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Welcome to simplystreep.com, an information source
on the American actress Meryl Streep, best known from her Oscar-winning performances in
"Kramer vs. Kramer" and "Sophie's Choice". Her work on
screen, stage and television, a career that includes some of the most acclaimed films of the
last 30 years, has achieved critical acclaim and earned her the business' most prestigious
awards. This unofficial website provides a base for fans which is regularly updated with all essential
news on Meryl's work, an active message board plus extensive archives, media and more.
Enjoy your stay! |
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| UPDATES ARCHIVE | JULY 2008 |
MAGAZINE SCANS
Posted: 2008-07-28 | Source: Webmaster |
To keep up with all recent "Mamma Mia" related articles and interviews, the following scans
have been added to the Image Library, with many thanks to Alvaro for contributing most of
them! |
"REGIS & KELLY" AND "THE VIEW"VIDEO CLIPS
Posted: 2008-07-21 | Source: Webmaster |
Added Meryl's appearances on "The View" (July 18), alongside Amanda Seyfired, and
"Live with Regis & Kelly" (July 16) to the media archive. Credit for the latter goes to
Our Daily Ripa.
Have fun watching! |
"MAMMA MIA" OPENS STRONG WITH $27.6 MILLION AT BOX OFFICE
Posted: 2008-07-21 | Source: Webmaster |
In spite of stiff competition from the newest Batman film, the film version of Mamma Mia!
enjoyed a strong opening weekend at the box office, taking in a solid $27.6 million.
Although that total didn't approach The Dark Knight's record-breaking $155.4 million, it
narrowly beat the opening total of last year's feature film transfer of Hairspray.
Universal Studios' decision to release Mamma Mia! as a counter-programming move to the
dark sequel to Batman Begins paid off. Together, the two films created the biggest opening
weekend ever in terms of total grosses, according to Variety. Overseas, where Mamma Mia!
opened a week ahead of its U.S. premiere, the movie grossed $26.8 million in its second
week for an impressive total of $72.6 million. |
"MAMMA MIA" NEW YORK PREMIERE COVERAGE
Posted: 2008-07-19 | Source: Webmaster |
The cast and crew of "Mamma Mia" has put its promotional tour to an end, celebrating it with a big
bang at the New York premiere of the film. All pictures of Meryl on the "blue" carpet can
be found in the Image Library.
Additional information courtesy the Daily Mail: Meryl Streep was a picture of perfection
when she stepped out for the New York premiere of her new movie Mamma Mia!. Wearing a
stunning white chiffon dress with a daring plunge neckline, the 59-year-old actress
proved that she still had it as she dazzled on the blue carpet. With decades of experience
behind her, the Oscar winner took her time to work the paparazzi. Joined by her co-stars
Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Amanda Seyfried the stars wowed the screaming fans and
onlookers. Streep was also joined by a host of VIP guests including Abba's Benny Andersson
and Bjorn Ulaveus. |
"MAMMA MIA" MEDIA COVERAGE WRAP-UP
Posted: 2008-07-19 | Source: Webmaster |
Lots of new videos have been added to the media archive, including Meryl
at the New York premiere of "Mamma Mia", a very in-depth interview by the Australian
Channel Ten, reports on the film by Fox News and CBS News and another extensive interview
from the Greece program "Rendezvous for Cinema", with many thanks to Ada for contributing
it. Much appreciated! All new clips can be found in the media archive.
Then, many new pictures of Meryl's promotion tour around the world, including a new album
with images from the Sydney premiere of "Mamma Mia", its photo call a day earlier, the cast's
appearance in Stockholm as well as some more pictures from the premiere in London. |
"THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN" VIDEO ADDED
Posted: 2008-07-17 | Source: Webmaster |
Meryl's appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman can be now downloaded in the video
archive. Check back tomorrow for a complete coverage on the New York premiere of "Mamma
Mia". |
"MAMMA MIA" TAKES MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
Posted: 2008-07-17 | Source: Webmaster |
According to this source,
Mamma Mia! The Movie has enjoyed the biggest film opening for a musical in the UK, a
picture company has said. Universal Pictures International UK said its Abba-themed movie,
released last week, has generated Money, Money, Money - already taking more than £7.6
million here. The film is also the biggest movie opening that its star Meryl Streep has
ever had in the UK, beating The Devil Wears Prada, Universal said. And Polydor Records
said Mamma Mia! The Soundtrack Featuring the Songs of Abba is on track to be the
biggest-selling album of the week. |
"THE TODAY SHOW" VIDEO ADDED
Posted: 2008-07-15 | Source: Webmaster |
This morning, Meryl sat down with Ann Curry on "The Today Show" to promote "Mamma Mia". The full
interview can be downloaded in the video archive.
"I have a lot of energy. I have to put it somewhere. Otherwise I’d probably warp my kids," Streep laughingly told TODAY’s Ann Curry Tuesday in
New York. And what, after all, does age have to do with it? "There’s no sell-by date on my forehead,"
Streep said cheerfully after sitting through a clip of her soulful rendition of The
Winner Takes It All, sung to co-star Pierce Brosnan in the movie version of "Mamma Mia!",
the smash Broadway musical featuring the songs of 1970s pop superstars ABBA. "And I felt
there was so much to give, certainly in that song. It’s one of the great all-time songs
of ABBA music. To get a chance to sing it was a real thrill for me."
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TARA MAGAZINE SCANS
Posted: 2008-07-08 | Source: Webmaster |
Thanks to the wonderful Sofie for contributing these scans from the Swedish Tara
Magazine, featuring an amazing covershoot. |
"ROVE" VIDEO ADDED
Posted: 2008-07-14 | Source: Webmaster |
You can now download Meryl's and Colin Firth's appearance on the Australian talkshow "Rove",
yesterday. Don't miss their funny chat about the making of "Mamma Mia" and playing Rove's
20 bucks in 20 seconds game. Many thanks to Danny and Kirstie for the video. |
USA TODAY: MERYL STREEP DRESSES DOWN
Posted: 2008-07-14 | Source: Webmaster |
Miranda Priestly, the haughty harridan of The Devil Wears Prada,
has been banished to the back of Meryl Streep's closet. As the formidable fashion editor
herself would say, "That's all." This summer, the grande dame of American cinema opts for
shabby, not chic, as an earthy dervish named Donna. The free-spirited hotel owner on a
picturesque Greek isle collides head-on with her footloose past in Mamma Mia!, a
sun-splashed movie version of the stage musical inspired by ABBA's greatest hits. It
opens Friday. For Streep, denim blue is the new black. Not since Walter Brennan was a Real
McCoy has a star gottenso much mileage out of a pair of overalls. "They were Greek workman's overalls," says
Streep, in town for the first of several overseas premieres. "That is what they actually
wear." Did she keep them as a souvenir? She laughs. "I think they made soup out of them."
Consider those dungarees her answer to a superhero's costume. Streep, who persuaded
blockbuster-season moviegoers to spend almost $125 million on 2006's Prada, is Mamma
Mia's secret box-office weapon against the Joker-charged juggernaut known as The Dark
Knight, which opens the same day. The full article can be read online
or in the press archive.
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STREEP AND FIRTH TO ATTEND "ROVE"
Posted: 2008-07-11 | Source: Webmaster |
Meryl Streep and Colin Firth will be on the Australian talkshow "Rove" this Sunday, July
13th, to promote "Mamma Mia". The show is broadcast at 8:40 pm on Ten. Visit Rove's
official website
for more information and a complete schedule. If you're able to get hold of this appearance,
please let me know ;-)
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THE SOUTH BANK SHOW - "ABBA: THE MAMMA MIA! STORY"
Posted: 2008-07-10 | Source: Webmaster |
On July 03, the popular British television programme "The South Bank Show" has aired a documentary
entitled "Abba: The Mamma Mia Story", showcasing the famous four, their hit song as well as
the motion picture and its cast and crew. An excerpt from the documentary can be downloaded
in the media archive.
Over the last decade the stage show has become a major musical phenomenon: from smash hit
in London to worldwide sensation - seen by more than 30 million people in over 170 cities
in 8 languages around the world. It's been such a success that a star-studded Hollywood
film of Mamma Mia! has been made and opens worldwide this summer. The TV special features
exclusive interviews with the stars of the movie including: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan,
Colin Firth and Julie Walters alongside clips from the film and behind the scenes footage.
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MERYL RECALLS AUDITIONING FOR "MAMMA" ROLE
Posted: 2008-07-10 | Source: Webmaster |
Article courtesy this source:
She has been nominated for an Oscar 14 times in her long and stellar career, but ABBA's
Benny Andersson still required Meryl Streep to audition for a role in the movie adaptation
of Mamma Mia! "He vehemently denies this, but I know he retained the right to veto any
choices right till the very end," Streep told film editor Vicky Roach. "In fact, they
didn't release the rights to the music until just before we started shooting." The veteran
star revealed she met Andersson in the bowels of New York's Lincoln Centre soon after
director Phyllida Lloyd confirmed that she had the coveted lead role - ostensibly to see
if any key changes were required. "He had this little twinkle in his eye and he was very
welcoming. But about halfway through, I realised I was doing an audition, and that if
everything did not go well I would not be doing the musical. And then I got really
nervous." |
ADDITIONAL VIDEO CLIPS
Posted: 2008-07-10 | Source: Webmaster |
Three more "Mamma Mia" related video clips have been added to the media archive, a promotional
interview from the UK press junket, Meryl and the cast on the British programme "This
Morning" as well as an interview by Access Hollywood. The latter should not be missed since
Meryl showcases, well, another side of her vocal talent! |
"MAMMA MIA" STARS ATTEND PHOTOCALL IN SYDNEY
Posted: 2008-07-08 | Source: Webmaster |
Colin Firth, Dominic Cooper and Meryl Streep have attended an Australian photocall and
press conference in Sydney. Pictures can be found in the Image Library.
Thanks to
Katherine for the additional info: While she hasn't been in Australia for 20 years,
double Oscar winner Meryl Streep showed she's got the local accent down to a tee when she
joined fellow Mama Mia! stars Colin Firth and Band Of Brothers actor Dominic Cooper in
Sydney on the promotional trail this week. "G'day," drawled the actress, who was clearly
in a jovial mood during the special photocall which took place in the city's harbour.
Meryl and her handsome co-stars were Down Under for the film's Australian premiere, due
to take place on Tuesday in Melbourne. In the silver screen version of the hugely
successful ABBA musical the 59-year-old actress plays Donna, a hotel owner who is
preparing for her daughter's wedding while being reunited with the bride-to-be's three
possible fathers - played by Colin, former 007 Pierce Brosnan and Pirates Of the Carribean
actor Stellan Skarsgard. Dominic, meanwhile, plays the groom in the all singing-all
dancing adventure. Pride and Prejudice star Colin confessed that the musical nature of
the role had been daunting, though he took solace in the fact that he wasn't the only
actor on set who thought so. "To look at this spiral of fear in Pierce Brosnan's eyes and
then looking at Stellan and seeing the same ... we all realised we suddenly were bonded
by blind terror," he joked |
US TALKSHOWS SCHEDULE
Posted: 2008-07-08 | Source: Webmaster |
More talkshow appearances have been announced, it looks like the promotional tour will continue
for Meryl in the US! The following shows have listed her appearance, so fingers crossed
she'll show up. |
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING (UK) SCANS
Posted: 2008-07-08 | Source: Webmaster |
Added scans from the August issue of the UK Good Housekeeping Magazine with many thanks to
Kerry and Alvaro for their generous help. |
FRIDAY NIGHT WITH JONATHAN ROSS
Posted: 2008-07-05 | Source: Webmaster |
Yesterday, Meryl was a guest at Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, and as expected it was a
hilarious interview with many bits on "Mamma Mia" and Meryl's own memories on making some
of her most beloved films, including "Kramer vs. Kramer" and "Out of Africa". The complete
interview can be downloaded in four parts in the media archive. |
VIDEO CLIPS FROM PREMIERES AND INTERVIEWS
Posted: 2008-07-05 | Source: Webmaster |
The media coverage on "Mamma Mia" continues with tons of new clips from the various European
premieres and promotional conferences. Added news segments from the press conference in
Berlin and Stockholm, from the premieres in Stockholm and London as well as a promotional
interview by the BBC. Many thanks to Mariana
for sending in the E!News segment and to the busy bees at the Simply Streep discussion forums
for providing many of these sources. |
MERYL STREEP AND ABBA CELEBRATE "MAMMA MIA" IN STOCKHOLM
Posted: 2008-07-05 | Source: Webmaster |
As reported below, Meryl and the cast of "Mamma Mia" as well as ABBA celebrated
the premiere of the film in Stockholm, yesterday. It's being said that this was the first
appearance by all four members of the pop group in 22 years. All pictures from the press
conference and the premiere can be found in the Image Library. |
ABBA REUNITES TO WELCOME MOVIE STARS IN STOCKHOLM
Posted: 2008-07-05 | Source: Webmaster |
Article courtesy this source:
Abba welcomed a bevy of Hollywood stars to Stockholm on Friday for the première of Mamma
Mia! -The movie. Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad Reuss made a rare public appearance
together with their former Abba partners, Björn Ulveaus and Benny Andersson, on the night
of the première of "Mamma Mia!" - a musical based on the disco sound of the Swedish group,
Abba. The film's star Meryl Streep was the big attraction of the afternoon and she was in
a party mood, dancing a jig with Agnetha and Annefrid on the red carpet. She had told the
press earlier in the day that singing and dancing in a musical was a childhood dream. "When
I was in school I was in several musicals where I sang and danced. It was like coming home
to something I love." Pierce Brosnan was looking his broody, charming self as he was joined
on the red carpet by Colin Firth. The film was given a pre-showing at the Rival
cinema on Mariatorget in central Stockholm. The cinema is part of the entertainment and
hotel complex that is owned by Benny Andersson, who together with Björn Ulvaeus, composed
and arranged the music for "Mamma Mia!". |
"MAMMA MIA" PRESS CONFERENCE IN BERLIN
Posted: 2008-07-03 | Source: Webmaster |
Today, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Dominic Cooper, Christine Baranski
and director Phyllida Lloyd have attended a photocall in Berlin to promote "Mamma Mia". All pictures can be found in the
Image Library.
According to this
source, had a blast learning she was considered for the lead role in the film. "I
thought these movieguys were joking. I would have never thought to be the first choice
to play Donna". Pierce Brosnan, on the other hand, revealed he felt ridicilous at first
in his 70s costume. "Mamma Mia" releases German theaters on July 17. |
A LEGEND LIGHTENS UP
Posted: 2008-07-03 | Source: Webmaster |
Article courtesy The Guardian:
The interview with Meryl Streep doesn't start well. "Do you know who Alan Partridge is?"
I ask. "Isn't he that MP who said he has bulimia?" she replies. Unfortunately not. I
explain that he was a character who had a satirical chatshow on British TV called Knowing
Me, Knowing You. Streep giggles at the reference to an Abba song. So, I say, I'm just
going to introduce you the way that Partridge would introduce his guests. Streep's right
eyebrow rises. She's either intrigued or about to call security. Here goes. "Knowing me,
Stuart Jeffries; knowing you, Meryl Streep, a-hah!" I lean forward and make an ushering
gesture. Streep cracks up. Her extraordinary cheekbones become even more accentuated and
she laughs in a delightful girlish way. "No," I say, "you're supposed to reply" - "A-hah!"
Streep interrupts gamely. That's it! "Hey, thanks," she says, "if I'm on his show, I'll
remember that." The show doesn't exist any more. "Oh," says Streep. The full article can
be read here. |
"MAMMA MIA" LONDON PREMIERE CONTINUED COVERAGE
Posted: 2008-07-01 | Source: Webmaster |
Over 60 new images from the London premiere of "Mamma Mia" have been added to the Image
Library. The premiere was attended by the whole cast and crew at Leicester Square yesterday.
Additional information courtesy the BBC: London's Leicester Square was transformed into a
star-studded Greek paradise for the world
premiere of Mamma Mia! the movie. Hollywood superstars Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Pierce
Brosnan were joined by home-grown talent Colin Firth and Julie Walters on a blue carpet
meant to capture the film's Greek island setting. The landmark was also decorated with
lemon trees - adorned with fake fruits - and a Greek church which were fittingly bathed
by the summer sun. As the stars arrived, Abba's legendary hits from the stage musical
filled the square to the delight of hundreds of fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse
of the impressive guest list. They clutched cameras, autograph books and Greek flags which
emphasised the film's Aegean leanings. Three members of the Swedish supergroup turned out
for the occasion - Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
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"MAMMA MIA" RELATED CLIPS
Posted: 2008-07-01 | Source: Webmaster |
Lots of new segments from tv broadcasts have been added to the media archive, including new
footage from the press junket at Greece as well as "Mamma Mia"'s London premiere. All new
clips can be found in the media archive. |
MERYL TO ATTEND "MAMMA MIA" PREMIERE IN MELBOURNE & NEW PICTURES
Posted: 2008-07-01 | Source: Webmaster |
According to this source,
Meryl Streep, who stars as Donna in the Abba musical Mamma Mia, will attend the Australian
premiere in Melbourne next week. Mamma Mia also features Colin Firth as Harry Bright.
Firth will also be at the premiere. The Mamma Mia movie is based on the musical with songs
by Abba. On soundtrack, 17 Abba songs have been re-recorded for the movie, with Meryl
Streep herself singing 'Mamma Mia' and 'The Winner Takes It All' as well as 'S.O.S.' and
'When All Is Said And Done' as a duet with Pierce Brosnan, who stars in the movie as Sam
Carmichael. Additionally there have been some new production stills uploaded to the Image
Library. |
TV ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS
Posted: 2008-07-01 | Source: Webmaster |
Meryl has been announced to attend the Late Night with David Letterman on July 15, 2008.
Cross your fingers for her appearance this time since her last was cancelled due to the
writer's strike back in 2007. Thanks to Michelle for letting me know. Also, as it was
previously announced that ITV will air both an ABBA documentary and will have the cast of
the film at the South Bank Show, its been said that this is the same programme - the Mamma
Mia documentary will be an episode of the South Bank Show, so there'll only be one
programme on July 3rd. |
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