Biography

An American sculptor. His early work concentrated on table top and wall-mounted sculpture, but in the mid 1980s he shifted his interest to large free-standing works, often in bronze. In the 1990s he added a variety of other materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum and stained glass. His interest in large outdoor works also led him to an interest in public art.

Father of Henry Gummer (born November 13, 1979), Mamie Gummer (born August 3, 1983), Grace Gummer (born May 9, 1986) and Louisa Jacobson (born June 12, 1991) with Meryl Streep.

Named for his mother's twin brother, Donald James Jacobson, who was killed in action in World War II (1944).

Brother-in-law of Harry Streep, Dana Streep and Maeve Kinkead.

Has six grandchildren; a grandson (b. February 2019) and a granddaughter (b. 2021), via daughter Mamie Gummer, another granddaughter, Ida June Gummer (b. July 18, 2020) and another grandson, Quinn William Gummer (b. May 6, 2022), via son Henry Gummer and two granddaughters (b. 2023 and 2025 respectively) via daughter Grace Gummer.

You've never considered yourself a star, you get mad and correct the press if they call you that, but you are, and not only in your work, you are the star that lightens my existence. [on his wife Meryl Streep]