Mary Louise Streep was born in Summit, New Jersey, to Mary Wilkinson Streep, a commercial artist, and Harry William Streep Jr., a pharmaceutical executive. Growing up in Bernardsville, New Jersey, she displayed an early talent for singing, and her childhood, while seemingly ordinary, laid the foundation for her future artistic pursuits. This seemingly normal start belies the extraordinary talent that was about to blossom.

Streep's formal acting training at Vassar College and later at the Yale School of Drama proved crucial. Yale provided her with rigorous instruction and exposure to diverse theatrical styles. This period allowed her to hone her craft, experiment with character development, and build the foundation for her future on-screen success. Her dedication at Yale signaled her serious commitment to the art of acting.