Legendary 1960s film icon Shirley MacLaine, now 90 years old, remains celebrated for her remarkable career in Hollywood. Her rise to fame began in 1955 with The Trouble with Harry. Though she has stepped back from the spotlight in recent years, MacLaine still actively engages with the industry.
Shirley’s personal life was not without its challenges. She was married to film producer Steve Parker for 28 years, but the marriage ended in 1982. The couple had one daughter, Sachi Parker, who spent most of her childhood living with her father in Japan. While MacLaine pursued her career in America, the couple maintained a relatively open relationship and remained on good terms despite the distance.
For Shirley, career often took precedence over motherhood. She believed that dedicating herself to work helped her avoid the disappointment she might have felt staying at home. Influenced by her own mother — who had given up her ambitions — Shirley’s choices created a complex dynamic with her daughter.
In her memoirs, Sachi described Shirley as a mother who was sometimes emotionally distant, and their relationship revealed contrasting views on family. While Shirley led a free-spirited and unconventional lifestyle, Sachi longed for the stability of a more traditional home. The emotional gap between them was especially difficult for Sachi during her teenage years, when she often spent holidays alone and felt abandoned by her mother’s inconsistency.
Today, Shirley focuses on her personal life and passions, finding peace on her ranch in New Mexico. Although romance is no longer a priority, she finds comfort in her beloved dogs and close circle of friends. Meanwhile, Sachi, now a mother herself, reflects on her own upbringing and strives to build stronger, more nurturing relationships with her children.
Do you remember this iconic star?
