After Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, came clean about their complicated relationship, legendary actress Meryl Streep and her husband of 45 years, Don Gummer, have decided to share the truth with the public.
It has been confirmed to Page Six that Gummer and Streep parted ways six years ago. The news is more than shocking because earlier this week, Streep was photographed with her wedding ring.
According to a person familiar with the situation, the couple still loves and cares for each other. However, they have concluded that the romance is no longer part of their relationship and have therefore taken the decision to live separate lives.
The source did not say why Streep and Gummer are not divorcing or if they are seeing other people. The person in the know told Page Six: “Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart.”
Don Gummer and Meryl Streep wed in 1978 and share four children — Henry, 43, Mamie, 40, Grace, 37, and Louisa Jacobson, 30.
They also have five grandchildren. In a past interview with Vogue, Meryl Streep explained the secret that created their long-lasting marriage.
She confessed that: “It was goodwill and willingness to bend – and to shut up every once in a while. There’s no road map on how to raise a family: It’s always an enormous negotiation. But I have a holistic need to work and to have huge ties of love in my life. I can’t imagine eschewing one for the other.”
Meryl Streep praised her spouse for being present for their children while she was away filming her many projects.
Streep stated: “Teamwork is everything. My husband Don was…very involved. He was a little more relaxed when it comes to raising kids. I was more of a tiger mom. He is always happy to look after the children and that she felt not as guilty about being away for longer periods while working on sets.”
Don Gummer often accompanied Meryl Streep to red carpet events, including the Oscars; she has been nominated 21 times and won three Oscars.
While the actress and the sculptor have been discreet about keeping their complex relationship a secret, many in the media have noticed that the last time they were seen together was at the 2018 Oscars.
