Meryl Streep reveals real inspiration behind Miranda Priestly role

Meryl Streep's acting in "The Devil Wears Prada" was not inspired by Anna Wintour, revealed the actress.

The 76-year-old actress is setting the record straight that her role as Marinda Priestly was not based on the former Vogue editor, instead it was inspired by Clint Eastwood’s quiet authority and Mike Nichols’ humor.

“I was basically imitating Mike Nichols that whole time,” Streep said on the April 1 episode of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.'

She jokingly said, “If Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood had a baby… it would be Miranda Priestly.”

The Oscar-winning actress explained she channeled Nichols directing style as the character's tone, while Eastwood's quieter authority also became part of Miranda.

She explained, “The command on the set. And Mike would do it sort of with a sly humor People take it as mean, but it’s funny. I think it’s funny.

“Clint would never raise his voice. He would direct and people had to lean forward to hear what he was saying.”

While Eastwood did not know about it, she told Nichols, and he liked it.

“I told Mike, and he was thrilled,” Streep added.

It is pertinent to mention that Streep is reprising her role of Miranda Priestly in the second installment of "The Devil Wears Prada," all set to release in May.