Shirley MacLaine, born Shirley MacLean Beaty (born April 24, 1934 in Richmond, Virginia), is an American actress, well-known not only for her acting but for her devotion to her belief in reincarnation. She is also the writer of a large number of autobiographical works, many dealing with her new age beliefs as well as her Hollywood career. She is the sister of actor/director Warren Beatty (Beatty changed his name from Beaty to Beatty).
Upon graduating from high school, MacLaine moved to New York City to live out her dream of being a Broadway actress. She achieved her goal when she became understudy to actress Carol Haney in The Pajama Game; Haney broke her ankle and MacLaine replaced her. A few months thereafter, with Haney still out of commission, director/producer Hal B. Wallis was in the audience, took note of MacLaine, and signed her to go to Hollywood to work for Paramount Pictures.
Her first film was the Alfred Hitchcock black comedy The Trouble With Harry in 1955. She stayed busy over the next several years, garnering an Academy Award nomination in 1960 for The Apartment. In 1975, she received a nomination for Best Documentary Feature for her documentary .
In political circles, MacLaine is known for her close friendship with Ohio congressman Dennis Kucinich, a candidate for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination.
Filmography
Academy Awards and Nominations
She was named after Shirley Temple.
MacLaine has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1615 Vine Street.
External links
Shirley's Official Website
Last updated: 05-17-2005 17:44:23