Meryl Streep almost turned down Kramer vs. Kramer, the film that ultimately won her an Oscar and solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s most revered actresses. But why did she hesitate? What changed her mind? Let’s dive into the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how one of the most iconic performances in cinema history nearly didn’t happen.
A Role That Almost Never Was
When Kramer vs. Kramer was in pre-production, director Robert Benton and producers were on the hunt for the perfect actress to play Joanna Kramer, a woman who leaves her husband and son, only to return and fight for custody. At the time, Meryl Streep was gaining recognition for her work in The Deer Hunter but was not yet the powerhouse name she is today.
Initially, the role of Joanna wasn’t even on her radar. The filmmakers had considered other actresses before approaching her, and when they did, Streep had serious reservations.
Meryl Streep Almost Turned Down Kramer vs. Kramer – Here’s Why
Meryl Streep’s hesitation stemmed from multiple factors. First and foremost was the way Joanna Kramer was initially written. The character was one-dimensional, portrayed as cold, selfish, and unsympathetic—a far cry from the complexity Streep wanted in her roles. She believed that in order to truly resonate with audiences, Joanna needed to be more than just a villain in the custody battle; she had to be a real, flawed, yet understandable woman.
Another reason for her reluctance was personal tragedy. At the time, Streep was grieving the loss of her fiancé, actor John Cazale, who had passed away from lung cancer. Taking on an emotionally demanding role in a film about a broken family felt overwhelming.
Dustin Hoffman’s Controversial Influence
Dustin Hoffman, who played Ted Kramer, was instrumental in convincing Streep to take the part—but not in the most conventional or comfortable way. Hoffman was known for his intense method acting, and he pushed Streep to the limits.
During one particularly heated scene, Hoffman famously slapped Streep without warning, a move that left her shocked and upset. He also reportedly taunted her about Cazale’s death to elicit raw emotion for her performance. While these tactics were controversial and have since been criticized, they undeniably contributed to the film’s raw authenticity.
The Rewrite That Changed Everything
Ultimately, what convinced Streep to accept the role was the opportunity to reshape Joanna Kramer. She fought to rewrite much of the dialogue and add depth to the character. Streep wanted audiences to understand Joanna’s struggles—the loneliness, the societal pressures, and the internal conflict that led to her painful decision to leave her son.
With these changes, Joanna became a more layered and realistic character rather than just an antagonist to Ted’s plight. This transformation made the film even more powerful and emotionally charged.
An Oscar-Winning Decision
Kramer vs. Kramer was released in 1979 and became a massive critical and commercial success. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman, and Best Supporting Actress for Meryl Streep.
Streep’s portrayal of Joanna was widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. Her decision to reshape the role paid off, making Joanna a character audiences could empathize with rather than simply judge.
A Turning Point in Streep’s Career
Had Meryl Streep turned down Kramer vs. Kramer, her career trajectory might have been different. While she was already respected, this role catapulted her into the league of Hollywood’s elite. It also marked the beginning of her reputation as an actress deeply involved in shaping her characters—a trait that would define her illustrious career.
Final Thoughts
Meryl Streep almost turned down Kramer vs. Kramer, but her decision to fight for a more nuanced portrayal of Joanna Kramer changed the film—and her career—forever. The movie remains a cinematic classic, in part due to her dedication to authenticity.
So, next time you watch Kramer vs. Kramer, remember that the role that earned Streep her first Oscar almost never happened. And imagine how different the film might have been without her.
