Meryl Streep has reflected on her long-standing relationship with Goldie Hawn, revealing that while the pair remain close friends, their time filming Death Becomes Her was marked by moments of tension.
Oscar-winning Meryl, 76, who starred opposite Goldie, 80, in the 1992 dark comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis, spoke about the experience in an interview with Vanity Fair.
Streep’s Comments
The film, which also featured Bruce Willis, has since become a cult favorite and was adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical in 2024.
Meryl’s comments come as renewed attention surrounds her career, including the release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, in which she reprises her role as Miranda Priestly alongside Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci.
Meryl said, “Goldie, she was always late to set.”
She added, “And I’m always on time, you know, and annoying. But she’s late.”
Meryl described how her co-star’s arrival on set often caused delays.
She said, “She had a red convertible, I remember, and she’d drive herself to set. And so that was probably the problem. She’d drive herself to set.”
“She had her hair all over. She’s like, ‘Oh gosh, sorry!’ And everybody thought, ‘Oh, she’s so cute.’ Yeah, so I had a beef with her.”
Blossoming Friendship
Despite the frustrations, Meryl said the pair’s relationship evolved into a lasting friendship.
She said, “Over the years, we’ve had some laughs about that movie because people love it.”
Meryl added, “I thought it was like a documentary on Beverly Hills.”
The production required extensive special effects work, including scenes in which Streep’s character undergoes exaggerated physical transformations.
Meryl said, “I remember being in a green spandex suit that encompassed my whole body.”
She added, “Tedious is a kind of a little word for what it is. It’s excruciating.”
However, she credited Goldie with bringing levity to the set.
Meryl said, “And then when we get to the scene and we just do the scene, all silly, and fabulous me and with Goldie, we just laughed.”
She added, “And she’s the best laugher in America, really. She laughs like (hearty belly laughing), and then they have to stop shooting… that part was fun.”
Praising Bruce
Meryl also spoke about working with Bruce, addressing his reputation at the time.
She said, “Oh, Bruce was divine!”
Meryl added, “We had so much fun with him. He was such a gent and so game and willing to be ridiculous.”
The film, which grossed $149 million worldwide, remains one of Meryl’s most distinctive roles, contributing to her reputation for versatility across genres.
Her career has also included acclaimed performances in projects such as The Devil Wears Prada and Mamma Mia!, both of which continue to shape her public image and audience appeal.