Geraldine James on Competing with Meryl Streep for Roles

There’s a certain inevitability to rivalry in the acting world. With every audition, hundreds—sometimes thousands—of hopefuls line up, but only one will walk away with the part. The bigger the production, the more likely it is that a household name will be handed the script. It’s a system that’s hardly ever been described as fair, but it’s the way things have always ticked along. Every so often, a relative unknown might land a major role, but when the choice is between a fresh face and someone with a trophy cabinet like Meryl Streep’s, the odds are rarely in the newcomer’s favour.

For those who find themselves up against Streep, it can feel a bit like entering a sprint against Usain Bolt. The outcome’s almost a foregone conclusion. Yet, it’s impossible to deny that Streep’s reputation is built on years of graft, not just good fortune. Her journey began on stage before she made the leap to the silver screen in the late seventies, and since then, she’s tackled everything from courtroom dramas to musical romps. Her willingness to take on any challenge has made her a fixture in the industry, and her three Oscars—out of a staggering 21 nominations—speak for themselves.

Facing the Streep Effect

Still, it’s not hard to see why some actors might wish she’d occasionally step aside. Geraldine James, for one, has felt the sting of coming second to Streep more than once. She’s spoken candidly about the frustration of being pipped to the post, especially when the role called for an English accent—one area where she felt she might have the upper hand. In her own words,

“I was terrified to play that iconic Canadian character, Marilla Cuthbert. To be British and portraying her in Canada, I could feel daggers coming through the air at me from every Canadian actress of a certain age,”

James confessed.

“And I don’t blame them. I would have been the same. I certainly was when Meryl Streep used to get all the parts that I was up for – The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Out of Africa. Adding, ‘I used to think, ‘Sit down, Meryl, and let someone else have a go!’ Although I’d cast Meryl Streep over me any day. I mean, she’s phenomenal.”

Opportunities and Frustrations

It’s a peculiar mix of admiration and exasperation. Streep’s dominance is hard to argue with, but one can’t help but wonder how she manages to keep up the pace, year after year, without flagging. The eighties, in particular, saw her in a seemingly endless run of leading roles, from Sophie’s Choice to Silkwood, each performance as lauded as the last. Meanwhile, James found her own niche, carving out a successful career on television, though she’s no stranger to acclaimed films herself, having appeared in the likes of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and 45 Years.

Despite the occasional pang of envy, James doesn’t begrudge Streep her success. If anything, she recognises the sheer talent and dedication that have kept her at the top for so long. Perhaps, one day, the two might even share a scene—though, as James wryly admits, she’d probably still cast Streep over herself.