Clint Eastwood has worked with some of Hollywood’s greatest names during his legendary career, from Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman to Hilary Swank. But when it came to Meryl Streep, Eastwood offered praise that immediately stood out.

When asked why he wanted Streep opposite him in the 1995 classic The Bridges of Madison County, Eastwood reportedly gave an incredibly simple answer: “She’s the greatest actor in the world.” Coming from a man famous for saying very little, the compliment carried enormous weight.

Their chemistry helped turn the film into one of the most emotional and unexpected performances of Eastwood’s career. Instead of the tough cowboy or hardened detective audiences knew, viewers saw a vulnerable Eastwood opposite Streep’s Francesca Johnson—and their heartbreaking love story became unforgettable.

Eastwood has praised plenty of talented performers over the years, but his words about Streep remain remarkable. After decades alongside Hollywood legends, calling someone the greatest actor in the world may be about as close as Eastwood ever came to naming the ultimate co-star.