At 91 years old, Shirley MacLaine remains a living legend — not just for her unforgettable performances on screen, but for her unapologetic and extraordinary life off it. The Oscar-winning actress continues to defy expectations, proving that spirit and curiosity do not fade with age. With over seven decades in the spotlight, she is still sharp, witty, and wonderfully unpredictable.
Despite being well into her nineties, MacLaine shows no interest in slowing down. She can often be seen out and about in Hollywood, enjoying a martini with her trademark humor intact. Friends say she still draws a crowd wherever she goes — a woman whose stories are as dazzling as her film career. Her life remains a fascinating mix of glamour, adventure, and fearless honesty.
Her career began humbly on Broadway before catching Alfred Hitchcock’s eye for the 1955 film The Trouble With Harry. From there, Shirley’s star rose rapidly. With unforgettable roles in The Apartment, Two Mules for Sister Sara, Guarding Tess, and Steel Magnolias, she became one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers. Each character she played carried the spark of her unique personality.
In Steel Magnolias, her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Ouiser Boudreaux became iconic. Yet, off-screen, Shirley is far more serene — a woman who values peace over drama and reflection over rage. “Not that much bothers me,” she once said. “Attitudes are a choice. Anger is a choice. Peace is a choice.” That calmness defines her present-day existence.
These days, she lives mostly on her peaceful ranch in New Mexico, surrounded by her beloved rat terriers. She describes her lifestyle as “perfect,” free from Hollywood’s noise and expectations. She eats when she wants, sleeps when she wants, and lives by her own rules. Nature, she says, is her greatest teacher — a place where she finds balance and inspiration.