Duane Michals Recalls Photographing an Unknown Meryl Streep in 1975
In the wake of the photographer's death, a 2017 interview has come to light where Duane Michals shares a serendipitous meeting with Meryl Streep in New York's theater district in 1975, at a time when she was a fresh graduate from the Yale School of Drama and had not yet appeared in films. Michals, already recognized for his unique portrait style, photographed Streep joyfully dancing outside the Marquis Theatre. His portfolio features notable figures such as Susan Sontag, René Magritte, and Robin Williams, recently showcased in the book Duane Michals: Portraits (Thames & Hudson). At 85, he has also produced 18 short films, including 'Ruski Business,' which explores Trump and Putin, and emphasizes his philosophy of capturing each subject in a distinct manner.
Key facts
- Duane Michals photographed Meryl Streep in 1975 in New York's theatre district.
- Streep was unknown at the time, a recent Yale School of Drama graduate.
- Michals was already an established portrait photographer by the 1970s.
- His subjects include Susan Sontag, René Magritte, Jeanne Moreau, Jasper Johns, Robin Williams, David Hockney, Eartha Kitt, Stephen King, and Johnny Cash.
- His portraits are compiled in the book 'Duane Michals: Portraits' published by Thames & Hudson.
- Michals believes in taking unique portraits for each subject.
- He also creates narrative series blending text and photography, inspired by James Joyce and Magritte.
- At 85, Michals has made 18 short films, including 'Ruski Business' about Trump and Putin.
Entities
Artists
- Duane Michals
- Meryl Streep
- Susan Sontag
- René Magritte
- Jeanne Moreau
- Jasper Johns
- Robin Williams
- David Hockney
- Eartha Kitt
- Stephen King
- Johnny Cash
- James Joyce
- Donald Trump
- Vladimir Putin
Institutions
- Yale School of Drama
- Thames & Hudson
- Marquis Theatre
Locations
- New York
- United States