Thaindian News

Los Angeles, Apr 12 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Actress Meryl Streep burst into tears when she learnt that she had been made a honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. She was pleasantly surprised when she learnt that she had been elected to a special category for “Americans of great distinction in the arts whose work falls outside the traditional departments” of music composition, literature and art.

The present members of the prestigious Academy are Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese and Stephen Sondheim, Twyla Tharp and Paul Taylor. However veteran actress Meryl Streep created history, as she is the first member who is chosen for acting. She said that, “I have to say that I was stunned, and when they sent me the roster of people in the academy I just burst into tears. I couldn’t believe that I’d be even allowed in the kitchen.”

Along with Meryl Streep, conductor James Levine also made the cut, and he has also been elected in the Academy. The President of the organization J.D. McClatchy said about James Levine and Meryl Streep that, “Both of this year’s inductees are performing artists, and both are at the peak of their careers. James Levine’s conducting and Meryl Street’s acting are extraordinary examples of insight, depth and virtuosity.”