Meryl Streep graces the cover of Vogue for first time

Actress Meryl Streep is shown on the cover of the January 2012 issue of "Vogue."

/ AP Photo/Vogue

(CBS) Meryl Streep, believe it or not, has never graced the cover of Vogue. But that's changing with the January issue of the magazine.

The 62-year-old actress jokes that she's the "oldest person" to land on the Vogue cover.

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In the accompanying interview, Streep admits that she thought her career was over 20 years ago.

She said that after turning 40, she was offered three different roles to play a witch. At the time, she believed the offers meant women in her age group were "grotesque on some level," telling her husband, "It's over," according to the Associated Press.

But Streep's career is far from over. In the last few years, she has starred in "Julie & Julia," "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Mamma Mia" -- playing roles other than a witch. Now there's Oscar buzz about her upcoming role portraying former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," which opens Friday.

Streep is no stranger to the Academy Awards. She has been nominated for 16 Oscars, more than any other actor or actress. She's won two trophies, including best actress in 1982 for "Sophie's Choice."

The January issue of Vogue hits newsstands Dec. 20.

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Meryl Streep