10 fun and interesting Shirley MacLaine facts

1. A Life in Entertainment

Shirley MacLaine was named after the iconic child star Shirley Temple, and is the sister of the renowned actor Warren Beatty. She has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, spanning over six decades, and has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award, five Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. She has also been nominated for two BAFTA Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

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2. How a Tall Girl Used Her Height to Her Advantage

As a child, Shirley MacLaine was passionate about ballet and was one of the tallest girls in her class. This meant she was often cast in the male roles due to her height, which gave her a unique opportunity to explore different characters and develop her skills as a dancer. Despite the challenges of being taller than her peers, Shirley embraced the opportunity and used it to her advantage.

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3. Shirley MacLaine Breaks Ankle in Cinderella Dance

Shirley MacLaine, the young ballet dancer, was once cast as the fairy Godmother in a ballet rendition of Cinderella. On the night of the performance, tragedy struck when she broke her ankle. Despite the injury, MacLaine refused to call off the show and instead tightened the laces on her ballet shoes and danced her part. Her determination and dedication to the performance was an inspiring display of courage and strength.

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4. Cannes Film Festival's 1st US Juror!

In 1967, Shirley MacLaine made history as the first American actress to serve on the jury of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. She was one of nine jurors who had the difficult task of selecting the best films from the hundreds of entries that year. Her presence on the jury was a major milestone for American cinema, and her influence on the festival's decisions was widely noted.

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5. Golden Globe Winner, Oscar Snub

Shirley MacLaine made history in 1988 when she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama for her role in Madame Sousatzka, yet she did not receive an Oscar nomination for the same role. As of 2004, MacLaine was the only actress to ever receive a Golden Globe for Best Actress and not be nominated for an Oscar for the same role, making her an iconic figure in the film industry.

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6. Shirley MacLaine Receives AFI Lifetime Achievement Award

Shirley MacLaine was honored with the highest accolade in the Hollywood film industry in 2012 - the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award. This award, presented by the American Film Institute, is a recognition of an individual's outstanding contribution to the art of film-making and is considered to be the highest honor for anyone in the film industry. MacLaine's award was a testament to her long and successful career in the entertainment industry, spanning over six decades.

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7. A spirited high school cheerleader

Shirley MacLaine was a spirited cheerleader during her high school days at Washington Lee High School. She was part of the same school that Sandra Bullock also attended, making them two of the most famous alumni of the school. MacLaine was known for her enthusiasm and energy on the sidelines, and her spirit was contagious to those around her.

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8. A Spiritual Actress

Shirley MacLaine is an acclaimed actress and author who has a strong interest in spirituality, particularly New Age beliefs and reincarnation. She has written several books on the subject, including Out on a Limb, Dancing in the Light, and Going Within, which explore her personal journey of spiritual discovery. MacLaine has also been a vocal advocate for the exploration of alternative spiritual practices, such as meditation and astrology. Her passion for spirituality has been a major influence in her life and career, and she continues to be a source of inspiration for many.

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9. One of 100 Greatest Movie Characters

Shirley MacLaine is an iconic actress who has been recognized for her incredible performances in films throughout her career. In particular, her performance in the 1983 classic Terms of Endearment earned her a spot on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time. MacLaine's portrayal of Aurora Greenway was praised for its depth and complexity, and her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

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10. Shirley MacLaine and Barbara Streisand share the same birthday!

Shirley MacLaine and Barbara Streisand have a special bond - they share the same birthday! Every year, the two actresses celebrate their special day together, making it a memorable occasion. It's a tradition that has been going on for years, and one that both of them look forward to. It's a testament to their friendship and the bond they share, and it's a reminder of how special their friendship is.