Connect with us


Idols

Shirley MacLaine, actor, writer, dancer, activist.

Published

on


Actor, writer, dancer, activist, Shirley MacLaine is one of the most notable performers and personalities in America. Born Shirley MacLean Beatty in Richmond, Virginia, MacLaine made her film debut in Alfred Hitchcock’s black comedy, The Trouble With Harry (1955). She went on to establish herself in such films as Some Came Running (1959), for which she won an Oscar® nomination, The Apartment (1960), and Irma La Douce (1963), which garnered her a second Oscar® nomination for Best Actress.

MacLaine’s pixie charm and rich versatility earned her attention at the box-office and among the critics, but it was for her personality as much as for her performances that gained her notoriety. For a time in the early sixties, she was associated with the legendary Hollywood “Rat Pack” of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and company. Later on in the era, MacLaine focused her attention on government issues and became an active participant in liberal politics. During that period, MacLaine’s appeared in fewer films than her earlier years, but she did offer up a sterling performance as the eternally upbeat dance hall darling in Bob Fosse’s musical Sweet Charity (1968).

She starred in the film The Turning Point (1977), in which she and Ann Bancroft play dueling ballerinas. In the 1970s, MacLaine began publishing autobiographical books, including her first, 1970s “Don’t Fall Off the Mountain,” and “Out on a Limb” (1983). The latter deals with her New Age beliefs and reincarnation and proved the catalyst for a series of weekend-long “Higher Self Seminars” in the late eighties.

MacLaine returned to film in the 1980s and received renewed respect as an actress whose work had deepened with age. She won an Oscar® for her portrayal of Aurora Greenway, an overbearing mother who shares a prickly relationship with her daughter in James L. Brooks’s 1983 tearjerker Terms of Endearment. Other notable performances during the 1980’s include her rich portrayal of John Schlesinger’s Madame Sousatzka (1988), her crotchety Ouiser Boudreaux in Herbert Ross’s Steel Magnolias (1989), and an alcoholic showbiz mother in Mike Nichols’s Postcards From the Edge (1990). She has kept busy throughout the 1990’s with such roles as Kathy Bates’s fierce mother in Used People (1992), and a feisty but demanding First Lady in Guarding Tess (1994). In 1996, MacLaine reprised her award-winning role of Aurora Greenway in Robert Harling’s Evening Star.

Advertisement

Still acting as much as ever with roles in such diverse fare as In Her Shoes (2005) with Jennifer Aniston and Closing the Ring (2007) directed by Richard Attenborough. Most recently MacLaine had a prominent role in ITV period drama Downton Abbey.

Other family members in the entertainment industry include brother Warren Beatty and daughter Sachi Parker.


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

Days of Our Lives Days of Our Lives
News41 seconds ago

Days of Our Lives, March 29, 2024, Peacock

On Friday, March 29, in the world of Days of Our Lives, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) has a change of...

The Drew Barrymore Show The Drew Barrymore Show
News2 mins ago

Eugene Levy, The Drew Barrymore Show, March 29, 2024, CBS,

In the latest episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, airing on CBS on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM,...

The Jennifer Hudson Show The Jennifer Hudson Show
News4 mins ago

Jenna Dewan, The Jennifer Hudson Show, March 29, 2024,

On Friday, March 29, The Jennifer Hudson Show brings viewers a delightful Spring Celebration. One of the highlights of the...

The Kelly Clarkson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show
News5 mins ago

Brittany Howard, Mayan Lopez, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 29, 2024, NBC Syndicated

On Friday, March 29, The Kelly Clarkson Show presents an episode filled with incredible segments One of the highlights is...

LIVE with Kelly and Mark LIVE with Kelly and Mark
News6 mins ago

Andrea Riseborough, Jessica Capshaw, Live with Kelly and Mark, 29 March 2024, ABC

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos—the hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark—welcome actress Jessica Capshaw and Alice & Jack star...

The Sherri Shepherd Show The Sherri Shepherd Show
News8 mins ago

Gloria Gaynor, Katie Lee Biegel, Sherri, March 29, 2024, FOX,

Get ready for a dose of laughter on Friday, March 29 as Sherri takes the stage to share her hilarious...

The Talk The Talk
News11 mins ago

Gina Rodriguez and Tembi Locke, The Talk, March 29, 2024, CBS,

On Friday, March 29, The Talk presents an exciting episode filled with engaging discussions and special guests. Tune in to...

Tamron Hall Tamron Hall
News12 mins ago

Scotley Innis, Samah Dada, Tamron Hall, March 29, 2024, ABC

On Friday, March 29th, Tamron Hall welcomes a stellar lineup of culinary experts to the ‘Tasting Table‘ segment, just in...

ITV1 Title Card ITV1 Title Card
News4 hours ago

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen, 30 March 2024, ITV1

Set in her beautiful Cotswolds home, Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen sees the legendary cook share her favourite recipes, as well...

Bargain Hunt Bargain Hunt
News5 hours ago

Bargain Hunt, 1 April 2024, BBC One, “Asian Special”

In a special Asian-focused episode of Bargain Hunt, presenter Roo Irvine delves into some of the program’s most remarkable finds...

Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics
News1 day ago

Nissan Figaro & Ferrari 250 GT, Bangers & Cash, March 28, 2024, Yesterday

On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:00 PM., Yesterday presents a brand new episode of Bangers & Cash. This reality...

Big Mood Big Mood
News1 day ago

Big Mood Episode 2, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Down”

Continue the laughter and heartfelt moments with the second episode of Big Mood on Thursday, 28 March 2024 at 10:30...

Rob Beckett's Smart TV Rob Beckett's Smart TV
News1 day ago

Natasia Demetriou, Anna Maxwell-Martin, Cush Jumbo, Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett’s Smart TV, 28 March 2024, Sky Max,

Rob Beckett’s Smart TV is back with another entertaining episode on Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM on Sky...

Trucking Hell Trucking Hell
News1 day ago

Trucking Hell, 28 March 2024, 5Action

On Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM., Trucking Hell returns with an action-packed episode that takes viewers into the...

A&E After Dark A&E After Dark
News1 day ago

A&E After Dark, 28 March 2024, 5STAR,

Its another intense and gripping night at Tunbridge Wells A&E as A&E After Dark returns with a new episode on...

Big Mood Big Mood
News1 day ago

Series Premiere, Big Mood, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Up”

Gear up for a hilarious and heartfelt comedy as Big Mood makes its debut on Channel 4 on Thursday, 28...

Popular