Meryl Streep has shared some behind-the-scenes stories about her time working with Goldie Hawn on the 1992 film Death Becomes Her. The film, a dark comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis, featured Streep and Hawn in pivotal roles. Streep, now 76, revealed that their on-set dynamic was not entirely harmonious, with Hawn’s tendency to arrive late causing some frustration.
Streep, known for her punctuality, admitted that she found Hawn’s habit of arriving late to set quite annoying. However, she noted that Hawn’s charm made it easy for others to overlook this issue. “Goldie, she was always late to set,” Streep said in a Vanity Fair interview. “I’m always on time, you know, and annoying, but she’s late. 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.”
Hawn, who is now 80, would often arrive disheveled, apologizing with a sheepish smile. “She’s like, ‘Oh gosh, sorry!’ And everybody thought, ‘Oh, she’s so cute.’ Yeah, so I had a beef with her.” Despite this, Streep emphasized that the two actors had a good rapport during filming and remain friends today.
Death Becomes Her follows the story of Madeline Ashton (Streep) and Helen Sharp (Hawn), two women who engage in a deadly rivalry after drinking a magic potion that grants them immortality. The film, which also stars Bruce Willis, is celebrated for its comedic chemistry between the lead actors. It received an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and later inspired a Broadway musical adaptation.
Reflecting on the film’s lasting popularity, Streep joked that she once thought it was “like a documentary on Beverly Hills.” She also praised Willis, calling him “divine” and highlighting his willingness to embrace the film’s absurdity. “We had so much fun with him. He was such a gent and so game and willing to be ridiculous.”
Streep is currently starring in the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, where she reprises her role as fashion editor Miranda Priestly. The film also brings back Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. Critics have praised the return of the original cast, with The Independent’s film critic Clarisse Loughrey giving the film four stars. She wrote: “The main quartet were so well-suited to their original roles that all Streep needs to do is play thoughtfully with a beaded necklace and, instantly, it’s like Miranda never left us.”
Looking ahead, Streep will appear in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, playing an undisclosed role. Fans are eager to see how she will bring her signature depth and nuance to the new project.
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