Meryl Streep sets the record straight on the iconic 'Devil Wears Prada' role
As excitement builds for 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' Streep reflects on the original film’s legacy and impact
Meryl Streep is finally setting the record straight on one of her most iconic roles.
Nearly two decades after The Devil Wears Prada became a cultural phenomenon, the Oscar-winning actress revealed that her portrayal of the formidable Miranda Priestly was not inspired by fashion powerhouse Anna Wintour, as many fans have long believed.
Instead, Streep shared that she drew from two unexpected Hollywood figures: Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood.
“I was basically imitating Mike Nichols that whole time,” Streep said during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
“If Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood had a baby… it would be Miranda Priestly.”
Streep explained that Nichols’ influence shaped the character’s tone, particularly his ability to command a room with subtle humor.
“Mike would do it with a sly humor,” she said. “People take it as mean, but it’s funny.”
Meanwhile, Eastwood inspired a quieter, more restrained authority. “He would never raise his voice,” Streep noted. “People had to lean in to hear him.”
The combination of those two styles helped define Miranda Priestly’s signature presence—cool, controlled, and quietly intimidating.
Streep’s revelation comes as anticipation builds for the upcoming sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, set to hit theaters on May 1.