Meryl Streep’s Unexpected Role in Shaping Actors’ Musical Talents
You know, when we think about Meryl Streep, we immediately think of her incredible acting range—she’s played everything from a ruthless fashion mogul to a grieving mother and even a singing hotel owner in Mamma Mia! . But what if I told you she’s also had a hand in shaping how actors prepare for musical roles?
Enter Larry Saltzman, a seasoned musician who’s carved out a niche teaching actors how to play guitar for their roles. You might not recognize his name immediately, but his work has been instrumental—literally—in some of Hollywood’s most authentic musical performances.
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It all started when Saltzman was approached to coach none other than Meryl Streep for her role in Ricki and the Flash . If you’ve seen the film, you know she plays a rockstar, and let’s be honest—Streep doesn’t do anything halfway. She didn’t just want to pretend to play the guitar; she wanted to really play it. And Saltzman was the guy to make that happen.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Streep’s dedication to authenticity didn’t just make her performance better; it also opened doors for Saltzman. Her endorsement of his teaching style put him on the radar of Hollywood studios, leading him to work with some of today’s biggest names. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s the man behind Timothée Chalamet’s transformation into Bob Dylan for A Complete Unknown . And guess what? Chalamet’s performance has already landed him a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards. Not too shabby, right?
Chalamet isn’t the only actor who has benefited from Saltzman’s expertise. He’s worked with Adam Driver, Sadie Sink, and even more up-and-coming stars who need to master instruments for their roles. His approach isn’t just about teaching chords and technique—it’s about helping actors embody musicians in the most natural way possible. For Chalamet, this meant countless hours of in-person and virtual lessons, studying Dylan’s unique playing style, and even performing obscure tracks on Saturday Night Live .
What’s fascinating is how much Saltzman’s work has influenced the way actors prepare for music-heavy roles. It’s no longer just about faking it on screen—audiences expect real musicianship. And thanks to Streep’s early involvement, Saltzman has become an essential behind-the-scenes figure in Hollywood.
So next time you watch an actor nail a musical performance, just remember—there’s probably a little bit of Meryl Streep’s influence in there somewhere.
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