At 89 years old, Shirley MacLaine shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite her age, the Oscar-winning actress is still enjoying life to the fullest—often spotted sipping Martinis and dining out in Hollywood.
With a film and television career spanning over seven decades, the Steel Magnolias star has witnessed more in her lifetime than most of her peers could dream of.
Shirley MacLaine has been a powerhouse in Hollywood for decades, starring in a wide range of unforgettable films. From The Apartment and The Trouble with Harry to Two Mules for Sister Sara and Guarding Tess, her list of credits goes on and on.
Although her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Ouiser Boudreaux in Steel Magnolias remains iconic, MacLaine is far more serene in real life.
“Not much really bothers me,” she said in a 2019 interview. “I believe our mindset is a choice—anger, peace, even sarcasm, which I happen to be great at, are all choices.”
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These days, Shirley describes her life as “perfect.” She enjoys the simple pleasures—eating, sleeping, and relaxing on her beloved ranch in New Mexico, surrounded by her rat terriers.
Born on April 24, 1934, Shirley’s career began on the Broadway stage in New York. She eventually caught the eye of audiences worldwide in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 dark comedy The Trouble with Harry, when she was just 21.
“Hitchcock was hilarious,” she once said. “I’m just lucky I wasn’t tall, thin, and mysteriously beautiful—otherwise, I might’ve hated him!”
With more than 50 films to her name, MacLaine is undoubtedly a giant in the history of cinema. And even in her late 80s, she remains active—most recently appearing in the hit TV series Only Murders in the Building.
A scene from Some Came Running (1959)
“I never really considered leaving the industry,” she said. “I always wanted to keep working to pay for my travels. Hollywood parties never appealed to me—exploring the world did. If I had to choose, I might even say that travel means more to me than acting.”
Though she occasionally visits Hollywood, MacLaine finds true peace in nature. For her, happiness isn’t about staying busy—it’s about being grounded in the natural world. She finds energy and clarity in the wilderness of New Mexico, but she also enjoys time at her home in Malibu.
She often urges others to do the same, encouraging people to “let go and reconnect with nature,” embracing the harmony it brings.
Shirley MacLaine’s Personal Life
Shirley’s romantic history has long fascinated the public.
She was married to producer and businessman Steve Parker for nearly 30 years, and they welcomed a daughter in 1956. However, Shirley has admitted to being in other relationships during that marriage.
In a surprising twist, their daughter, Sachi Parker, made a bold claim in her memoir. She alleged that her real father wasn’t Steve Parker, but rather a man named Paul—an astronaut.
Shirley publicly denied the accusation, saying:
“This is deeply painful for me as a mother and someone who values truth. I’m heartbroken that my daughter would publish such fabrications. I’ve always spoken lovingly of her in my own books. It’s disheartening to see this opportunistic version of events from someone I’ve always wanted the best for.”
Despite the denial, Sachi stood by her story, and reports suggest the two are now estranged and no longer in contact.
Shirley has always been open about her non-traditional views on love and relationships. In a 2011 conversation with Oprah Winfrey, she discussed the unconventional arrangement she had with Steve Parker. A year later, she stirred headlines again by claiming in a Daily Mirror interview that she had intimate relationships with not one, but two prime ministers.
In her memoir Out on a Limb, she referred to a Swedish socialist politician she met in Stockholm—calling him “Gerry.” Many speculated that it was then-Prime Minister Olof Palme, though he denied the connection. MacLaine also claimed to have had flings with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Australian Foreign Minister Andrew Peacock.
When asked about Trudeau, she described him as “authoritatively intelligent” and praised his children as “adorable and mischievous.”
As with many celebrity tales, it’s important to note that these stories—particularly those involving world leaders—are self-reported and remain unconfirmed.
Shirley has also been romantically linked to actor Robert Mitchum, with whom she allegedly had a three-year affair, and briefly to Dean Martin during what she called a “six-week crush.”
A Timeless Icon
Even at 89, Shirley MacLaine’s star hasn’t dimmed. Her recent role in Only Murders in the Building reminded audiences just how magnetic she remains. She spoke warmly about the experience, especially reconnecting with Steve Martin and Martin Short.
“I had a blast playing Leonora Folger,” she said in an interview with Advocate. “I loved shooting those scenes, and spending time with old friends—Steve, Marty, and John [Hoffman]—was such a joy.”
Shirley MacLaine’s talent, wit, and zest for life have kept her in the hearts of fans for generations. May she continue to inspire with her creativity, independence, and love for the natural world for many years to come.
