The 1981 movie Meryl Streep called “the first great role” she ever turned down

Meryl Streep has said she regrets turning down a role in Miloš Forman’s 1981 film *Ragtime*, calling it “the first great role” she gave up. She was pregnant with her first child, Henry, and chose to step back from films; the story illustrates how family responsibilities shaped an early career decision.

Streep told Austin.com she had been married only briefly when she learnt she was pregnant, adding that “Henry turned out alright”. Elizabeth McGovern took the role instead. *Ragtime*, James Cagney’s final screen appearance, received several Academy Award nominations, while Streep returned to films in 1981 with *The French Lieutenant’s Woman*.