Geraldine James on Competing with Meryl Streep for Roles

Landing a part in the acting world is always a bit of a lottery, with only one person walking away with the gig while countless others miss out. The bigger the production, the more likely it is that a well-known name will be picked. That’s just how things go in the business, and it’s been that way for ages. Every now and then, a lesser-known face gets a shot in a blockbuster, but if it comes down to an unknown or someone like Meryl Streep, you can probably guess who’ll get the nod.

It’s not hard to see why some actors get a bit frustrated when they find themselves up against a powerhouse like Streep. She’s got a staggering 21 Oscar nominations under her belt, with three wins, and that’s all down to years of graft, starting out on stage before making the leap to the big screen in the late ‘70s. Since then, she’s shown she can handle just about any role, from dramas to musicals, and there’s no sign of her slowing down.

Facing the Hollywood Heavyweights

For actors like Geraldine James, it can be a tough pill to swallow. She’s admitted to feeling a twinge of envy over Streep’s endless run of opportunities, though she’s quick to add that she doesn’t hold it against her. Speaking to the Telegraph, James shared that she’s gone up for the same parts as Streep more than once, and it’s always a bit of a letdown when the role calls for an English accent—one area where she reckons she’s got the edge.

“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 said.

“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. 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.”

Streep’s Relentless Run

It’s hard to argue with Streep’s track record. She’s been a fixture in the industry for decades, taking on role after role and rarely putting a foot wrong. The 1980s were especially busy for her, with lead parts in a string of acclaimed films, from Sophie’s Choice to Silkwood. For James, things played out a bit differently. She found her stride on television, though she’s had her share of big-screen moments, including appearances in Oscar-nominated films like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and 45 Years.

Despite the fierce competition, there’s a sense of respect that runs through James’s words. She knows the odds are stacked when you’re up against someone with Streep’s reputation, but she’s also quick to acknowledge the sheer talent and dedication that’s kept Streep at the top for so long. Maybe one day, the two will end up sharing the screen, but for now, James is content to watch from the sidelines, admiring the work of a true industry legend.