Meryl Streep, the acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances, recently had an emotional reunion of sorts during a televised interview. The 76-year-old star became visibly moved when watching a heartfelt tribute from her former co-star Jennifer Lejeune, who appeared alongside Streep in the 1982 film “Sophie’s Choice.”
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The poignant moment occurred on the French news programme “Journal de 20 heures.” As part of the interview, Streep was presented with a video clip showcasing Lejeune’s memories of working on the Holocaust drama. Nearly 44 years have passed since the film’s release, yet the impact of that experience remains deeply entrenched in both actresses’ lives.
Lejeune, who was just four years old at the time of filming, described Streep as “my favourite mother” in an endearing nod to their onscreen relationship. With childlike innocence, she recalled how Streep treated her kindly and played with her throughout the production. Such genuine affection clearly struck a chord with Streep, who responded with palpable emotion upon witnessing Lejeune’s admiration.
Streep’s reaction was one of surprise. “That’s the child?” she exclaimed, as tears welled in her eyes. The moment was made even more poignant as Streep shared the screen with her “Devil Wears Prada 2” co-star, Stanley Tucci, who also appeared touched by the revelation. “Oh my God, that’s amazing,” Streep continued, clearly taken aback by the affection conveyed in Lejeune’s words.
In “Sophie’s Choice,” Streep portrayed Zofia “Sophie” Zawistowska, a Polish woman reflecting on the harrowing choices she was forced to make during World War II. The film is infamous for its emotional depth and the harrowing climax, during which Sophie is required to choose between her daughter, Eva, played by Lejeune, and her son, Jan. Ultimately, a heart-wrenching choice leads to tragic consequences, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative and Streep’s storied career.
Lejeune articulated how critical Streep’s warmth had been in forming their connection, suggesting that the emotional bond they shared was essential in crafting the film’s intense scenes. “I think if she wasn’t able to build that bond with me, there’s no way we would ever have had that kind of reaction on set,” Lejeune noted, acknowledging the profound impact Streep had as both a character and a mentor.
Expressing her gratitude after viewing the tribute, Streep appeared genuinely touched, stating, “That’s very beautiful, thank you for that. What a gift. Journalists never give me gifts!” Her response highlighted not only her humility but also the continuing significance of the relationships forged during her illustrious career.
“Sophie’s Choice” remains a landmark film in Streep’s career, earning her an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, the film brought together an impressive cast, including Kevin Kline in his feature film debut and Peter MacNicol, further solidifying its status as a cinematic classic.
In a separate but related context, Streep is set to grace the big screen again in “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which reunites her with beloved co-stars, including Tucci, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. The long-awaited sequel, which has been 20 years since the original, debuted in theatres recently, allowing audiences to reconnect with the characters they adore.
Overall, the emotional exchange between Streep and Lejeune serves as a reminder of the deeply personal connections that can be formed in the film industry. As both actresses reflect on their shared history, fans of “Sophie’s Choice” are reminded of the profound themes of sacrifice and love that resonate throughout the film, embodied in the very real bond between its stars.