A recent revelation has unveiled a surprising familial link between acclaimed actress Meryl Streep and fashion titan Anna Wintour. A study by Ancestry.com indicates that Streep, who famously portrayed a character inspired by Wintour in "The Devil Wears Prada," shares a distant biological connection with the esteemed editor. This unexpected discovery has added a new dimension to their intertwined legacies, particularly as Streep prepares to revisit her iconic role in the forthcoming sequel.
The three-time Oscar winner, Meryl Streep, is set to reprise her role as the formidable fashion editor Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada 2," alongside Anne Hathaway. Coincidentally, a study conducted by Ancestry.com has uncovered that Streep and Wintour are distantly related. This genetic link is particularly noteworthy given that Wintour, the former head of Vogue, served as the real-life inspiration for Lauren Weisberger's novel, which subsequently became the basis for the original film. Streep, upon learning of this connection, humorously remarked that it clarifies many things, expressing her excitement with an ancestral phrase, "I am chuffed!"
According to a press release from Ancestry.com, the familial connection was established through an extensive analysis of billions of historical records and public family trees. The study traced Streep's and Wintour's lineage back to shared relatives named Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Kinsey, positioning them as sixth cousins. Adding to the intrigue, both Streep and Wintour were born in 1949, just five months apart, with Streep celebrating her birthday on June 22 and Wintour on November 3. This close proximity in their birth dates, combined with their newfound familial tie, creates a compelling narrative around their lives and careers.
Last year, Streep was observed filming scenes for "The Devil Wears Prada 2" in Italy, where the cast reportedly had an encounter with Wintour during a fashion show. Despite these interactions, it has been officially confirmed that Wintour herself will not be making an appearance in the highly anticipated sequel. Nonetheless, Wintour's influence remains undeniable. As the long-standing editor-in-chief of Vogue, a role from which she recently stepped down, Wintour was instrumental in shaping the foundation of "The Devil Wears Prada" into the cultural phenomenon it became following its debut in 2006. Her persona, as depicted in Weisberger's novel, has left an indelible mark on popular culture, underscoring the profound impact she has had on the fashion world and beyond.
The behind-the-scenes narrative of the film further highlights Wintour's pervasive influence. During an EW 15th-anniversary oral history cast reunion in 2021, members of the cast and crew revealed that the production team meticulously reconstructed Wintour's actual office on set. This detailed replica served as the workspace for Miranda Priestly at the fictional Runway magazine, the setting where a young journalist, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, embarks on her career journey. This commitment to authenticity underscores the respect and acknowledgment of Wintour's iconic status, even as the film presented a fictionalized, albeit inspired, version of her professional life. The enduring fascination with Wintour's character and her impact on the fashion industry continues to captivate audiences, reinforcing the film's cultural relevance.
The surprising revelation of Meryl Streep's distant familial connection to Anna Wintour adds an intriguing layer to the legacy of "The Devil Wears Prada" and the careers of both iconic women. This discovery not only highlights the unexpected ways in which public figures are connected but also enriches the narrative surrounding the film's inspiration. As "The Devil Wears Prada 2" approaches its release, this newfound relationship offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between art, life, and the enduring influence of a fashion legend.
