In 1978, the legendary Meryl Streep tied the knot with Don Gummer, a talented sculptor and artist. The two met through Meryl’s brother, and their love story began shortly after the tragic loss of her boyfriend, John Cazale, to cancer. Fast forward to October 2023, and the couple dropped a bombshell about the status of their marriage, revealing a surprising twist after 45 years together. Stick around to find out what happened next in this iconic Hollywood romance.
Who Is Don Gummer? Getting to Know Meryl Streep's Former Partner
Don Gummer, a Kentucky-born sculptor, first entered Meryl Streep's life in a rather unexpected way. After her heartbreaking loss of John Cazale in 1978, Meryl found solace in friendship with Don. At the time, she sublet his apartment while he was vacationing in Pakistan. Fate had other plans, though. A motorcycle accident cut Don's trip short, forcing him back to the U.S., where he reconnected with Meryl. As they spent more time together, their bond deepened, leading to a love story that would span decades.
When Don returned to the U.S., the two quickly fell in love, and their relationship blossomed into marriage. Throughout their time together, Don stood by Meryl as she skyrocketed to stardom in Hollywood. Meanwhile, he pursued his own successful career as a sculptor, with his works gracing public collections worldwide. Despite keeping their personal lives private, Meryl couldn’t help but give Don a heartfelt shout-out during her Oscar acceptance speech in 2012. “First, I’m going to thank Don, because when you thank your husband at the end of the speech, they play him out with the music,” she said, adding, “And I want him to know that everything I value most in our lives, you’ve given me.”
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Are Meryl Streep and Don Gummer Still Together?
In an unexpected turn of events, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer announced on October 20, 2023, that they had been living separate lives for over six years. While the news came as a shock to fans, the couple emphasized that their decision was made with mutual respect and care. “Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart,” a spokesperson for the actress told Page Six at the time.
The reasons behind their separation remain a mystery, but the couple was last seen together at the 90th Annual Academy Awards in 2018. They walked the red carpet with smiles on their faces, with Meryl nominated for Best Actress for her role as Katharine Graham in The Post. While Frances McDormand ultimately won the award that year, their public appearance together suggested a strong bond still existed at the time.
Do Meryl Streep and Don Gummer Have Kids?
During their marriage, Meryl and Don welcomed four children into the world: Henry Wolfe, Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer, and Louisa Jacobson. Their daughters have followed in Meryl’s footsteps, carving out successful careers as actresses in Hollywood. Meanwhile, their son Henry has pursued music, showcasing his artistic talents in a different medium. Meryl once shared how parenting lessons from her co-star Robert Redford shaped her approach to raising her children. “Motherhood, marriage — it’s a balancing act,” she told Good Housekeeping in July 2008. “Especially when you have a job that you consider rewarding. It’s a challenge, but the best kind of challenge. Robert Redford taught me that when they were babies, ‘They are not your props.’ I really admired the way he protected his family. It’s something I consciously emulated.”
