MacLaine, Shirley (1934–)

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MacLaine, Shirley (1934–)

American actress, dancer and writer. Born Shirley MacLean Beaty, April 24, 1934, in Richmond, VA; dau. of Ira Owens Beaty and Kathlyn Beaty; sister of Warren Beatty (actor); m. Steve Parker, 1954 (div. 1982); children: Stephanie "Sachi" Parker (b. 1956, actress).

Began career in the chorus of several Broadway shows; came to prominence when she went on for Carol Haney in Pajama Game (1954); made film debut in The Trouble with Harry (1955), followed by Hot Spell, Around the World in 80 Days, Ocean's 11, Can-Can, The Matchmaker, Sweet Charity, Two for the Seesaw, The Children's Hour, Being There, Steel Magnolias and Guarding Tess, among others; books include You Can Get There from Here, Out on a Limb, Dancing in the Light and Going Within; active in politics. Was nominated for Oscar as Best Actress for Some Came Running (1958), The Apartment (1960), Irma La Deuce (1963), The Turning Point (1977), and finally won for Terms of Endearment (1983); nominated for Oscar for Best Documentary for The Other Half of the Sky: A China Memoir (1975); shared Best Actress prize at Venice for Madame Sousatska.

See also autobiography Don't Fall Off the Mountain (1970).

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