ACTOR · BORN 1934
Shirley MacLaine
- Born
- 24 April 1934
- Known for
- The Apartment (1960), Being There (1979), Bewitched (2005), Bernie (2011)
17 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Shirley MacLaine (born 24 April 1934) is an actor best known for The Apartment, Being There and Bewitched.
Shirley MacLaine over the years
17 Interesting Facts About Shirley MacLaine
Interesting Facts (3)
- #001
Shirley MacLaine frequently visits Houston, Texas, where she appeared in Terms of Endearment (1983) and The Evening Star (1996), both filmed there. On every visit she goes to Tony's Restaurant and orders a whole soufflé just for herself. The habit reflects her special bond with Houston and her affection for the city.
- #002
Shirley MacLaine took her role in What a Way to Go! (1964) after Elizabeth Taylor left the project. The comedy-drama allowed MacLaine to display her versatile acting. Taylor's departure created an important opportunity for MacLaine.
- #003
In the late 1980s, Shirley MacLaine held weekend-long 'higher self' seminars. At these seminars she shared her views on New Age practices and techniques with participants. The events demonstrated her interest in and authority on spirituality and personal development.
Characters & Cast (3)
- #004
Around 1975, while starring in a special musical show at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Virginia, Shirley MacLaine left the show because of the poor acoustics and sound system. Chrysler Hall was notorious for the problem at the time, and MacLaine was not the only artist to complain about it. Years later the theater underwent extensive renovations that fixed the acoustic problems; MacLaine's sharp objections played a part in those renovations.
- #005
Shirley MacLaine was expected to play the female lead in The Pink Jungle (1968), but Universal executives replaced her with the then little-known European actress Eva Renzi. The episode is one of the disappointments of MacLaine's career and shows Hollywood's cruel side.
- #006
Shirley MacLaine was initially cast in the role of Brenda Morel in the film Youth (2015), but Jane Fonda was brought in in her place. The change made a significant difference to the film's cast. MacLaine's departure from the role was another disappointment in her career.
Career & Awards (7)
- #007
Shirley MacLaine was initially cast as Bonnie Parker in 'Bonnie and Clyde,' which her brother Warren Beatty produced. However, when Warren Beatty decided to play Clyde himself, another actress was brought in in his sister's place. Although the episode was not a major turning point in MacLaine's career, it lays bare the professional dynamics between the siblings.
- #008
Shirley MacLaine turned down the role of Diane Freeling in the horror classic Poltergeist (1982), choosing instead to play Aurora Greenway in the drama Terms of Endearment (1983). That decision won her the Best Actress Oscar and became one of the most important turning points of her career. MacLaine's choice demonstrates her artistic foresight and her courage to take risks.
- #009
As a child, Shirley MacLaine took ballet lessons and always played male roles because she was the tallest student in her class. This experience allowed her to begin her stage career at an early age and laid the foundation for her later dancing and acting abilities. The disciplined work habits she formed during this period were also the key to her success in her professional life.
- #010
While writing the horror classic The Exorcist (1973), William Peter Blatty created the character 'Chris O'Neil' inspired by his friend Shirley MacLaine. This shows that MacLaine is known not only for her acting career but also for her literary and cultural influence. Blatty's inspiration is a reflection of MacLaine's image as a strong and independent woman.
- #011
Shirley MacLaine is the only actress nominated twice for the Best Actress Oscar for films in which her female co-star was also nominated in the same category. She was nominated alongside Anne Bancroft for The Turning Point (1977) and alongside Debra Winger for Terms of Endearment (1983). Her win for the latter is the only instance of a Best Actress nominee nominated alongside a co-star in the same category going on to win the award.
- #012
Columbia Pictures initially considered Shirley MacLaine for the role of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl (1968). However, Ray Stark, the producer of the Broadway show and Brice's son-in-law, insisted that Barbra Streisand reprise her Broadway role. The decision became a turning point in Streisand's career, while MacLaine was deprived of the important role.
- #013
Shirley MacLaine returned to work just four months after giving birth to her daughter Sachi Parker, starting filming on Hot Spell (1958). The quick return shows her commitment to her career and her professional discipline. It also sheds light on the difficulties actresses of the era faced in balancing work and family life.
Life & Family (4)
- #014
In her memoir "I'm Over That And Other Confessions," Shirley MacLaine made striking confessions about her private life. In the book she claimed to have had close relationships with famous names such as Danny Kaye and Robert Mitchum. In an April 2011 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she also said she was not attracted to Jack Lemmon because he was not 'dangerous' and 'complicated.' These statements once again reveal MacLaine's bold and outspoken personality.
- #015
While playing the Fairy Godmother in the 'Cinderella' ballet staged with the Washington School of Ballet, Shirley MacLaine broke her ankle warming up backstage. Rather than give up the performance, she tied the ribbons of her shoe tightly and carried on with the role. After the show ended, she called an ambulance and went to the hospital. The incident shows what a determined and professional artist she is.
- #016
In her book 'My Lucky Stars,' Shirley MacLaine recounts an interesting incident during the production of My Geisha (1962). Yves Montand bet MacLaine's husband Steve Parker that he could seduce her. Parker, who was having another relationship at the time, accepted the bet, and Montand won. The episode lays bare the complicated relationships in MacLaine's private life.
- #017
During Shirley MacLaine's childhood, dinner for years often consisted of hot sauce and salty crackers. The diet frequently caused bad dreams and made her miss the bus to ballet class. The anecdote sheds light on her modest childhood years and her disciplined, determined work ethic.
Related pages
- Anthony Perkins — Shirley MacLaine comes up in the facts on that page
- Harrison Ford — Shirley MacLaine comes up in the facts on that page
- Poltergeist — Shirley MacLaine comes up in the facts on that page
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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