Meryl Streep and Don Gummer Secretly Stepped Away From 45-Year Marriage But Their Bond Remains Tight
There's a lot to appreciate about Meryl Streep – from her 45-year marriage to her 21 Oscar nominations and three Oscar wins to her unwavering advocacy for women's rights and impeccable taste in eyeglasses. One particularly notable aspect is how she has openly shared the warmth and richness of her personal life over the past few decades. Streep isn't a tortured artist isolated in the deserts of her own genius; quite the opposite. She has frequently turned her numerous premieres and award show appearances into enjoyable family gatherings.However, the last public appearance of Meryl and her husband, Don Gummer, was at the 2018 Oscars. Since then, their relationship has transitioned from romantic to a supportive partnership. Shockingly enough, "Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than six years, And while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart," Streep’s representative says in a statement.Despite the revelation of their separation, the 74-year-old Oscar winner and the 76-year-old sculptor marked their 45th wedding anniversary on September 30. Although the status of their romantic involvement has changed, Streep remains dedicated to her family life. The couple, blessed with four children – Henry Wolfe (43), Mamie Gummer (40), Grace Gummer (37), and Louisa Jacobson (30) – continues to navigate their familial journey together. Moreover, they still provide each other with personal and professional support.Regarding the marriage of Streep and Gummer, there have been no whispers of infidelity or scandal, common factors that often lead to the dissolution of Hollywood couples. Throughout the years, the couple has opted to keep most details about their enduring relationship private. With that in mind, let's delve into their relationship and explore the reasons that might have played a role in the separation of this enduring couple.A Young and Talented Actress Crossed Paths With a Gifted SculptorMeryl Streep and Don Gummer's love story began in the late 1970s. Following the untimely death of Meryl's partner, John Cazale, she found solace in sculptor Don Gummer. Meryl's brother introduced them, and their connection quickly blossomed into a deep and meaningful relationship.According to People magazine, she moved to his apartment during the filming of Kramer vs. Kramer, and they exchanged vows six months into their relationship. The couple tied the knot on September 30, 1978, in a private ceremony. Their wedding marked the beginning of a union that has endured for decades, becoming one of Hollywood's longest marriages.Over the years, Meryl and Don have welcomed four children into their family. The Streep-Gummer family has often been seen as a tight-knit and supportive unit. Throughout their marriage, Meryl and Don have attended various red carpet events together, showcasing their strong bond. Despite the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the public eye, they have managed to keep their private life relatively... private.In her 2012 acceptance speech, Meryl dedicated her Best Actress Oscar for her performance in The Iron Lady, to her husband. She then shared with Indie Wire, "First, I'm going to thank Don because when you thank your husband at the end of the speech, they play him out with the music, and I want him to know that everything I value most in our lives, you've given me."So what made this #relationshipgoals couple separate after such a scandal-free and long-lasting marriage?Streep Was Still Grieving the Death of Her Late Boyfriend When She Met Gummer From the outset, a few warning signs may have added complexity to their dynamic. Despite the apparent security and affection in their marriage, there seems to have been a lingering doubt that ultimately played a role in their decision to separate.Meryl Streep's connection with Don Gummer commenced amidst a challenging period, marked by her mourning the loss of her former boyfriend, John Cazale. The actor succumbed to cancer in 1978. He shared a romantic relationship with Streep for two years. Throughout his illness, Streep provided steadfast support, though the toll of witnessing his declining health weighed heavily on her. In a note to her former drama teacher, she wrote, "He has very wonderful care, and I try not to stand around wringing my hands, but I am worried all the time and pretending to be cheery all the time, which is more exhausting mentally, physically, emotionally than any work I've ever done."After Cazale's passing, Streep's brother enlisted the help of his friend, Gummer, to assist in packing up items from the apartment she once shared with her late boyfriend. A romantic relationship quickly blossomed between Streep and Gummer, leading to their marriage six months later. Despite finding new love, Streep continued to grapple with the profound impact of Cazale's tragic death. A year after his passing, she confided in People, stating, "The death is still very much with me. It has forced me to confront my own mortality, and once you do that, you look at things differently."Meryl Streep’s Work Life Might Have Affected Her Marriage With Don Gummer As a thriving and busy actor, Meryl Streep frequently embarked on film projects that required her to travel, creating periods of distance in her marriage to Don Gummer. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, their relationship experienced long-distance phases when Streep was away from home for several months. During these times, Gummer assumed the responsibility of caring for their children. Streep felt very lucky, noting that he was "always happy to look after the children," alleviating some of the guilt she felt for her occasional absences. Nevertheless, it was evident that sacrifices were made.While Streep didn't delve extensively into the challenges of balancing work, marriage, and family, she hinted at the necessary compromises in a romantic relationship. In a 2002 interview with Vogue, she shared the key to her enduring marriage. She described it as a combination of "goodwill and willingness to bend -- and to shut up every once in a while." She further explained, "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."Even in Separation, Meryl and Don Maintain Caring BondsRon Galella/Getty | Bruce Glikas/GettyIn every relationship, there are highs and lows, and parting ways after 45 years of marriage is undeniably challenging. Yet, if there's a concept like "breakup goals," Meryl and Don epitomize it in the world of celebrities. Moreover, as a form of respect for the years spent together, Meryl still wears her wedding band.Meryl Streep and Don Gummer serve as exceptional inspiration by gracefully managing their personal lives, and offering unwavering support to each other and their children. Caring for each other after a breakup reflects a mature and compassionate approach to moving forward. It recognizes the shared humanity and the impact that individuals can have on each other's lives, even beyond the confines of a romantic relationship.As Streep said back in 2015, "The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy."MORE FROM GOALCASTBruce Willis & Demi Moore’s Unbreakable Bond Proves Love Doesn’t End After Divorce – Even With a Dementia Diagnosis Find Your Strength in Times of Pain: Divorce Quotes for HerHow Tiger Woods’ Ex-Wife, Elin Nordegren, Is Doing, 11 Years After Their Scandalous Divorce
How Kelsey Grammer Overcame a Series of Horrific Family Tragedies to Bring Back Frasier
"There have been periods where it seemed like Satan got a foothold..." Kelsey Grammer can brag about having an illustrious career. His major breakthrough playing Dr. Frasier Crane on NBC’s Cheers was followed by 11 seasons of the wildly successful spin off, Frasier. And if you are a fan, it looks like a Frasier 2023 reboot is on its way. Instead of Seattle, the place is Boston. And while we will see some new faces, Frasier Crane remains the same, “He’s a little more mature. He’s got a little more wisdom about him. But he’s still a little bit silly and takes certain things more seriously than most people do. But that’s his character.”Much like his Frasier character, the Emmy Award winning actor has grown, matured, and has a newfound optimism in life. Charming and with a great sense of humor, Grammer has perfectly portrayed Dr. Krane. But ironically, in real life, he was the one in desperate need of psychiatric help. It’s hard to believe that Kelsey’s true life story consists of more trauma than all of his character’s patients combined.Grammer is now in a much better place, the TV star managed to overcome a series of unimaginable tragedies and come out the other side with faith intact.Kelsey Grammer’s Family Tragedies@mrkelseygrammer/InstagramIt was never easy for Grammer. He lived through violent deaths of close family members, divorces , health bouts that nearly left him for dead and an ongoing struggle with addiction. When he was only two years old, Grammer's parents divorced. Grammer's mom took him and his little sister to live with her parents in order to start a new life. But a string of family deaths was about to shake the actor to his core.Grammer grew close to his grandparents over the years, but soon after his 12th birthday his grandfather passed away from cancer. Before his death, rather ominously, told Grammer their family was cursed. Only a year after his grandfather's passing, Grammer's father was shot and killed in a home invasion. The killer responsible was found not guilty due to insanity and was eventually sent to a psychiatric facility.The actor somehow managed to keep it all together, but the grief that would follow took him off rails.When Grammer was 20, his younger sister, 18, was brutally murdered. On June 30, 1975, Karen (his little sister) was waiting outside the restaurant where she worked when four men robbed the restaurant. The police report would unveil gruesome details about Karen’s death. Fresh out of highschool, Karen was raped by her kidnappers, repeatedly stabbed, and left to die. She was found the next morning, but without any ID. "I just put [that pain] where it is: in the past. But it's a pain that you can always stumble into again — it's with you 24/7, especially in the case of tragic death, and there have been a few of those. It's just part of life. Maybe I learned a little earlier than most, but it's just the way it goes."Kelsey Grammer, UK's i NewsIt took the authorities one week to figure out who she was. That’s when they called Grammer to identify the body. Grammer was devastated... “I miss her in my bones. I was her big brother. I was supposed to protect her - I could not,” Kelsey wrote on the murderer’s parole board.To deal with his pain, Grammer chose drugs and alcohol to numb his grief, and therein would begin his decades long struggle with loss and the tight grip of addiction.Kelsey Grammer's String of Failed MarriagesThe Space Between / IMDBAs if Grammer didn’t already have enough on his plate, he’s also had his share of toxic relationships.The actor met his first wife – Doreen Alderman – in 1982. They quickly were married, but for some reason they couldn’t make it work. The two divorced in 1990.Two years later, Kelsey married an exotic dancer named Leigh-Anne Csuhany and after only months of dating were married. The relationship proved to be toxic with allegations Csuhany was unstable, violent and threatened Grammer with a gun. The two separated only nine months after their marriage. In 1994, Kelsey met actress Tammi Baliszewski to whom he soon got engaged. While the first year was full of joy, Tammi said the following two years were a nightmare. Grammer’s drinking got out of control and the Baywatch star couldn’t handle it. For a while she poured his alcohol down the sink and replaced it with water, but when she realized that he had no intention to quit, she broke up with him.Drinking the Pain Away After his sister's death, thinking that he had no way out, the actor started drinking his pain away, Eventually this got in the way of his studies. Since he began skipping classes, it wasn’t long before Julliard expelled him.I had a very spiritual youth. Then I had the challenges of a couple of really big tragedies. There was a time when I abandoned the effort to find a reason to be alive.Kelsey GrammerSomehow he found the strength to focus on his acting career. Grammer moved to San Diego where he landed a three-year internship with the Old Globe Theatre. Things were looking pretty good as the actor began to find success. Little did he know that tragedy was about to strike again.Stephan and Billy, Kelsey’s half brothers, were scuba diving off the coast of St. Thomas when something went wrong. Nobody knows exactly what happened to Billy, but it appears that Stephan suffered a brain embolism from surfacing too quickly. Billy's was never found, rescue teams assumed he was eventually eaten by a shark.Making It Big Against All OddsWith back to back tragedies, Kelsey poured his heart and soul into his acting career. Since his financial situation wasn't too good either, the actor had to work as a nightman at a hotel. After a stint at the Guthrie Theater, Kelsey finally made it to Broadway in 1981. He was cast as Othello, but it wasn’t until 1984 that Grammer got the big break he deserved.He first appeared as Dr. Frasier Crane in the sitcom Cheers. His talent blew everyone away and what was supposed to be a six-episode job, turned into a full-time position.In September 1993, Grammer was awarded a spinoff sitcom, Frasier, which later became one of the most successful sitcoms in TV history. He directed more than 30 episodes and also sang the closing theme song, "Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs."By 2001, the actor was making more than $700,000 and Frasier became a huge success. The sitcom received several Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series.It was hard, but it was worth it! Today, the actor smiles when he’s asked about the time when he was working two jobs to help ends meet. In a 2019 interview he says, “I could sneak behind a certain bush and cover myself with a newspaper, and I was fine”. How Kelsey Grammer Pulled Himself Together Through the DarknessProven Innocent/IMDBWhile he never gave up on his acting career, it wasn’t until 1996 that Grammer addressed his addiction. After crashing his car while driving drunk, Kelsey checked himself into the Betty Ford Center to finally get help for his substance abuse problem.In a 2012 interview with Oprah, Kelsey said that his alcoholism stemmed from the depression he experienced following his sister’s death. “I liked the way it made me feel. Maybe it was because I was running away from the feelings that weren’t, you know, as comfortable as I wanted them to be, and maybe I do have a self-destructive part of me.”What is amazing about Grammer, while fighting his inner demons, he would simply snap into character. However, after the scene was over, he “would ooze back into Kelsey—glazed-over eyes, half asleep, going through whatever he was going through.”In 2008, the actor had a near-death experience. His agent said that it was a minor heart attack, but it was enough for Grammer to realize that he had to confront the tragedies that affected his life, not only his addiction. So he started therapy.Kelsey Grammer Refuses to Feel Sorry for HimselfConan (2010) / IMDBKelsey Grammer’s life story is simply insane, but he refuses to feel sorry for himself.I don’t complain about my life, It was an extraordinary challenge a lot of the time, and there’s been a lot of pain and a lot of great joy. I wouldn’t trade a moment of it except to possibly bring back some people I care about.Kelsey Grammer for Page SixThe Frasier star has finally found peace with his fourth wife, Kayte Walsh, a British flight attendant. He is the proud father of 7 children and he couldn’t be more grateful for the gifts that life has given him.While Grammer's story is heartbreaking, his resilience is awe-inspiring. "I usually have to repeat a lesson or two — maybe three times!" Life will hit you in unexpected ways, but it can also give you many blessings. Lessons are rarely learned the first time around. In all of the tragedy, the struggles and sadness, Grammer was able to finally able to find “great peace” through therapy, family and growth. As Kelsey Grammer says, “You know, as corny as it sounds, a day at a time. You have to keep your chin up, not give in.”MORE FROM GOALCASTLionel Richie’s Fight To Save Nicole From AddictionFans and Celebs React with Love to Demi’s Overdose – And It Shows Changing Attitudes Towards AddictionEminem Celebrates 10 Years Sober, Inspires People Struggling with Addiction to Open Up
Unapologetic and Fierce Why Kim Cattrall Chose Never to Have Children
It seems like Kim Cattrall has always forged her own path, even when it wasn't the popular route. From her acting choices to how she chose a life without children, Cattrall knows what works for her and has stuck to her guns no matter the judgement. With her August 24th (and hugely anticipated) cameo on the season finale of And Just Like That, Cattrall is back to work in one of our favorite roles – as the feisty and fearless Samantha Jones in the hit TV show Sex and the City. Kim absolutely nailed this character, bringing sass, humor, boundary-pushing, and a whole lot of sex appeal. Kim Cattrall's Trailblazing as an ActorSex and the City/HBOSamantha was a true trailblazer, breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes about women and their sexuality. Cattrall's incredible performance helped make her one of the most beloved characters in TV history and inspired women all over the world to embrace their inner Samantha.But Kim's talents don't stop there! She's also made a big splash on the silver screen with memorable performances in movies like Big Trouble in Little China and Mannequin. And did you know she even starred in a Star Trek movie? Talk about versatility!Beyond her acting skills, Kim is also a talented writer and producer. She's penned several books, including a best-selling self-help book about female pleasure called Satisfaction: The Art of the Female Orgasm. And she co-produced and starred in the HBO series Sensitive Skin, showing off her skills behind the camera as well.All in all, Kim Cattrall is one heck of a woman. Her talent, charisma, and fearless spirit have made her an inspiration to women everywhere. However, despite her many accomplishments, many people wonder why the actress doesn't have any children. Was this her own choice? Did it have anything to do with filming Sex and the City? Let’s take a look at some of the real reasons Sam didn’t become a mother.Kim Cattrall Chose Her Career Above All ElseDespite her success in the entertainment industry, Cattrall has never had children, and the decision is the subject of much discussion and speculation over the years.One reason Cattrall gave for not having children is her career. As an actress, she spent much of her life traveling and working on various film and television projects. In an interview with The Guardian, she says, "I've been so focused on my career that having children never really became a priority for me. I never felt like something was missing."Cattrall's dedication to her career has been evident throughout her life. Her work ethic and commitment to her craft have made her a respected and admired figure in the entertainment industry. However, it appears that the decision not to be a mother wasn’t entirely hers…Kim Cattrall Struggles With Insomnia and Anxiety The Sex and the City star has been open about her struggles with insomnia and anxiety. In an interview with The Telegraph in 2016, Cattrall spoke about her experiences with these conditions, saying, "I've always had insomnia. I'm a bit of a night owl. And I'm a worrier, so I have a tendency towards anxiety."Cattrall's struggles with insomnia and anxiety aren't uncommon, as these conditions affect millions of people worldwide. However, it's important to note that they can have a significant impact on an individual's life and well-being. In the same interview, Cattrall shared that her difficulties with sleep and anxiety had contributed to her decision not to have children, saying, "It's just something that I don't think I would have been able to handle, the lack of sleep, and the worry."Did Filming "Sex and the City" Influence Kim Cattrall’s Decision Not to Have Children? Cattrall has spoken publicly about her choice and how it has been shaped by her experiences in life and career with Sex and the City. In interviews, Kim has also spoke about the societal pressure on women to have children and how she chose to live her life on her own terms.Kim's character on Sex and the City, Samantha Jones, was famously childless and unapologetic about it. The show's portrayal of a successful, independent woman who didn't conform to traditional societal norms may have helped to challenge stereotypes and encourage women to make their own choices about motherhood.Cattrall spoke about the challenges of filming Sex and the City and how it affected her personal life, "We filmed for nine months out of the year, and it was an incredibly demanding schedule. I would have to say no to a lot of social things because I was just too tired, or I was working."While filming the show and dealing with 19-hour work days, Cattrall made the decision at 41 to do things her way."So I was also 41. And, and I just thought that I have to make a decision here for my well-being. And I love to work, my work has been my passport to my independence and my freedom and my education..."Kim Cattrall Hates the Word “Childless” @kimcattrall/InstagramThe About My Father star spoke out against the term "childless," stating that it implies a negative connotation to those who have not had children. She believes that for many women of her generation, having children was not a conscious decision, but rather something they put off while they focused on their careers and personal lives.As women reach their early 40s, they may start to consider having children, but they often find that it is more difficult and requires scientific intervention. Despite not having biological children, the actress considers herself a parent and questions the idea of being truly childfree.She believes that there are many ways to become a mother without having your name on the child's birth certificate, such as supporting and nurturing younger family members. While she may not have changed diapers, she has provided guidance and support to her niece and nephew as they navigated difficult life decisions.Kim Cattrall's Relationship With a Man 14-Years Younger@kimcattrall/InstagramCattrall, 66, and boyfriend Russell Thomas, 52, may have a 14-year age difference but that hasn't stopped these two from celebrating over seven years together. While tongues may be wagging about the age difference, Cattrall could not be happier. And just like her work ethic, the actress puts just as much determination into making it work. "It's hard work. It's not easy. People feel that it's something that happens, and you're lucky. Luck is where preparation meets an opportunity. And you meet this person and the work is just begun but it's not a negative kind of work. This is good work. This is meaningful for your life. Unapologetically Happy With Her Life ChoicesIt is important to recognize that having children is a personal choice, and not having children does not necessarily indicate a lack of fulfillment or happiness. We have to respect individual choices and recognize that there are many ways to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life, including pursuing career goals, engaging in hobbies and passions, or building relationships with friends and family.Kim Cattrall's choice not to have children was a personal one that was influenced by a variety of factors. Her dedication to her career, her struggles with health issues, and her career demands have all played a role in her final decision. Despite the criticism and speculation that some women face over the years, Cattrall remained steadfast in her judgement, knowing her choice was right for her. And that's all that matters.MORE FROM GOALCAST:The Real Reason Dolly Parton Never Had Children – “I Went Through a Dark Time”Elton John and David Furnish Prove the Secret to Surviving Marriage, Children and Life under a MicroscopeDiane Kruger Never Wanted Children -But At 43 One “Star” Changed Her Entire Life
At 71, Gerry Hunter Is First-Ever Golden BachelorWhy Its About Time a Senior Steals the Show
Are you ever too old to find love? Of course not! And especially not according to 71-year-old Gerry Turner, the first and oldest (by far) star of the new Golden Bachelor. The widower has already set tongues wagging from his age to just how damn good-looking he is.The Golden Bachelor is the latest addition to the ever-expanding The Bachelor franchise, boasting an impressive record of 60 seasons since its debut in 2002. The series promises to showcase an entirely fresh and heartwarming love story — one tailored to the golden years. Something they have never done before. Bring it on!The show aims to provide a beacon of hope for hopeless romantics seeking a second chance at love, along with a whole lot of drama. This spinoff will air on Mondays at 10 p.m. this fall. It introduces a captivating twist to ABC's long-running dating show franchise, which has centered around casts in their 20s and 30s for the past two decades.So let’s meet Gerry Turner – a remarkable 71-year-old, who is set to make history as the inaugural star of The Golden Bachelor. His heartwarming backstory adds to the anticipation surrounding the show. Let's delve into all the details we have learned about him thus far.Gerry’s Decision on Becoming the First “Golden Bachelor”ABC / The Golden BachelorSo what makes a senior citizen throw caution to the wind and step out in front of millions of viewers to find love? The answer is quite simple. Encouraged by the support and love of his daughters, Turner found the courage to take on the challenge. Turner is portrayed as "charming" and a true "romantic." Back in 1974, he tied the knot with his high-school sweetheart, Toni, and for 43 years, they shared a life together. However, in 2017, tragedy struck when Toni fell seriously ill and passed away.For six years, Turner navigated the depths of grief, finding solace and strength in the love and support of his family. Now, with their blessing, he is prepared to embark on a new chapter in his life — a quest to rediscover love and companionship once again.And it was his family who helped push him to take on the role of The Golden Bachelor.Gerry Turner's Family Helped Him Make The DecisionABC / The Golden BachelorGerry and his wife Toni Turner raised two daughters Angie and Jenny and later welcomed granddaughters Charlee and Payton to the family. His daughters are to thank for his role on the show, using their dad's motto to encourage the step, "don't give up — there's always possibilities."And this huge step would take him to the forefront of The Golden Bachelor series. But with the prospect of a new chapter of love and companionship, he still knows deep in his heart that his late wife, Toni, would be cheering him on from the heavens above.We always told each other, when one of us goes, we want the other one to be happy. She's up there rooting for me.Gerry TurnerThe family is active and they will need someone just as active to keep up with their constant adventures! Turner currently lives on a lake in Indiana and enjoys all those outdoor sports that come with it. He is looking for that one person who can keep up with him, and enjoy the occasional game of pickleball."I am from Iowa, but I currently live on a beautiful lake in Indiana." I love all lake activities! I enjoy taking my grandkids on pontoon boat rides and doing jet ski races with them."What Did Gerry Turner Do for a Living?Gerry, now retired, was in the restaurant business for most of his life. During his golden years, you can find him living it up with family and friends; barbecues, pickleball, four-wheeling, sports games. Basically, this is a man who knows how to 'retire' in the best way.It looks like the contestants on The Golden Bachelor will have a lot to live up to and will need the high energy for life Turner has himself. Who Are The Contestants on The Golden Bachelor? The biggest question since the unveiling of the handsome and dashing Turner is, "But who are the contestants going to be on The Golden Bachelor?"Everyone wants to know who they are and of course, how old are they? The contestants have yet to be chosen. But the casting call is looking for “active and outgoing” single women “in their golden years” and senior citizens “looking for a committed relationship.”Some fans are a little nervous that the contestants won't fall into Turner's age bracket. But get ready to breathe a sigh of relief. According to The Hollywood Reporter, contestants must be at least 65 years old. It's True, You’re Never Too Old for Love or a New LifeLove, with its ability to ignite hearts and create connections, knows no expiration date. No matter how many years have graced our existence, the desire for companionship and the pursuit of happiness remains an innate aspect of the human experience.So, whether we're seeking love or embracing a new beginning or looking for adventure, age is a number. It is a mere measure of the passage of time. We define the essence of our being through the love we give and receive, the laughter we share, and the dreams we dare to chase.Watching 20-year-olds vie for a relationship can be fun. But there is an entire population, rarely shown on TV, ready to start a new chapter that many can relate to. It's about time there was a show that focused on a senior's quest for love. 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