Meryl Streep Praises Stanley Tucci’s ‘Elegance to His Heterosexuality’

Meryl Streep paid tribute to Stanley Tucci as he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, using the moment to reflect on both his career and their decades-long friendship.

Tucci was honored alongside Emily Blunt in a rare joint ceremony in Los Angeles, drawing a crowd that included John Krasinski, Matt Damon and Dwayne Johnson. Streep, who has starred with Tucci in “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Julie & Julia,” took the stage to honor her frequent collaborator.

“Stanley has an elegance to his heterosexuality, his undeniable heterosexuality, which is formidable,” Streep said (via People). “Not that heterosexuality is better than any other kind of sexuality, it’s just that elegance, real, unforced, natural, unstyled elegance. It is sometimes harder for straight men.”

Streep continued her remarks by praising Tucci’s screen presence and versatility, describing him as “urbane, sly, funny” and noting, “He always finds something true and surprising in every man that he plays. He transforms character acting into leading man material.”

Her comments also turned personal as she reflected on their long-standing relationship. “I’m in love with you, just like everybody else. It’s impossible not to love Stanley Tucci,” she said. “I’ve known you longer as a friend than as a scene partner. We’ve been through some rough times together and some great times, and I love you deeply.”

Streep added, “I’ve adored working with Stanley, I’ve done it often, and I am ready to go again whenever you raise your elegant little finger.”

Tucci and Streep reunited on screen in “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which is now in theaters.