Shirley MacLaine Net Worth

Shirley MacLaine has an estimated net worth of $50 million. The American actress, singer, dancer, author and activist has built her fortune through a career in Hollywood that spans more than six decades.

MacLaine rose to fame after making her film debut in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 movie “The Trouble with Harry.” Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and launched a career that would see her become one of the most recognizable actresses of her generation.

Over the years, she has starred in more than 50 films, including “The Apartment,” “Irma La Douce,” “Sweet Charity,” and “Terms of Endearment.”

Her performance in “Terms of Endearment” earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1984.

MacLaine has also made money from television, theater, music and publishing. Her nine books have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, adding another major source of income to her entertainment career.

Early Life

Shirley MacLean Beaty was born on April 24, 1934, in Richmond, Virginia.

She was named after actress Shirley Temple, who was a major child star at the time.

Her father, Ira Owens Beaty, worked as a psychology professor, public school administrator and real estate agent. Her mother, Kathlyn Corinne, was a drama teacher.

MacLaine’s younger brother is actor and filmmaker Warren Beatty.

Her mother enrolled her in ballet classes when she was three years old. What started as an effort to strengthen her ankles eventually developed into a passion for performing.

Because of her height, MacLaine often performed male roles in ballet productions. She also played baseball and earned the nickname “powerhouse” after setting a school home-run record.

At Washington-Lee High School, she participated in cheerleading and theater.

Her professional entertainment career began before she even graduated from high school, when she performed in the chorus of the Broadway production of “Oklahoma.”

Broadway Career

After graduating in 1953, MacLaine returned to Broadway.

She joined the dancing ensemble of “Me and Juliet” before becoming an understudy for actress Carol Haney in “The Pajama Game.”

When Haney injured her ankle, MacLaine took over the role.

Her stage work attracted the attention of film producer Hal Wallis, who helped her secure a contract with Paramount Pictures.

That opportunity changed her life and opened the door to Hollywood.

Film Career

MacLaine made her film debut in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Trouble with Harry” in 1955.

Her performance earned her the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress.

She followed the breakthrough with appearances in films such as “Martin and Lewis” and “Around the World in 80 Days.”

The latter earned her first Academy Award nomination.

Her career continued to grow during the 1960s.

One of her most important films was Billy Wilder’s “The Apartment,” released in 1960. The film received 10 Academy Award nominations and won five, including Best Picture.

MacLaine also starred in “The Children’s Hour,” “Irma La Douce” and “What a Way to Go!”

She later took on the lead role in “Sweet Charity,” the 1969 musical directed by Bob Fosse.

Shirley MacLaine’s Oscar Win

One of the biggest milestones in MacLaine’s career came with the 1983 comedy-drama “Terms of Endearment.”

The film was a major commercial and critical success. It earned 11 Academy Award nominations and won five Oscars, including Best Picture.

MacLaine won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

The Oscar cemented her position among Hollywood’s leading actresses and represented one of the most important achievements of her career.

Career in the 1990s and 2000s

MacLaine remained active in Hollywood long after her early career success.

Some of her notable later films include “Steel Magnolias,” “Used People,” “Guarding Tess,” “Mrs. Winterbourne,” “The Evening Star,” “Rumor Has It…” and “In Her Shoes.”

In 2000, she made her feature-film directorial debut with “Bruno,” which was also released under the title “The Dress Code.”

She also continued working in television.

Among her television projects were “Out on a Limb,” “The Salem Witch Trials” and “These Old Broads.”

In 2008, she portrayed Coco Chanel in the television movie “Coco Chanel.” The performance earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

She later appeared in the popular British period drama “Downton Abbey” as Martha Levinson.

Shirley MacLaine’s Writing Career

Writing has been another important part of MacLaine’s career and wealth.

She has written nine international bestsellers, with her books reportedly selling more than 20 million copies worldwide.

Many of her books combine autobiographical stories with discussions about spirituality, personal experiences and her life in Hollywood.

Her writing career has allowed her to maintain an income stream beyond acting while giving readers insight into her views and experiences.

Shirley MacLaine’s Music and Stage Career

MacLaine has also worked as a singer and performer.

In 1976, she performed a series of concerts at the London Palladium and New York’s Palace Theatre.

The performances were later released as a live album titled “Shirley MacLaine Live at the Palace.”

Her ability to move between film, television, theater and music helped make her career unusually diverse.

Awards and Recognition

MacLaine has received numerous awards during her long career.

She has been nominated for an Academy Award six times and won Best Actress for “Terms of Endearment.”

She has also received multiple Golden Globe Awards and Emmy nominations.

In 2012, the American Film Institute presented her with the 40th AFI Life Achievement Award, one of the industry’s highest honors for a film career.

Her decades of work have made her one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.

Personal Life

MacLaine married businessman Steve Parker in 1954.

The couple had an unconventional marriage and reportedly maintained an open relationship. They had one daughter, Sachi.

MacLaine and Parker eventually divorced in 1982.

She has remained known for her independent views and outspoken personality throughout her career.

Beyond entertainment, she has been involved in activism and has spoken publicly about civil rights, personal freedom and spirituality.

Shirley MacLaine’s Beliefs About UFOs and Aliens

MacLaine has also attracted attention for her longstanding interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

She has spoken publicly about alleged UFO sightings and described experiences she believes were connected to extraterrestrial phenomena.

Her views have become part of her public persona and have also featured prominently in some of her books.

Shirley MacLaine Real Estate

Real estate has been another important part of MacLaine’s financial portfolio.

One of her most notable properties is her 7,450-acre Plaza Blanca Ranch in New Mexico.

MacLaine listed the enormous property for $18 million in 2014.

The ranch includes a roughly 9,000-square-foot main residence and extensive land.

She reportedly purchased the property in the mid-1990s, although the original purchase price was not publicly disclosed.

MacLaine has also owned other properties in the area.

In 2005, she purchased a roughly 6,000-square-foot home on five acres near her ranch.

She listed the property for $4.3 million in 2023 before reducing the asking price to $2.9 million in 2024.

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