Being born into Hollywood royalty comes with its perks—and its pressures.
Louisa Jacobson Gummer, the youngest daughter of legendary Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep, is carving her own path in the entertainment world while staying connected to the legacy of her iconic mother.
At 34, Louisa has already built a budding career on stage and screen, proving she’s more than just a “nepo kid.”
From Yale to the Spotlight
Like her mother, Louisa is a Yale alum, having earned an MFA in acting from the prestigious Yale School of Drama.
Her professional debut came in 2017 at the Yale Repertory Theatre, starring in Nambi E. Kelley’s Native Son.
She later took on Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the Old Globe Theater in 2019, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the craft.
Television audiences met Louisa in 2022 when she debuted as Marian Brook in Julian Fellowes’ period drama The Gilded Age on HBO.
Her performance earned her and her castmates a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2023.
She is also preparing for her big-screen debut in Celine Song’s A24 romantic comedy Materialists, starring alongside Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans.
A Personal Journey of Love and Identity
Louisa’s personal life has also made headlines.
In June 2024, she publicly came out as a lesbian, sharing snapshots with her partner, producer Anna Blundell, and celebrating what she called a “Joyful New Era.”
Prior to that, she had dated fellow actor Jonathan Higginbotham, a fellow Yale School of Drama alum, reflecting on the unique experience of dating someone in the same challenging profession.
Life in a Famous Family
Louisa’s mother, Meryl Streep, and her father, sculptor Don Gummer, announced in October 2024 that they had been living separate lives for over six years, despite marrying in 1978.
The couple shares four children—Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa—and have built a life balancing career and family.
Meryl once credited the longevity of her marriage to “goodwill, willingness to bend, and to shut up every once in a while,” emphasizing the negotiation required to balance a high-profile career with family life.
Louisa professionally uses her middle name, Jacobson, to distinguish herself in the acting world.
Career on the Rise
Louisa is steadily emerging as a rising star in her own right.
From her stage beginnings to her acclaimed role in The Gilded Age, and now her upcoming film work in Materialists, she is proving her talent extends beyond her famous surname.
Meanwhile, her partner, Anna Blundell, has built a career producing high-profile fashion campaigns for names like Tory Burch, Chloe, and Versace, creating a power couple in both arts and fashion.
A Modern Hollywood Story
Louisa Jacobson Gummer’s story is one of legacy, talent, and self-discovery.
While growing up in the shadow of a Hollywood icon could intimidate many, she has embraced her roots while forging her own path—on stage, on screen, and in life.