Meryl Streep Makes $1 Million Donation To New York’s Public Theater

Meryl Streep, the Oscar-winning actress, has donated $1 million to the newly renovated the Public Theater of New York. Strep’s gift was made in honor of its late founder Joseph Papp and her close friend, the late writer-director Nora Ephron. Joseph Papp passed away in 1991, while Ephron died last year.

The LA Times reports that Streep has a 35-year history with the New York’s Public Theater:

“Streep is a longtime alumna of Public Theater, which produces Shakespeare and the classics as well as musicals and contemporary and experimental theater. She also has performed at the company’s Delacorte Theater uptown in Central Park.”

In a reception at the theater on Thursday evening, Streep made these comments according to The Hollywood Reporter:

“I give this gift in honor of the founder of The Public Theater, my friend and mentor Joseph Papp, and in remembrance of one of the theater’s Board members and greatest supporters, my friend Nora Ephron.”

The Hollywood Reporter adds that “The million-dollar announcement came at a reception celebrating the theater’s unveiling of its $40 million revitalization of its downtown home at Astor Place.”

Among many other acting honors, Streep won the Oscar for her roles in Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, and The Iron Lady. She has been nominated for more Academy Awards (17 times) than any other actor.

Commenting on the Meryl Streep donation, Oscar Eustis, the Public Theater’s artistic director, said that “Joe Papp founded The Public in the belief that great theater belonged to all the people. It means an enormous amount to us that the greatest actor of our time supports that mission.”