Meryl Streep is one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, widely regarded for her talent and versatility on the big screen. Beyond her illustrious career, Meryl is also a devoted mother of four children, whom she shares with her estranged husband, Don Gummer. The couple tied the knot in 1978 and began building their family just a year later. Over the years, they welcomed two sons and two daughters: Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa. While Meryl and Don have been separated since 2017, their shared journey as parents has shaped their lives and the lives of their children in profound ways. Despite their personal challenges, they have both expressed a deep and enduring care for one another, even as they navigate separate paths.
The eldest of Meryl and Don’s children, Henry Wolfe Gummer, was born in November 1979. Henry initially seemed destined to follow in his mother’s footsteps when he enrolled in New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts to study acting. However, he eventually chose a different creative outlet, pursuing a career in music instead. Henry’s passion for music has led to his work being featured in the soundtracks of two of his mother’s films, Ricki and the Flash and Julie & Julia. In interviews, Henry has candidly spoken about the challenges of growing up in the shadow of his mother’s immense fame, expressing a desire to carve out his own identity. Despite these feelings, he has built a meaningful life, marrying Tamryn Gummer in 2019. The couple has two children, Ida and Quinn, who have brought immense joy to Meryl and Don as grandparents. Henry’s journey reflects the complexities of balancing family legacy with personal ambition.
Mamie Gummer, born in August 1983, is the second child and has followed a path more aligned with her mother’s profession. A talented actress in her own right, Mamie has appeared in several notable projects, including The Good Wife, True Detective, and Ricki and the Flash, where she shared the screen with Meryl. Her acting career began at a young age when she played a toddler version of her mother’s character in the 1986 film Heartburn. Mamie’s personal life has also made headlines over the years. She was married to actor Ben Walker from 2011 to 2013 and later wed writer Mehar Sethi in 2019. The couple has two children, a son named Peter and a daughter named Mary, making Meryl a grandmother multiple times over. In February 2025, Mamie filed for divorce from Sethi, citing their separation the previous year. Despite the ups and downs, Mamie remains a talented and resilient figure, both on and off screen.
Grace Gummer, born in May 1986, is the third of Meryl and Don’s children. Unlike her siblings, Grace pursued a different academic and professional route before dipping her toes into acting. She graduated from Vassar College with degrees in art history and Italian and later earned a master’s degree in acting from Yale University. Grace has appeared in smaller roles in projects like American Horror Story but has kept a relatively low profile compared to her family members. Her personal life has been more publicly visible, particularly her marriage to musician Mark Ronson in September 2021. The couple, who began dating in 2020 following Ronson’s previous divorce, have been vocal about their affection for each other, with Ronson often praising Grace as his “best friend.” In 2023, they welcomed their first child together, adding another branch to the Gummer-Streep family tree.
The youngest of the Gummer siblings, Louisa Jacobson Gummer, was born in June 1991. Louisa has also pursued a career in acting, following in her mother’s and sister’s footsteps. She studied psychology at Vassar College before earning a master’s degree in acting from Yale University. Louisa has gained recognition for her role in the HBO series The Gilded Age, which premiered in 2022. In addition to her acting career, Louisa made headlines in June 2024 when she came out as queer in a heartfelt Instagram post. She shared a carousel of photos celebrating her identity, including a nod to “lesbian fashion.” The post also introduced her girlfriend, producer Anna Blundell, marking a joyful new chapter in her personal life. Louisa’s openness and confidence have endeared her to fans and highlight the importance of living authentically.
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer’s family story is one of love, growth, and resilience. While their marriage has come to an end, their shared commitment to their children and grandchildren remains a constant. Each of their four children has forged their own unique path, navigating the challenges and privileges that come with being part of such a high-profile family. From Henry’s musical ambitions to Mamie’s acting career, Grace’s artistic explorations to Louisa’s emerging stardom, the Gummer siblings have collectively carved out identities that reflect both their individuality and their shared roots. Through it all, Meryl and Don’s enduring care for each other serves as a testament to the lasting bonds of family, even as they embark on separate journeys. Their story is a reminder that family is not just about staying together but also about growing apart with grace and love.
