Meryl Streep was awarded the Spirit of Ireland award at the Irish Arts Centre gala last week, where she seemed to make a confession during her acceptance speech.

The award was presented by her longtime friend and honorary chair of the centre Liam Neeson. The Devil Wears Prada star explained in her speech that her family’s roots stem from Co Donegal.

Her great-great-grandmother Grace Strain was born in Ireland in the 1830s. She eventually moved to Philadelphia at 14, where he met her husband Manus McFadden.

Her family wound up in New Jersey, where Streep was born. The 75-year-old blamed her Irish heritage for some of her preferences.

After explaining her Irish lineage, Streep said: “Maybe that’s why I like sad songs… and funny men.

“And why I need 50-plus sunblock and still get sunburned and never ever tan,” she continued jokingly.

Meryl Streep reflected on her family history in Ireland (Image: Getty)
The acclaimed actress has been romantically linked to comedian Martin Short. The duo starred alongside one another in the third and fourth seasons of Only Murders in the Building.

Streep was married to sculptor Don Gummer for 40 years. In 2023, however, it was reported that they had quietly separated in 2018.

She and Short have since been seen dining together and even holding hands out in public. According to The Cut, representatives for the actors have denied the rumors, saying they are just friends.

Steve Martin, best friend of Short and Only Murders costar, poked fun at the rumors in October by posting a photo on Instagram of the trio while blocking his face out.

Fans found the post hilarious, with some taking it as a confirmation of the relationship.

One person wrote: “I’ve never been so invested in celebrity couple rumors.”

Another replied: “Is MARTYL real?” while a third said: “Best third wheel ever.”