The Sculptor Who Stole Her Heart: 5 Surprising Facts About Meryl Streep's Husband, Don Gummer, And Their Secret Separation

The enduring marriage of Meryl Streep and sculptor Don Gummer was, for decades, the gold standard of stability in Hollywood, a seemingly unbreakable 45-year union that defied the industry’s volatile norms. However, the world was stunned in October 2023 when a representative for Streep revealed a well-kept secret: the couple had actually been separated for more than six years, having "chosen lives apart" since 2017. This revelation reframed their entire final decade together, turning a quiet partnership into a quietly concluded chapter, all while Streep continued to wear her wedding band in public as recently as the 2023 Princesa de Asturias Awards in Spain.

The man at the center of this decades-long partnership is not a fellow actor, but a highly respected American artist whose career is as profound and grounded as Streep’s is celebrated. Don Gummer has maintained a fiercely private life, allowing his monumental, abstract sculptures to speak for themselves. This article delves into the life of Don Gummer, the timeline of his relationship with the legendary actress, and the intricate family they built together, which continues to shape the world of arts and entertainment today.

Who is Don Gummer? A Complete Biography and Profile

Don Gummer is an acclaimed American sculptor whose work is featured in major collections worldwide. His career is marked by a shift from smaller, architectural wall reliefs to large-scale, free-standing abstract works.

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• Full Name: Donald James Gummer
• Born: December 12, 1946
• Age (as of December 2025): 79 years old
• Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
• Hometown/Raised In: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Spouse: Meryl Streep (Married September 30, 1978; Separated since 2017)
• Previous Marriage: Peggy Jenel Lucas (1967; divorced shortly after)
• Children: Four—Henry Wolfe Gummer (musician), Mamie Gummer (actress), Grace Gummer (actress), and Louisa Jacobson (actress).
• Grandchildren: Five (two from Henry, two from Mamie, one from Grace).
• Education: Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University; School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; Yale University (BFA and MFA).
• Career Focus: Contemporary abstract sculpture, using materials such as bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, stone, and stained glass.
• Notable Public Works: "Southern Circle" (Indianapolis), "Spiral" (New York City), and numerous works in public and private collections, including the Smithsonian Institution.

The Secret Separation: Why a 45-Year Marriage Ended Quietly

The news of Meryl Streep and Don Gummer’s separation was a genuine shock to the public, not because it happened, but because of how long it had been a secret. The couple, who celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in September 2023, had already been living "lives apart" for over six years.

A Quiet Parting Since 2017

The separation officially began in 2017, though the public announcement was delayed until October 2023. Their last public appearance together was at the 90th Annual Academy Awards in March 2018. The decision to separate was described by Streep’s representative as a mutual choice to live apart while maintaining a deep care for one another. This discreet handling of their marital status is consistent with their decades-long effort to keep their personal life out of the Hollywood spotlight, raising their children in rural Connecticut.

The 'Grey Divorce' Phenomenon

While the exact reasons for the separation remain private, their situation aligns with the growing trend of "grey divorce," where long-married couples separate later in life. This often occurs when couples find themselves growing apart due to divergent interests or once the children have left the home, prompting them to re-evaluate their long-term future. Despite the separation, there have been no public reports of infidelity or scandal, suggesting an amicable conclusion to their romantic relationship.

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The Whirlwind Beginning: A Healing Romance After Tragedy

The foundation of Streep and Gummer's relationship is rooted in tragedy and a whirlwind romance that followed. Before meeting Gummer, Streep was in a committed relationship with actor John Cazale, best known for his role as Fredo Corleone in The Godfather. Cazale tragically died of lung cancer in March 1978.

Devastated by the loss, Streep was introduced to Don Gummer by her brother, Harry Streep III, who brought the aspiring sculptor to her apartment to help her move out. Gummer offered Streep the opportunity to sublet his apartment while he was traveling, and the two quickly bonded. Their connection was intense and immediate, leading to their marriage just six months after Cazale's death. This rapid union has often been described as a crucial source of healing and stability for Streep during a period of immense grief.

The Gummer-Streep Children: A New Generation of Artists

The couple’s greatest legacy is their four children, all of whom have followed their parents into the arts. Streep and Gummer successfully raised their family away from the public eye, primarily in their rural Connecticut home, a strategy Streep once credited to fellow actor Robert Redford.

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Their children represent a powerful convergence of their parents' creative worlds:

• Henry Wolfe Gummer (b. 1979): The eldest, Henry, is a singer-songwriter and musician who performs under the name Henry Wolfe. He co-founded the indie pop band Bravo Silva and has released several albums, including the critically acclaimed Linda Vista. His music has been featured in films like Julie and Julia.
• Mary Willa "Mamie" Gummer (b. 1983): Mamie is a successful actress known for her roles in television and film, including playing Nancy Crozier on The Good Wife and its spin-off.
• Grace Gummer (b. 1986): Grace is also a prominent actress, with notable roles in series such as Mr. Robot and American Horror Story: Freak Show.
• Louisa Jacobson Gummer (b. 1991): The youngest, Louisa, has quickly risen to fame as the star of the HBO period drama The Gilded Age, where she plays the lead role of Marian Brook. She is also set to star in the 2025 feature film Materialists.

All four children are a testament to the creative environment fostered by their sculptor father and acting icon mother, with all three daughters pursuing acting careers and their son focusing on music.

The Martin Short Rumors: Navigating Post-Separation Life

In the wake of the 2023 separation announcement, Meryl Streep’s personal life once again became a subject of intense media scrutiny, largely due to her close professional relationship with her Only Murders in the Building co-star, Martin Short.

Since the separation became public, Streep and Short have been frequently spotted together at high-profile events, including the Golden Globes, *SNL50* events, and supporting friends like Tom Hanks at Broadway openings, often arriving in the same car. These appearances, combined with their undeniable on-screen chemistry, have fueled widespread speculation that a romance has blossomed between the two longtime friends.

Despite the persistent rumors, representatives for both actors have consistently maintained that their relationship is strictly platonic, stating they are "just very good friends, nothing more." However, the public's fascination with a potential late-in-life romance between the two beloved stars continues to drive headlines, especially as they continue to spend time together, including a reported shared Valentine's Day outing in 2025. This public narrative provides a compelling contrast to the quiet, dignified separation Streep and Gummer orchestrated years earlier.