Back in 1982, when Cher stepped onto the set of Silkwood, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect from her co-star, Meryl Streep. The legendary singer admitted she thought meeting the Oscar-winning actress would be “like having an audience with the pope.” But what happened next completely changed her perspective. "Meryl just came up, threw her arms around me, and said, 'I’m so glad you’re here,'" Cher fondly recalls. That warm welcome set the tone for a friendship that has lasted nearly four decades.
Building Blocks of a Lasting Friendship
This unexpected bond grew stronger over the years, rooted in shared qualities like communication, warmth, and humor. "We’ve stayed friends all these years. I cannot believe that," Cher, now 74, says with genuine surprise. It turns out that Cher and Meryl, 71, are kindred spirits who’ve both carved out remarkable careers but remain grounded. A mutual friend explains, "They are both longtime icons who are still going strong but, most importantly, don’t take themselves too seriously." Despite their different personal lives—Cher's high-profile romances versus Meryl's quiet life in Connecticut with husband Don Gummer—they connect on deeper levels.
Shared Values Beyond the Spotlight
Both women share a wicked sense of humor and a knack for brutal honesty, along with a deep commitment to their craft. Beyond the glitz and glamour, they're also activists for social justice and environmental causes. "They understand and respect each other," says a close friend. "There has never been a competitive actress thing between them." Their mutual admiration has only grown stronger over time, even when they've faced moments of competition, like at the 1988 Academy Awards. When Cher won Best Actress for Moonstruck, Meryl, who was nominated for Ironweed, leapt to her feet clapping with genuine joy. "These women have always been there for each other," a pal explains.
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Collaborating on Screen and Off
Their friendship extends beyond red carpets and award shows. In 2008, Cher turned down the role of Tanya in the hit musical Mamma Mia!, feeling the character might be too close to her own persona. But a few years later, she couldn't resist playing Ruby, Donna's mother in the sequel, despite being only three years older than Meryl. On the set, Meryl showed up unexpectedly during Cher's filming of "Fernando," lifting the energy of the entire production. "She steals the movie!" Meryl gushed. Their connection runs deep, with Meryl often encouraging Cher to take on more film roles. "They text all the time and treasure their time together," says a mutual friend.
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