummer, a separation that occurred in 2017 but was only announced in 2023. At 76, the legendary actress is embracing a new, single chapter in her life, focusing on her career and her family while maintaining a close professional friendship with her co-star, Martin Short.