At 89 years old, Shirley MacLaine continues to defy expectations, showing no signs of slowing down. Despite her age, the Academy Award-winning actress is still living life to the fullest, frequently enjoying martinis while dining out in Hollywood and remaining active in the entertainment industry.

MacLaine’s illustrious career spans over seven decades, during which she has become one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood. Her impressive body of work includes classics such as The Apartment, The Trouble With Harry, Two Mules for Sister Sara, and Guarding Tess, with her performance in Steel Magnolias still being discussed today. However, off-screen, MacLaine’s personality is quite different from her fiery, short-tempered character, Ouiser Boudreaux, in Steel Magnolias. In 2019, she explained, “Not that much bothers me. I think attitudes are a choice. Anger is a choice, peace is a choice, sarcasm — which is what I’m good at — is a choice.”

At this stage in her life, MacLaine says she is content, enjoying the freedom to eat and sleep when she chooses. Much of her time is spent on her peaceful New Mexico ranch, where she enjoys the company of her beloved rat terriers. Despite her many years in the spotlight, she has always found solace in nature, preferring the quiet of her ranch over the bustle of Hollywood. MacLaine believes that immersing oneself in nature is vital for well-being, and she encourages others to “give it up and learn to amalgamate with nature.”

Born on April 24, 1934, Shirley MacLaine’s career began on Broadway in New York before she captivated audiences worldwide in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry in 1955. Known for her wit, MacLaine reflects fondly on working with Hitchcock, saying, “He was a hoot, he really was.” With over 50 films to her name, MacLaine’s impact on the film industry is undeniable. Even at 89, she continues to pursue her passion for acting, recently appearing on the popular television series Only Murders in the Building.

Throughout her career, MacLaine has remained grounded, placing more importance on experiences like traveling the world than on Hollywood’s social scene. “I’d rather travel to a country I hadn’t been to,” she explained. “When I think about my life, I’m not sure I wouldn’t put the travels a bit above show business.”

While MacLaine remains largely private, her personal life has been a subject of public fascination. She was married to producer Steve Parker for nearly 30 years, with whom she had a daughter, Sachi. However, MacLaine has been open about having had other relationships during her marriage, and Sachi’s memoir included a controversial claim that MacLaine’s biological father is astronaut Paul, not Parker. MacLaine denied these claims, calling them “virtually all fiction” and expressing heartbreak over the allegations. Their relationship has reportedly been strained since the publication of Sachi’s book.

In interviews over the years, MacLaine has also spoken candidly about her views on relationships. In a 2011 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she discussed her unconventional relationship with Steve Parker. Later, in 2012, MacLaine stirred attention when she revealed that she had been romantically involved with two prime ministers during her lifetime: Olof Palme of Sweden and Pierre Trudeau of Canada, as well as Australian Foreign Minister Andrew Peacock. While these claims have not been verified, MacLaine remains unapologetically open about her personal history.

Shirley MacLaine’s enduring talent and charisma are as vibrant as ever, and her recent role in Only Murders in the Building proves that she’s not done with acting just yet. “I love making movies. I loved playing Leonora Folger in Murders. It was so fun to work with old friends like Steve [Martin] and Marty [Short],” she said in an interview. It’s clear that, at 89, MacLaine is still eager to embrace creative challenges, demonstrating that age is no obstacle to continuing to share her remarkable gifts with the world.