biography

Shirley MacLaine was born on April 24, 1934 in Richmond, Virginia, as Shirley Beaty and was the daughter of a drama teacher (Kathyln MacLean Beaty) and a psychology and philosophy teacher (Ira O. Beaty). MacLaine graduated from Washington Lee High School in Arlington. When MacLaine was toddler her mother rolled her into ballet classes to strengthen her ankles. It was at her first recital that MacLaine made the discovery that she liked the attention of an audience especially when they laughed at her. That recital saw her trip on the curtain and fall and rather than feel embarrassed she felt charged by the laughter of the audience. MacLaine continued her ballet studies which lead her to New York.

While studying in New York, MacLaine auditioned for revival of Oscar and Hammerstein's musical Oklahoma. She got a part in the chorus and liked it so much she started acting. Her big break came when as an understudy for the leading lady in "The Pajama Game". The leading lady broke her leg and MacLaine went on in her stead. Producer, Hal Willis was in the audience and liked what he saw. From there, MacLaine hasn't looked back.

MacLaine has dedicated so much of herself into her career, that she never stopped long enough to work on her personal relationships. She was married to an American Steve Parker, who spent most of his time traveling in Asia and had one daughter, Stephanie. Since MacLaine spent most of her time focussing on her career as an actress, producer, and writer, Stephanie was sent to live with her father. MacLaine has written nine books on a variety of subjects from past lives to metaphysics. Recently, like her younger brother Warren Beatty, she has added "producer" to her long list of credits.