Not many people can say they once danced through New York’s subways, gave Elvis Presley career advice, and hit on Morgan Freeman, but Shirley MacLaine isn’t just anyone. A few days before turning 91, the Academy Award-winning actress was spotted in Malibu, calmly sipping wine and enjoying tacos with actor Stephen Dorff. It was a rare public outing, and she looked relaxed and radiant as ever.
The pair, who starred together in People Not Places, were photographed at a beachside restaurant called The Sunset. MacLaine wore an oversized pair of sunglasses, keeping things casual and carefree. For someone who has spent over seven decades in the spotlight, this quiet celebration seemed perfectly fitting, with no red carpet, no cameras, just a glass of wine and good company.
Shirley MacLaine released a book to celebrate her 90th birthday last year
Did anyone guess the legendary Shirley Maclaine?
Some people age harsher than others. pic.twitter.com/haM9GsE65t— Girl patriot (@Girlpatriot1974) April 25, 2025
Shirley MacLaine began her career on Broadway and broke into Hollywood with Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry in 1955. Since then, she’s appeared in classics like Steel Magnolias, The Apartment, and Terms of Endearment, the last of which earned her an Oscar. MacLaine’s life off-screen is just as captivating. She’s been open about her spiritual beliefs, past life experiences, and deep fascination with UFOs.
Last year, to celebrate her 90th birthday, she released a book titled The Wall of Life, which features over 150 personal photographs and stories. “I have lived a wonderful life, and I wanted to share it,” she told People. The idea came from a wall in her home where she’d grouped framed photos of family, friends, and co-stars.
Fascinating facts you may not know about Shirley MacLaine
Despite a long and well-documented career, there are still some surprises about the Hollywood actress. Mclaine dated many of her co-stars, but not Jack Lemmon or Jack Nicholson. She shared that Lemmon felt like “a sister,” while Nicholson just made her laugh too much. She also propositioned Morgan Freeman. However, he turned her down.
She dreamed of being a dancer. At 16, she moved to New York and joined a musical’s chorus before acting took over. She once gave Elvis advice. They shared a studio lot, and she simply told him to “be kind.” She’s also very serious about the existence of UFOs. MacLaine claims to have had encounters, especially at her New Mexico ranch, and witnessed the famous 1952 sightings in Washington, D.C.