Meryl Streep has been regarded as one of the most successful people of all time. Having broken records with how talented she is, normality has long escaped her life. However, many might not know that the actress faced one of the most human tragedies of them all; loss.
Before getting married to Don Gummer, Streep was famously involved with her Measure for Measure co-star, John Cazale, who was best known for his work on projects like The Deer Hunter and The Godfather. The two shared a very close and intimate connection that lasted until his passing from lung cancer. Many have found the actress to be very brave to have gone through such sorrow while simultaneously working.
However, it is when greatness is in the company of greatness that they are finally allowed to be people. Al Pacino is at the same level of fame as Streep. Perhaps it is because of this that he saw the actress as a human when she lost Cazale. Rather than getting impressed by how she was able to cope with the loss, he was overwhelmed by how much she cared for him.
Al Pacino Commends Meryl Streep’s Support for His Co-Star
Al Pacino and John Cazale went way back, having worked together in Dog Day Afternoon and the Godfather series. During the filming of the former 1975 film, Cazale had already gotten his diagnosis, and apparently, Pacino would accompany him to radiotherapy appointments.
During an interview in 2003, via Express, he talked about how impressed he was with Meryl Streep and how she behaved during this entire period of Cazale’s life. He started by saying that he had never witnessed a person be so devoted to someone as the actress was to her boyfriend.
“I’ve hardly ever seen a person so devoted to someone who is falling away like John was. To see her in that act of love for this man was overwhelming.” revealed the actor.
Even though Cazale was drifting away from her life, she held on to him and made sure the time he had left was well-spent. Being by his side through everything, Pacino was impressed at her devotion to her partner. So much so, that the fidelity she had for him was almost overwhelming for the Godfather actor.
Meryl Streep Maintained Hope
Al Pacino then went on to elaborate on how Meryl Streep was towards John Cazale towards the end of his life. He mentioned that she was there for him religiously. As though nothing else in the world mattered to her. She let go of everything that one would hold dear and spent time with the person she loved, not knowing how long he would be around.
“She took care of him like there was nobody else on earth. She never betrayed him in his presence or out of his presence. Never betrayed any notion that he would not survive.” said Pacino.
Pacino also added that she was loyal to him in every way that counted, regardless of whether she was by his side or in Austria, working on a project to pay for medical bills and make ends meet. Additionally, she never let Cazale feel like he was dying, according to the actor. She had hope to the very end and hoped he would be around with her.
