Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour: The Surprising Family Connection Behind The Devil Wears Prada

Meryl Streep Discovers Family Ties to The Devil Wears Prada Inspiration

Meryl Streep, iconic star of film and stage, recently uncovered a rather stunning detail about her connection to the fashion world’s most influential editor. Ahead of the much-anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, Streep learned that she is, in fact, distant family to Anna Wintour—the legendary Vogue editor who famously inspired her character, Miranda Priestly.

A Real-Life Connection Worthy of Pop Culture Lore

This surprising genealogical twist came courtesy of an extensive study by Ancestry, which revealed that both Streep and Wintour share a lineage that traces back to their fifth great-grandparents, Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Kinsey of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This makes them sixth cousins, a connection that left Streep delighted and somewhat amused. Her playful response, ‘Well, THAT explains EVERYTHING. As our ancestors would say, I am chuffed!’, instantly charmed fans and added yet another layer to the legendary persona of Miranda Priestly.

The Devil Wears Prada’s Lasting Cultural Impact

The Devil Wears Prada, adapted from Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel, has become a staple of modern cinema and digital culture. Weisberger herself worked as Anna Wintour’s assistant at Vogue, laying the foundation for the character of Miranda—a boss whose impossibly high expectations became legendary thanks to Streep’s nuanced and iconic performance.

But while Anna Wintour’s life and style were a clear inspiration for Weisberger, Streep has said she crafted Miranda by drawing on the spirit of director Mike Nichols and the understated authority of Clint Eastwood. This blend resulted in a performance that has become a touchstone for on-screen portrayals of power—and one whose quotable lines (‘That’s all’, ‘You have no style or sense of fashion’, ‘Gird your loins’) have echoed through pop culture ever since.

A Box Office Phenomenon Returns

With over $326 million in box office earnings and a Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes, The Devil Wears Prada cemented itself as a classic. Now, with the return of the beloved cast—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci—the sequel is already making waves. The first trailer for this new installment broke viewership records by surpassing 200 million views in its first day, a testament to the enduring fascination with the world of Runway and its formidable editor-in-chief.

This time, the sequel brings Andy Sachs back to Runway, ready for more trials under Miranda’s exacting leadership. The ensemble cast is packed with familiar faces and exciting new additions, including Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh, Tracie Thoms, Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Pauline Chalamet, and even Lady Gaga, fueling anticipation among fans of fashion, film, and compelling storytelling.

From Fact to Fashion: How Genetics Meet Pop Culture

The revelation of Streep and Wintour’s family tie not only adds a curious real-world twist but also invites a closer look at the mysterious forces—both genetic and cultural—that shape our icons. Anna Wintour herself attended the premiere of the original film and was reported to have found it ‘enjoyable and funny’, lending her subtle stamp of approval to the phenomenon her persona helped to inspire.

This fresh genealogical connection is sure to delight fans old and new, bridging the worlds of Hollywood and haute couture with a story stranger than fiction, perfectly timed for a new era of cinematic and fashion obsession. As the digital community readies itself for The Devil Wears Prada 2, the blend of history, performance, and pop culture intrigue promises that Miranda Priestly’s legacy—as well as that of Streep and Wintour—will only grow richer.