Upon entering Washing-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, MacLaine made the switch from baseball gloves to pom-poms and became a member of the cheerleading squad. It was during this period that MacLaine came to terms with the fact that her dream of becoming a professional ballerina might not materialize due to her height and lack of technical skills. Subsequently, she ventured into acting and participated in various stage productions at her high school. In the summer of her junior year, MacLaine decided to explore opportunities in New York City, auditioning for musical roles on Broadway. She successfully landed a spot in the chorus line of the latest production of Oklahoma. Following this experience, she returned to Virginia to complete her high school education. Upon graduation, MacLaine promptly made her way back to New York City.
Upon her return to New York, MacLaine secured a job as a model while simultaneously auditioning for musical roles on Broadway. In less than a year, she landed the opportunity to work as an understudy to Carol Haney in the renowned Broadway production of The Pajama Games. Despite Haney’s reputation for never missing a show, MacLaine was prepared to leave the production for a role in the musical Can-Can. However, before she could resign, Haney suffered an ankle injury, rendering her unable to perform. MacLaine was then called upon to take her place. Although initially inexperienced and prone to a few mistakes, the young actress managed to captivate the audience. It was during this time that movie producer Hal B. Willis happened to be in attendance and was impressed by MacLaine’s enchanting presence. As a result, he offered her a lucrative five-year contract with Paramount Studios. Shortly after, MacLaine purchased a one-way ticket to Hollywood, embarking on her journey to stardom.
During her seven-decade long career, the Steel Magnolia star has seen it all. Indeed, her life stories are virtually unparalleled compared to those of her contemporaries…
Shirley MacLaine has been around a long, long time, and made so many awesome films during her heyday. The Apartment, The Trouble With Harry, Two Mules For Sister Sara, Guarding Tess – I could go on forever.
Her performance in the classic 1989 film Steel Magnolia is still talked about today, but in real life Shirley is far from the short-tempered character she played in the film, Ouiser Boudreaux.
“Not that much bothers me,” she said in 2019.
“I think attitudes are a choice. Anger is a choice, peace is a choice, sarcasm — which is what I’m good at — is a choice.”
