Scoring an Oscar victory thrice, Streep, 64, is the most nominated actress in Hollywood, having 18 nominations to her credit, reported E!Online.
"I was always in plays, but I thought it was vain to be an actress. Plus, I thought I was too ugly to be an actress. Glasses weren't fabulous then. Many of my friends woke up at 3 years of age and said, 'I have to be on stage'," Streep said.
"I never had that. I've always been an omnivore, interested in way too many things, but I found the one profession that fed all my appetites," she added.
"You turn 40, and oh my god.' The only reason I have a career at 64 is that I've had hits later in life. I've found that once certain movies are out, audiences aren't so age-phobic. They were willing, and they were happy," she added.