The HBO series Big Little Lies was known for using contemporary songs instead of a traditional score. One cast member has had a lot of experience with music — popular as well as classical — in her acting career.
Meryl Streep made waves with her portrayal of Celeste Wright's (Nicole Kidman) mother-in-law. Her acting prowess seems to have no bounds, with her versatility extending to learning new instruments for other roles. Not only has she portrayed musicians, but she actually studied opera as a teenager and recited poetry alongside legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Here's a look back at her most memorable musical roles:
Music of the Heart
Meryl Streep plays Roberta Guaspari, the co-founder of the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music. Based on the 1995 documentary Small Wonders, Streep learned how to play the violin for the role.
Florence Foster Jenkins
Florence Foster Jenkins was a New York socialite and arts patron who performed at Carnegie Hall in 1944 despite her clear lack of musical talent. Streep had to master the art of singing off-pitch, sometimes rehearsing arias eight times a day.
A Prairie Home Companion
Streep sang live during filming, which only took 21 days, for this film based on the public radio show of the same name.
Mamma Mia!
Perhaps Streep's most famous musical role, Donna in Mamma Mia!, was sparked by her longtime love for the band ABBA. Streep was able to work closely with the ABBA stars Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, who helped with the lyrics.
Ricki and the Flash
Not only did Streep sing in this film, she learned to play guitar for her portrayal of a rock singer aiming to reconnect with her family. She only had a few months to learn how to sing and play at the same time.
Bonus: Master Class
One film we're still waiting for is Master Class, based on the Broadway musical of the same name. Streep was drafted to play Maria Callas in the HBO movie, but the network has been radio silent about the project since 2014. We just want to see her play the famous soprano. Is that too much to ask?
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