The icy gaze of Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of fictional Runway magazine, has haunted the dreams of aspiring fashion professionals since “The Devil Wears Prada” premiered in 2006. The character, widely believed to be inspired by Vogue’s Anna Wintour, has develop into a cultural touchstone. But as Meryl Streep prepares to reprise the role for “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” arriving in theaters May 1, a surprising revelation has emerged: the connection between Streep and Wintour runs deeper than a shared professional archetype. The two women are, in fact, distant cousins.
Genealogy research conducted by Ancestry has confirmed that Streep and Wintour share fifth great-grandparents, Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Kinsey, making them sixth cousins. The discovery, first reported by TODAY, adds a fascinating layer to the already complex relationship between the actress and the fashion icon. This familial link comes as the highly anticipated sequel prepares to revisit the cutthroat world of high fashion, and the dynamic that inspired it.
The shared ancestry of Streep and Wintour traces back to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where Smith and Kinsey resided. Interestingly, this location is also just 20 miles from where Lauren Weisberger, the author of the original novel “The Devil Wears Prada,” grew up. Weisberger’s experiences as Wintour’s assistant at Vogue provided the raw material for the bestselling book and subsequent film, further intertwining the lives of these three women.
A History of Encounters
Streep and Wintour’s paths have crossed numerous times since the release of the first film. In 2017, over a decade after bringing Miranda Priestly to life, Streep sat down for an interview with Wintour in her Vogue office. A video of the conversation, shared by Vogue on YouTube, playfully mirrored the dramatic opening scene of “The Devil Wears Prada,” with Streep’s entrance eliciting a similar air of anticipation and slight intimidation. You can watch the full interview here.
During the interview, Wintour, then serving as the editor-in-chief of Vogue, described Katharine Graham, the late Washington Post publisher whom Streep had recently portrayed in “The Post,” as a friend. When asked about the most challenging woman she had ever played, Streep began to answer, only to be playfully cut off by Wintour, who quipped, “No, we’re not going there, Meryl.”
The connection continued to blossom in September 2025, when both Streep and Wintour attended the Dolce & Gabbana Milan Fashion Week reveal while Streep was filming “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” as reported by Variety. A video shared on Vogue’s Instagram account showed the two embracing, both sporting sunglasses indoors, and a caption referencing a memorable line from the first film: “Can you please spell Gabbana?” See the moment here.
Wintour Reflects on the “Caricature”
Prior to the reunion at Milan Fashion Week, Wintour addressed the comparisons between herself and Miranda Priestly during an appearance on “The New Yorker Radio Hour” podcast. She recalled attending the premiere of “The Devil Wears Prada” 20 years ago, wearing Prada, and initially being unsure of what to expect from the film.
“I think that the fashion industry were extremely sweetly concerned for me about the film. That it was going to paint me in some kind of difficult light,” Wintour remembered. Host David Remnick suggested that some might have feared a “cartoonish” portrayal. Wintour agreed, adding, “Yes, a caricature.”
Yet, Wintour ultimately found the film “highly enjoyable and very funny,” praising Meryl Streep’s performance. “But first of all it was Meryl Streep, which, fantastic,” she said. “Then I went to see the film… Miuccia [Prada] and I talk about it a lot. I say to her, ‘Well it was really good for you.’ You can imagine what she says back.” She also lauded the performances of Emily Blunt, who played Emily Charlton in the film.
The Legacy of The Devil Wears Prada
The enduring popularity of “The Devil Wears Prada” speaks to its insightful portrayal of ambition, power, and the often-ruthless world of fashion. The film, and Weisberger’s novel before it, sparked countless conversations about workplace dynamics and the sacrifices required to reach the top. The discovery of Streep and Wintour’s familial connection adds another layer of intrigue to this already compelling story.
As “The Devil Wears Prada 2” nears its release, audiences will undoubtedly be watching closely for any echoes of the real-life relationship between Streep and Wintour. The film is expected to explore new facets of the fashion industry, with Simone Ashley joining the cast alongside returning favorites like Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling. The sequel promises to deliver another dose of glamour, wit, and perhaps a touch of familial irony.
The next confirmed update regarding “The Devil Wears Prada 2” will be the release of the official trailer, scheduled for release on April 15th. Fans can stay updated on the film’s progress through official announcements from Universal Pictures and Vogue’s social media channels.
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