Meryl Streep (Getty Images)

Three-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep announced last night her donation of $1 million to the Public Theater, the company at which she got an early start on the New York stage. "I give this gift in honor of the founder of The Public Theater, my friend and mentor Joseph Papp, and in remembrance of one of the theater's Board members and greatest supporters, my friend Nora Ephron," Ms. Streep announced.

This summer, Ms. Streep took part in the 50th anniversary of the Public Theater by playing Juliet in a Shakespeare in the Park production of Romeo and Juliet. The company, which organizes the summertime performances outdoors, is set to unveil to the public the $40 million renovation of its Astor Place home with an open house on October 13.