Shirley MacLaine turns 89 – she claims to have slept with two prime ministers
Shirley MacLaine, at the age of 89, remains as vibrant and active as ever. The Academy Award-winning actress seems undeterred by her age, often spotted enjoying Martinis while dining out in Hollywood.
Throughout her illustrious seven-decade-long career, Shirley MacLaine, known for her iconic role in “Steel Magnolias,” has amassed a treasure trove of life experiences that set her apart from her contemporaries.
Shirley MacLaine’s illustrious career spans decades, filled with remarkable films that have left an indelible mark on cinema. From classics like “The Apartment” and “The Trouble with Harry” to more recent hits like “Guarding Tess,” her body of work is truly impressive.
While her portrayal of the feisty Ouiser Boudreaux in the 1989 film “Steel Magnolias” remains iconic, Shirley herself is quite different from her on-screen persona. In real life, she exudes a calm and composed demeanor, as she revealed in a 2019 interview.
According to Shirley, she believes that attitudes are a matter of choice. She emphasizes that one can choose peace over anger, and even humor, like her well-known sarcasm, is a choice. This philosophy reflects her wisdom and resilience, making her not just a talented actress, but also a beacon of positivity and grace.
Shirley MacLaine describes her life today as “perfect.” She relishes the freedom to eat and sleep whenever she pleases, often spending her time on her New Mexico ranch surrounded by her cherished rat terriers.
Born on April 24, 1934, Shirley embarked on her remarkable career on Broadway in New York before captivating audiences worldwide with her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s black comedy “The Trouble with Harry” in 1955.
Reflecting on her collaboration with Hitchcock, she humorously remarked, “Thank God I wasn’t tall, thin, ethereal, beautiful, and mysterious, or I probably would have hated him.”
With a filmography boasting more than 50 titles, Shirley MacLaine stands as a true icon of Hollywood history. Despite her advanced age, now in her late 80s, she continues to pursue her passion for acting, recently gracing the screen in the television series “Only Murders in the Building.”
“I’ve also stayed in the business and never thought about quitting because I wanted to pay for plane tickets to travel. I didn’t socialize Hollywood style,” she explained. ‘I’d rather travel to a country I hadn’t been to. So when I think about my life, I’m not sure I wouldn’t put the travels a bit above show business,” she said.
Despite occasional visits to Tinseltown, MacLaine finds her greatest comfort in nature. Her secret to happiness is not to keep busy, but rather to immerse herself in the wilderness surrounding her New Mexico ranch, where she has spent most of her time in recent years. Being close to nature gives her strength and energy, even though she loves residing at her house in Malibu as well.
Shirley has even encouraged others to “give it up and learn to amalgamate with nature,” highlighting the benefits of living in harmony with the natural world.
Shirley MacLaine’s Partners
Shirley’s love life has been the subject of much speculation over the years.
The beloved actress was married to producer and businessman Steve Parker for almost 30 years, and in 1956, they had a daughter. However, Shirley has been open about the fact that she had other relationships during their marriage.
A few years ago, Sachi Parker made a remarkable claim about her famous mother. In her memoir, Sachi wrote that Shirley had told her that Steve was not her real father. Instead, her father is said to have been an astronaut named Paul.
Shirley denied the claim, issuing a statement hitting back at the allegations.
”It’s a painful moment for me as a mother and as someone who values the truth. I’m shocked and heartbroken that my daughter would make statements about me that are virtually all fiction. I’ve praised her lovingly and truthfully in my own autobiographies. I’m sorry to see such a dishonest, opportunistic effort from my daughter for whom I’ve only ever wanted the best,” she said.
Shirley has also been rumored to have had a three-year affair with Hollywood legend Robert Mitchum and a six-week “crush” on Dean Martin, among other love affairs.
Shirley MacLaine’s talent and charisma are timeless, and it’s clear that even at the age of 89, she’s still hungry for more creative challenges. Her recent role in Only Murders in the Building was a reminder of just how much she has to offer, and in a recent interview, the Hollywood icon hinted that she’s not done with the silver screen just yet.
”I love making movies. Again, I keep coming back to creativity. I loved playing the part of Leonora Folger in Murders. It was such fun shooting those scenes. It was great to catch up with old friends Steve [Martin] and Marty [Short], and I’ve known the creator John Hoffman for years. I just loved being with them,” she told Advocate.
Absolutely! Shirley MacLaine is indeed a remarkable talent and an inspiration to many. May she continue to grace us with her presence and talent for years to come, bringing joy and inspiration to audiences around the world. Cheers to Shirley MacLaine and her enduring legacy in Hollywood!
