"Anne Hathaway Shines on 20h30 le dimanche Ahead of The Devil Wears Prada 2 Premiere"

Meryl Streep Moved to Tears by Emotional Reunion with Child Co-Star from ‘Sophie’s Choice’

In a heartwarming moment that has captivated audiences worldwide, legendary actress Meryl Streep was visibly overcome with emotion during a recent television appearance, where she was reunited—virtually—with a co-star from one of her most iconic films. The touching exchange took place on France 2’s 20h30 le dimanche, where Streep, now 76, was promoting her upcoming film, The Devil Wears Prada 2. The unexpected message from Jennifer Lejeune, who played Streep’s daughter in the 1982 Holocaust drama Sophie’s Choice, left the Oscar-winning actress in tears, offering a rare glimpse into the lasting bonds formed on set.

The emotional reunion unfolded as host Laurent Delahousse played a pre-recorded video message from Lejeune, now 48 and living in Paris. In the clip, Lejeune reflected on the deep connection she shared with Streep during the filming of Sophie’s Choice, a role that earned Streep her second Academy Award. “If she hadn’t known how to create that bond with me, I never would have been able to have that reaction in that scene,” Lejeune said, referring to the film’s devastating climax, where Streep’s character, Sophie Zawistowska, is forced to make an unimaginable choice between her two children in a Nazi concentration camp. Streep, watching the video in the studio, gasped, “It’s the little girl!” before breaking into tears. “Oh my God, it’s incredible,” she murmured, visibly moved. “That’s very elegant. Thank you for showing me that. What a gift.”

The moment has resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, not only for its raw emotion but also for its reminder of the enduring impact of Sophie’s Choice. Directed by Alan J. Pakula and based on William Styron’s novel, the film remains one of the most harrowing depictions of the Holocaust in cinema history. Streep’s performance, particularly in the film’s infamous “choice” scene, is often cited as one of the greatest in film history, a testament to her unparalleled ability to convey profound suffering and resilience. The reunion with Lejeune underscores the personal toll the role took on both actresses, as well as the lasting relationships forged in the process.

The Legacy of Sophie’s Choice

Sophie’s Choice premiered in 1982 to widespread critical acclaim, with Streep’s portrayal of Sophie Zawistowska earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film, which also starred Kevin Kline and Peter MacNicol, follows Sophie, a Polish immigrant living in Brooklyn, as she grapples with the trauma of her past in Auschwitz. The titular “choice” refers to the moment when a Nazi officer forces Sophie to decide which of her two children will be sent to the gas chamber and which will be spared—a scene so emotionally devastating that it has become a benchmark for dramatic acting.

Streep’s preparation for the role was meticulous. She learned Polish and German to deliver her lines authentically, and she spent time with Holocaust survivors to understand the psychological weight of Sophie’s experiences. Her performance was so immersive that it reportedly left her emotionally drained for months after filming wrapped. In a 2012 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Streep reflected on the role’s impact, saying, “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I don’t think I could do it again. It took everything out of me.” The film’s legacy has only grown over the decades, with many considering it a masterclass in acting and a poignant exploration of trauma and survival.

For Jennifer Lejeune, who was just eight years aged when she played Sophie’s daughter Eva, the experience was equally transformative. In her video message to Streep, Lejeune revealed that the actress had gone out of her way to make her feel comfortable on set, even playing with her between takes. “She was so kind to me,” Lejeune recalled. “I was just a little girl, and she made sure I felt safe. That’s why the scene worked—given that I trusted her completely.” Lejeune’s career in acting was relatively short-lived; after Sophie’s Choice, she appeared in a handful of French films before stepping away from the industry. Today, she lives in Paris and has largely stayed out of the public eye, making her reunion with Streep all the more poignant.

A Career Built on Emotional Depth

Streep’s ability to convey deep emotion has been a hallmark of her career, which spans over five decades and includes more than 100 film and television credits. With 21 Academy Award nominations—more than any other actor in history—Streep has become synonymous with excellence in acting. Her roles range from the comedic (The Devil Wears Prada, Mamma Mia!) to the dramatic (Kramer vs. Kramer, The Iron Lady), but she is perhaps best known for her ability to disappear into complex, often tragic characters.

Her performance in Sophie’s Choice remains one of her most celebrated, but it is far from her only role to leave a lasting impact. In Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), she played Joanna Kramer, a mother who leaves her family only to return and fight for custody of her son, earning her first Oscar. In The Bridges of Madison County (1995), she portrayed a lonely Iowa housewife who embarks on a brief but life-changing affair with a National Geographic photographer, played by Clint Eastwood. And in The Iron Lady (2011), she delivered a tour-de-force performance as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, a role that earned her a third Academy Award.

Despite her unparalleled success, Streep has remained remarkably grounded, often speaking about the challenges of balancing her career with her personal life. She has been married to sculptor Don Gummer since 1978, and the couple has four children together. In interviews, Streep has emphasized the importance of family and the need to step away from Hollywood’s pressures. “I’ve been very lucky,” she told Vogue in 2016. “I’ve had a career that has allowed me to do what I love, but I’ve also been able to have a life outside of it.”

The Reunion: A Moment of Shared History

The emotional reunion between Streep and Lejeune has sparked conversations about the unique bonds formed between actors, particularly in films that tackle difficult subject matter. For many, the moment was a reminder of the power of cinema to create lasting connections, even decades after a film’s release. It also highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of child actors, who bring a unique vulnerability to their roles.

In the video message, Lejeune spoke about the impact Streep had on her life, both professionally and personally. “She taught me what it means to be an actress,” Lejeune said. “But more than that, she taught me what it means to be kind.” Streep, for her part, has often spoken about the responsibility she feels toward her younger co-stars, particularly in films that deal with heavy themes. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, she discussed the importance of creating a safe environment on set, saying, “You have to be aware of the power you have as an adult, especially when you’re working with children. You have to make sure they feel protected.”

The reunion has also drawn attention to Sophie’s Choice itself, which remains a powerful and controversial film. While it has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of the Holocaust, it has also faced criticism for its depiction of trauma, particularly in the “choice” scene. Some survivors and scholars have argued that the film sensationalizes the horrors of the Holocaust, while others have defended it as a necessary exploration of the psychological toll of such experiences. Regardless of where one stands on the debate, there is no denying the film’s impact on cinema and its role in shaping Streep’s legacy.

Promoting The Devil Wears Prada 2

The emotional reunion with Lejeune came as Streep was in Europe to promote The Devil Wears Prada 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 hit The Devil Wears Prada. Directed by David Frankel, who also helmed the original, the film reunites Streep with her co-star Stanley Tucci, who plays Nigel Kipling, the sharp-tongued fashion editor. The sequel follows Miranda Priestly (Streep) as she navigates the changing landscape of the fashion industry, facing new challenges both professionally and personally.

In her appearance on 20h30 le dimanche, Streep spoke about the joy of returning to the role of Miranda Priestly, a character she has described as “a force of nature.” “It was so much fun to slip back into her shoes,” Streep said. “She’s a character who is so confident, so in control, and yet there’s this vulnerability underneath. I think that’s what makes her so compelling.” Tucci, who joined Streep for the interview, echoed her sentiments, calling Miranda “one of the greatest characters ever written for film.”

The original The Devil Wears Prada was a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $326 million worldwide and earning Streep an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. The film also launched the career of Anne Hathaway, who played the film’s protagonist, Andy Sachs. The sequel, which hits theaters on April 29, 2026, has already generated significant buzz, with early screenings praising Streep’s performance as “as sharp and commanding as ever.”

Why This Moment Matters

Streep’s emotional reaction to Lejeune’s message is more than just a heartwarming anecdote—it’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. For many actors, the relationships formed on set are fleeting, but for Streep and Lejeune, the bond forged during the making of Sophie’s Choice has clearly lasted a lifetime. The reunion also serves as a reminder of the often-unseen work that goes into creating cinematic magic, particularly in films that deal with difficult subject matter.

the moment highlights the unique role that child actors play in bringing stories to life. While Lejeune’s career in acting was brief, her contribution to Sophie’s Choice was instrumental in making the film’s most devastating scene feel authentic. Her reunion with Streep offers a rare glimpse into the collaborative process behind some of cinema’s most iconic moments, as well as the personal connections that can endure long after the cameras stop rolling.

For fans of Streep, the reunion is yet another example of her ability to connect with her co-stars on a deeply personal level. Whether she’s playing a fashion icon, a Holocaust survivor, or a British prime minister, Streep has a knack for bringing out the best in those around her—a quality that has made her one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood.

What’s Next for Meryl Streep?

As The Devil Wears Prada 2 prepares for its global release, Streep shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to her film work, she has been an outspoken advocate for gender equality in Hollywood, using her platform to call for greater representation both in front of and behind the camera. In 2017, she delivered a powerful speech at the Golden Globes, where she criticized then-President Donald Trump and called for a more inclusive industry. “Disrespect invites disrespect,” she said. “Violence incites violence. And when the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose.”

Streep’s activism extends beyond her public statements. She has been a longtime supporter of the Women’s Media Center, an organization founded by Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem to amplify the voices of women in media. She has also been involved with the National Women’s History Museum and has spoken out about the need for more complex, nuanced roles for women over 50.

As for her next projects, Streep has several films in the pipeline, including a biopic about former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, where she will play the titular role. The film, which is currently in pre-production, is expected to explore Carter’s life and legacy, particularly her work in mental health advocacy. Streep has also been attached to a new adaptation of The Giver, based on Lois Lowry’s dystopian novel, though details about the project remain scarce.

For now, however, fans are focused on The Devil Wears Prada 2, which promises to be one of the biggest releases of the year. With its star-studded cast, sharp wit, and timely exploration of the fashion industry’s evolution, the film is poised to build on the success of its predecessor. And if Streep’s emotional reunion with Jennifer Lejeune is any indication, the sequel will also offer a reminder of the personal connections that make cinema so powerful.

Key Takeaways

• Emotional Reunion: Meryl Streep was moved to tears during a recent television appearance when she was shown a video message from Jennifer Lejeune, her co-star in Sophie’s Choice (1982). Lejeune played Streep’s daughter in the film’s devastating climax.
• Lasting Bonds: The reunion highlighted the deep connection between Streep and Lejeune, who was just eight years old during filming. Streep’s kindness and mentorship left a lasting impact on Lejeune, who now lives in Paris.
• Iconic Role: Sophie’s Choice remains one of Streep’s most celebrated performances, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film’s infamous “choice” scene is often cited as one of the most powerful moments in cinema history.
• Promoting the Sequel: Streep’s appearance on 20h30 le dimanche was part of her promotional tour for The Devil Wears Prada 2, which hits theaters on April 29, 2026. The film reunites her with co-star Stanley Tucci.
• Advocacy and Legacy: Beyond her acting career, Streep is a vocal advocate for gender equality in Hollywood and has used her platform to support organizations like the Women’s Media Center.

FAQ

• Who is Jennifer Lejeune?
  Jennifer Lejeune is a French actress who played Eva, the daughter of Meryl Streep’s character, Sophie Zawistowska, in the 1982 film Sophie’s Choice. After a brief acting career, she stepped away from the industry and now lives in Paris.

• What is Sophie’s Choice about?
  Sophie’s Choice is a 1982 Holocaust drama based on William Styron’s novel. The film follows Sophie Zawistowska, a Polish immigrant living in Brooklyn, as she grapples with the trauma of her past in Auschwitz, including the impossible choice she was forced to make between her two children.

• How many Oscars has Meryl Streep won?
  Meryl Streep has won three Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Best Actress for Sophie’s Choice (1982), and Best Actress for The Iron Lady (2011). She has been nominated 21 times, more than any other actor in history.

• When does The Devil Wears Prada 2 come out?
  The Devil Wears Prada 2 is set to release in theaters on April 29, 2026. The film reunites Meryl Streep with her co-star Stanley Tucci and is directed by David Frankel, who also helmed the original.

• What other projects is Meryl Streep working on?
  Streep has several projects in the pipeline, including a biopic about former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, where she will play the titular role. She is also attached to a new adaptation of The Giver, though details about the project remain limited.

As The Devil Wears Prada 2 prepares for its global debut, this emotional reunion serves as a poignant reminder of the connections that define great storytelling. For Meryl Streep, it’s just another chapter in a career built on authenticity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. We’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s your favorite Meryl Streep performance? Share your memories in the comments below and don’t forget to share this story with fellow film lovers.