Don Gummer, an American sculptor, is widely known as the husband of actress Meryl Streep.
Don Gummer was born Donald James Gummer on December 12, 1946 in Louisville, Kentucky, United States to William Adolph Gummer and Dorothy Gummer. He has five brothers: William Gummer, Jack Gummer, Richard Gummer, Steven Gummer and Mark Gummer.
Don Gummer studied at Ben Davis High School, Indianapolis, and then at the Herron School of Art from 1964 to 1966. Between 1966 and 1970, he studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, and subsequently completed his studies at the Yale School of Art where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
As a sculptor, his early work concentrated on table-top and wall-mounted sculpture.
In the mid-1980s, he shifted his focus to large free-standing works, often in bronze. In the 1990s, he added a variety of other materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum and stained glass. Gummer’s interest in large outdoor works also led him to an interest in public art.
Don Gummer and Meryl Streep met through Streep’s brother Harry when her then-boyfriend and Deer Hunter co-star John Cazale, died of lung cancer in 1978. She was reportedly kicked out of their shared apartment following Cazale’s death and her brother Harry arrived with his friend Don in tow.
Don Gummer and Meryl Streep married on September 30, 1978, just six months into their courtship.
The couple share four children; musician Henry Wolfe, and actresses Louisa, Mamie and Grace.
Gummer and Streep are active philanthropists who donate to a range of arts organizations and educational institutions, including Vassar College, Opus School in Harlem, and the Silver Mountain Arts Foundation.
Don Gummer was previously married to Peggy Jenel Lucas.