Shirley MacLaine, now 89, shows no signs of slowing down. The Academy Award-winning actress continues to donate and is often seen enjoying Martinis while dining in Hollywood. With a career spanning seven decades, she has witnessed it all and has many memorable stories to share.
MacLaine has appeared in numerous iconic films, including The Apartment, The Trouble with Harry, Two Mules for Sister Sara, and Guarding Tess. Her performance in the classic Steel Magnolias remains particularly memorable, although she insists she isn’t like her character, the cantankerous Ouiser Boudreaux.
“Not that much bothers me,” she said in 2019. “I believe attitudes are a choice. Anger, peace, and sarcasm — which I excel at — are all choices.” She describes her current life as “perfect,” enjoying the freedom to eat and sleep whenever she likes and spending time at her ranch in New Mexico with her beloved rat terriers.
Born on April 24, 1934, MacLaine started her career on Broadway before captivating audiences in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry in 1955. Reflecting on her time with Hitchcock, she said, “He was a hoot… Thank God I wasn’t tall, slim, ethereal, attractive, or mysterious; else, I would have hated him.”
Having starred in over 50 films, MacLaine remains active in the industry, recently appearing on Only Murders in the Building. She noted, “I’ve stayed in the industry and never considered leaving because I wanted to pay for plane tickets to travel.” While she enjoys occasional trips to Hollywood, she finds her greatest peace in nature, especially at her New Mexico ranch. She encourages others to “give it up and learn to amalgamate with nature,” emphasizing the benefits of living in harmony with the environment.
MacLaine’s romantic life has often been the subject of speculation. She was married to producer Steve Parker for nearly 30 years and has a daughter, Sachi Parker. However, Sachi made headlines a few years ago when she claimed that Shirley had told her that Steve was not her biological father, alleging that Paul, an astronaut, was. Shirley refuted these claims, expressing her shock and heartbreak over her daughter’s statements.
In interviews, MacLaine has been candid about her views on relationships. In a notable 2011 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she discussed her unconventional ideas about love and sexuality.
She also made headlines in 2012 when she claimed to have had affairs with two prime ministers, including Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Australian Foreign Minister Andrew Peacock. Though her claims remain unverified, they add to her intriguing persona.
Shirley has also been linked to Hollywood legends like Robert Mitchum and Dean Martin. Despite her age, her talent and charisma remain timeless, and she shows no signs of stepping away from the spotlight. Her recent role in Only Murders in the Building highlights her enduring appeal, as she expressed her joy in working alongside familiar faces like Steve Martin and Martin Short. “I enjoy making movies… I loved being with them,” she said, hinting that her creative journey is far from over.