The Tragic Love Story That Shaped Meryl Streep’s Life

Meryl Streep, the talented actress of her time, was on the cusp of greatness in 1978.

But amidst her rise to stardom, she was about to lose the love of her life.

According to Michael Schulman, author of the biography “Her Again,” this particular year had a profound impact on Streep's life.

It shaped her not only as a person but also as an actor.

Streep was just 29 years old when she met John Cazale, an actor 14 years her senior.

The two crossed paths while working together in a production of “Measure for Measure” in Central Park.

Cazale, a respected talent in the industry, had already made a name for himself with films like “The Godfather” and “Dog Day Afternoon.”

Streep instantly fell for Cazale, captivated by his uniqueness and humanity.

Despite being the more famous one, they both struggled financially as starving artists.

Nevertheless, their relationship flourished, and they eventually moved in together in Cazale's loft in Tribeca.

Their love story was the envy of the New York theater world.

However, tragedy struck in May 1977 when Cazale was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer that had spread throughout his body.

Despite the devastating news, Streep remained strong and optimistic.

Cazale dropped out of his play, and Streep continued to work on her own projects while caring for him.

She showed grace and resilience beyond her years, never nagging or criticizing him.

Instead, she made her dressing room off-limits to smokers, demonstrating her love and concern for his health.

Streep and Cazale kept the severity of his condition mostly private.

Only a few close friends were aware of the true extent of his illness.

Despite the challenges, they fought to keep living their lives as normally as possible.

In a remarkable turn of events, Cazale was offered a role in the film “The Deer Hunter” alongside Robert De Niro.

Although the production company wanted him fired due to the insurance costs, De Niro personally covered the expenses to ensure Cazale remained in the movie.

During this time, Streep found herself torn between wanting to quit working and being with Cazale.

However, they needed the money to cover medical bills, so she reluctantly accepted a lead role in the TV miniseries “Holocaust.”

Streep traveled to Austria to film “Holocaust,” leaving Cazale behind due to his weakened state.

She immersed herself in her work, but deep down, she longed to be by his side.

The emotional toll took its toll on her as they shot scenes at an actual concentration camp.

After returning to New York, Streep witnessed Cazale's health deteriorate rapidly.

They disappeared from the public eye for five months, focusing solely on each other and their battle against the disease.

Streep never wavered in her love and support, accompanying Cazale to every doctor's appointment and radiation treatment.

On March 12, 1978, Cazale passed away in the early hours of the morning.

Streep was devastated but maintained her composure, immediately calling Cazale's brother to share the heartbreaking news.

Despite the immense pain and grief, Streep continued to excel in her career.

She won an Emmy for her performance in “Holocaust,” received an Oscar nomination for “The Deer Hunter,” and ultimately won an Academy Award for her role in “Kramer vs.

Kramer.”

Cazale's death transformed Streep both personally and professionally.

She embraced a new interpretation of her character in “The Taming of the Shrew” and understood the deep satisfaction that comes from giving oneself over to love.

Streep believed that duty and service were integral parts of a successful relationship.

While Streep's accomplishments as an actress are undeniable, her friends and fellow actors admired her most for the unwavering devotion she showed towards Cazale.

She cared for him until his last moments, never once betraying any doubt in his survival.

Meryl Streep's tragic love story with John Cazale shaped her into the remarkable woman and actress she is today.