Meryl Streep delivered a moment to remember at the 2024 Emmys on September 15th, showcasing her trademark humor and grace in response to a cheeky joke made about her. During the ceremony, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-stars Caitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney took the stage to present the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, a category featuring Streep as a nominee.
As the couple began their presentation, they playfully dissected the meaning of the award, leading to an unexpected and hilarious comparison. Olson proclaimed, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to honor the comedic performances that hold everything in place. They show crucial support when it’s really needed, much like a jockstrap.”
McElhenney quickly interjected, “Yes, what? No, not like a jockstrap!” Their banter continued, with Olson teasingly insisting that their description indeed sounded like a jockstrap. The audience roared with laughter as the duo crafted a whimsical narrative about the essential role of supporting characters in comedy.
The playful back-and-forth reached its peak when McElhenney jokingly asked, “Are you calling Meryl Streep a jockstrap?” to which Olson emphatically replied, “No, no!” Streep’s priceless reaction to this unexpected comparison was the highlight of the evening, capturing the hearts of everyone in attendance.
While Meryl ultimately lost the award to Liza Colon-Zayas from The Bear, her evening was far from dull. Seated front row next to her Only Murders in the Building co-star and rumored love interest, Martin Short, they were spotted engaged in lively conversation after he completed his presenting duties.
Despite the longstanding speculation about their relationship, especially after Streep revealed her separation from her husband last October, both maintain that they are just friends. Their playful chemistry, particularly highlighted during events like the Golden Globes, has only fueled public interest.
Overall, Meryl Streep’s charming and humorous response to being compared to a jockstrap at the 2024 Emmys exemplifies her ability to navigate the spotlight with wit and warmth, solidifying her status as a beloved figure in Hollywood.