Shirley MacLaine, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses of the 1960s, has lived a life as fascinating as the roles she has played. From an award-winning film career to an unconventional personal life, MacLaine has always defied expectations. While she enjoyed a successful 28-year marriage, it ultimately ended in divorce, and her relationship with her only daughter, Sachi Parker, has remained strained over the years.

Now 90 years old, MacLaine continues to find fulfillment in her craft, embracing the joys and challenges that come with a lifelong commitment to acting. Let’s take a closer look at her remarkable journey—from Hollywood stardom to her personal struggles and lasting legacy.

A Star is Born: Shirley MacLaine’s Rise to Fame

Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1934, Shirley MacLaine’s passion for performing started early. Initially training as a dancer, she developed a strong sense of discipline and work ethic, which she carried into her acting career.

Her big break came in 1955 when she starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry, which set the stage for her success. From there, she appeared in a string of iconic films, including The Apartment (1960), Irma la Douce (1963), Sweet Charity (1969), and Terms of Endearment (1983), the latter earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Despite her fame, MacLaine remained dedicated to her work, known for her professionalism and refusal to adopt diva behavior. She credited her background in dance for instilling a no-nonsense attitude in an industry notorious for its egos.

A Marriage Built on Unconventional Terms

MacLaine married Steve Parker, a film producer and production manager, in 1954. While most Hollywood marriages struggle under the spotlight, theirs endured for 28 years. However, it was far from a traditional union.

Reflecting on their marriage, MacLaine once revealed, “I guess you would say we practiced an open marriage.” Parker spent much of his time in Japan, while MacLaine pursued her acting career in America. Despite the physical distance, they maintained a strong friendship and shared a deep connection.

Although their arrangement worked for many years, they ultimately divorced in 1982. MacLaine never remarried, content with her independence and the freedom to focus on her passions.

A Complex Relationship with Her Daughter

MacLaine and Parker had one daughter, Sachi Parker, born in 1956. However, their relationship was anything but conventional.

When Sachi was just six years old, she moved to Japan to live with her father, spending only summers and holidays with her mother. MacLaine believed that staying home would have frustrated her, affecting both her career and motherhood.

In a 1984 interview, Sachi recalled, “She was always just a phone call away,” suggesting that, at the time, she didn’t feel abandoned. However, as she grew older, she began to view their relationship differently.

A Daughter’s Perspective: Sachi Parker’s Memoir

In 2013, Sachi Parker published her memoir, Lucky Me: My Life With—and Without—My Mom, Shirley MacLaine, in which she painted a less-than-glamorous picture of her childhood.

Parker described MacLaine as emotionally distant, admitting, “I was very lonely—definitely. And I still struggle with abandonment issues and loneliness.”

She also recalled instances where she felt her mother’s enthusiasm for their visits faded after just a few hours. “She was done with me. She had already seen me. That was enough,” Parker claimed.

MacLaine, known for her deep spiritual beliefs and unconventional lifestyle, had always prioritized personal growth and exploration over traditional motherhood. This stark contrast in values led to a rift between mother and daughter that still lingers today.

The Pain of Separation

While Parker expressed a desire to mend their relationship, MacLaine remained largely silent on the matter.

When asked if her mother responded to her memoir, Parker admitted, “No, she didn’t. I sent her a copy, but I never heard back.” Writing the book was a way for Parker to process her feelings, though she insisted she didn’t write it to hurt her mother—only to share her truth.

MacLaine’s decision to live life on her terms meant that her daughter often felt left behind. Despite their differences, Parker’s experiences shaped her own approach to parenting. Now 68, she has two children and has said that being an attentive mother has been a healing experience for her.

A Life Devoted to Creativity

While MacLaine’s personal life has had its challenges, her commitment to acting has never wavered. Even as she entered her later years, she refused to retire, stating, “I don’t want to quit acting—I really don’t.”

She carefully selects roles that align with her values, prioritizing meaningful projects over mainstream blockbusters. Despite her age, she remains engaged in the entertainment industry, proving that passion and talent have no expiration date.

MacLaine has also learned to balance her work with leisure. She enjoys spending time at her ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, where she cherishes the solitude. “I have someone who comes in a couple of times a week, but otherwise, I’m totally alone,” she once shared.

Finding Contentment in Later Years

As MacLaine embraces her 90s, she finds joy in the simplicity of life. While she once had a vibrant romantic life, she now finds companionship in her three dogs.

In a rare interview, she reflected, “I have a very full life and at the same time a life where nothing much happens. It’s the best I’ve ever been.”

Despite the ups and downs of her personal relationships, she remains grateful for her career, health, and the friendships she has cultivated over the years.

The Legacy of Shirley MacLaine

Shirley MacLaine’s journey is one of resilience, independence, and unapologetic authenticity. She defied the traditional roles of wife and mother, choosing instead to follow her artistic and spiritual path.

While her choices may not have aligned with societal expectations, they allowed her to create a life that brought her fulfillment. Whether on-screen or off, she continues to be a force to be reckoned with—an actress, a trailblazer, and a woman who lived life on her own terms.

Her relationship with her daughter remains a complicated chapter in her story, but one thing is certain: Shirley MacLaine’s impact on Hollywood and beyond will never be forgotten.