Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1983
Meryl Streep Sophie’s Choice 1983
SEX WORKER ROLE
Helen Archer in Ironweed 1987
Oscar Nominated For Playing An Alcoholic Homeless Prostitute
Meryl Streep in Ironweed 1987
In “Ironweed,” Meryl plays Helen Archer, a former singer turned homeless drunk. She is the longtime companion of Jack Nicholson’s down and out character, who is also a drunk. Without a roof over her head, Helen must continuously seek shelter. In the film, Helen turns tricks TWICE in exchange for a roof over her head. It is not a movie you want to watch when depressed. However, this film added another role to her gallery of stunning performances over her career, with yet another Academy Award nod to her record of nominations.
Watch clip from the film “Ironweed”
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