Rejection is a reality even for Hollywood legends like Meryl Streep. Despite being hailed as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, Streep has encountered her share of setbacks. In an interview with Graham Norton in 2015, she recalled a particularly harsh experience when she was rejected for a role in the 1976 film King Kong due to her physical appearance.

During the audition, the film’s director, Dino De Laurentiis, referred to her as “brutta” (Italian for “ugly”) in a dismissive manner. While recounting the story, Streep explained that De Laurentiis’ son had seen her in a play and brought her in to audition for the role that eventually went to Jessica Lange. Upon meeting her, De Laurentiis made the remark in Italian, not realizing that Streep understood the language.

Rather than remain silent, Streep responded confidently in Italian, letting him know that she understood his comment and apologizing for not being “beautiful enough” for the part. Though this incident was a sobering moment for Streep, it did not deter her ambition or spirit.

Four years after missing out on the King Kong role, Streep won her first Academy Award for her performance in Kramer vs. Kramer. The role of Joanna in the 1979 film earned her Best Supporting Actress, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey of accumulating 21 Oscar nominations throughout her career.

Streep shared how she had always doubted her own looks and suitability for acting, even as she was cast in school plays. During a 2014 speech at Indiana University Bloomington, she reflected on how she never thought she could succeed in acting due to her looks and wearing glasses, which weren’t fashionable at the time. However, she went on to thrive in theater, and her eventual transition to film began with her debut in Julia in 1977. Two years later, her performance in The Deer Hunter earned her first Oscar nomination, and the rest is history.

Through persistence and resilience, Meryl Streep proved that rejection is not the end but an opportunity to rise above challenges and shine on a global stage.