The 62-year-old starred opposite Robert Redford in the romantic drama and played the role of a wealthy, unmarried woman.
Director Sydney Pollack didn't think Streep was "sexy enough" to play the role and was too young, reported Contactmusic.
"I was too young for the part. Sydney agreed to see me, but he didn't want to. So I went to this sleazy store near my house in the country and I bought a little sleazy blouse and wore a push-up bra. Sydney didn't think I would be sexy enough for this part. But I went in and auditioned and he gave me the part.
"I don't think I was more sexy than I am normally, but he saw something in me and let me play the part," Streep said.
The "Mamma Mia" star was in Africa for six months for the filming of "Out Of Africa" and said working with Pollack was one of the "great memories" of her life. PTI CORR AYM RCJ