Variety Editor Unveils Which Actor Consistently Declines Actors on Actors Invitations
Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series has become a premier platform for celebrity interviews — but which actor has consistently declined this esteemed opportunity?
During the Thursday, December 18 episode of the “Viall Files” podcast, editor in chief Ramin Setoodeh was asked about who remains on his wishlist. He expressed, “Leonardo [DiCaprio] has been on my dream list for quite some time. We’re incredibly fortunate to have him this season. However, one actor who has consistently said no is Meryl Streep.”
Setoodeh mentioned that numerous actors have shown interest in being paired with Streep, who is now 76.
“Everyone always wants to partner with Meryl Streep,” he stated. “She hasn’t starred in a film for a few years; she’s been involved in TV projects, such as Hulu, and other endeavors. But I sincerely hope that the next time she has a significant film — and is not engaged with Only Murders in the Building — we can feature her on Actors on Actors.”
He further remarked: “Honestly, I could pair her with anyone. Every actor in the industry always desires to partner with Meryl.”
Streep has been busy with significant projects, including The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Joining the hit series in 2023, she played the love interest of Martin Short. Their off-screen public appearances have fueled dating rumors.
In season 4 of the series, Short’s character, Oliver, and Streep’s character, Loretta, tied the knot. The show, which also stars Selena Gomez and Steve Martin, saw loretta leave for a job overseas shortly after their wedding. Ahead of season 5, creator John Hoffman discussed this plot choice.
“There are various reasons for that decision,” Hoffman explained. “But ultimately, it felt like a funny, believable idea now. When working in TV and film, it’s a little playful jab at the industry that doing things overseas is cheaper or makes more sense. A bit of that cheekiness influenced that decision.”
A timeless icon! Meryl Streep has graced the industry for over forty years and continues to dazzle on the red carpet while earning 18 Academy Award nominations for her remarkable performances — view photos of this celebrated actress!
Hoffman praised the dynamic between Short and Streep in the series.
“I adore the two of them together. Marty and Meryl, and Oliver and Loretta dancing and conversing. Loretta realizing, ‘I don’t know how I handle this. I don’t even know how to take you away from your duties.’ All of that felt genuinely charming,” he said. “The concept of an unconventional relationship, and her understanding that ‘You’re headed to New Zealand, which could mark the end of this beautiful marriage.’ Her awareness of that and saying, ‘Let’s embrace it.’ It’s a beautifully tender and heartbreaking scene. Making such a decision feels incredibly adult.”
In another interview with Decider, Hoffman elaborated on the significance of the romance between Loretta and Oliver. “I remember one evening we were filming on the ferry in episode 5 of season 3, working into the early hours of the morning against a stunning Manhattan backdrop,” he reminisced. “As I disembarked, Meryl was waiting, tears in her eyes, and she said, ‘I just had to wait here to thank you.’”
He continued: “I was taken aback, and she expressed, ‘I just had the chance to play a scene I never thought I’d experience again. To portray romantic scenes at this age with this crew is just phenomenal.’”
