Shirley MacLaine’s net worth arises from her acting and writing career. She is an American award-winning actress and bestselling author.
Her major achievements include an Academy Award, multiple Oscar nominations, Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, the Volpi Cup, a Primetime Emmy Award, and numerous additional nominations and honors across film and television.
Shirley MacLaine net worth
The estimated Shirley MacLaine net worth is $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. She has built a strong financial foundation through starring in commercially successful films, television shows, and theatre productions. The other principal source of her income is writing. She has authored numerous bestselling books.
Career highlights
Theatre
Shirley MacLaine began her entertainment career as a dancer before transitioning into acting. While still in high school, she traveled to New York and gained early stage experience in the chorus of Oklahoma! before making her Broadway debut in Me and Juliet in 1953.
She later became an understudy for Carol Haney in The Pajama Game. When Haney was injured, MacLaine took over the role, attracting the attention of comedian Jerry Lewis, who recommended her to producer Hal B. Wallis. Wallis subsequently signed her to Paramount Pictures, launching her Hollywood career.
She later returned to live performances, including concerts at London’s Palladium and New York’s Palace Theatre.
Film and television
Shirley MacLaine made her film debut in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Trouble with Harry” in 1955, earning the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year – Actress.
She quickly established herself as a leading actress, appearing in “Artists and Models” and “Around the World in 80 Days”, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Her breakthrough continued with films such as “Some Came Running”, which earned her first Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress.
Her career reached another major milestone with “The Apartment” in 1960. The critically acclaimed film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, while she earned her second Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
She received the Volpi Cup for Best Actress, a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.
She also starred in “Irma la Douce”, earning another Academy Award nomination and winning a second Golden Globe in the comedy or musical category.
Shirley MacLaine expanded her work across film, television, live performance and writing. She starred in “Sweet Charity” and “Two Mules for Sister Sara”, before briefly focusing on television and political activism.
Her 1975 documentary The Other Half of the Sky: A China Memoir, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.
Her film career regained momentum with “The Turning Point” in 1977 and earned another Academy Award nomination.
She reached the peak of her acting career with “Terms of Endearment” in 1983. The film was a major critical and commercial success, earning 11 Academy Award nominations and winning five, including Best Picture.
Shirley MacLaine won the Academy Award for Best Actress, her first and only Oscar victory in the category. She also won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
Her other acclaimed performances were in “Madame Sousatzka” in 1988, for which she won another Golden Globe, and “Steel Magnolias” in 1989, which earned her a BAFTA Award.
She remained active in films including “Guarding Tess”, “The Evening Star”, “Rumor Has It…”, “In Her Shoes” and “Closing the Ring”. She also directed and starred in “Bruno” in 2000.
Her television work included Coco Chanel, which earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination and Golden Globe recognition, and Downton Abbey, where she played Martha Levinson.
In later years, she continued acting in productions such as “Elsa & Fred”, “Wild Oats”, “The Little Mermaid”, “Noelle” alongside Anna Kendrick, Only Murders in the Building and “American Dreamer”.
Writing
Beyond acting, Shirley MacLaine has built a career as an author, particularly through books exploring spirituality, personal transformation and her experiences in Hollywood.
Her first memoir, Don’t Fall off the Mountain, was published in 1970, followed by bestselling works including Out on a Limb and Going Within. Her other books are:
- The Wall of Life
- The Camino
- Sage-ing While Age-ing
- What If…
- My Lucky Stars: A Hollywood Memoir
- Above the Line
- Out on a Leash
- You Can Get There From Here
- I’m Over All That and Other Confessions
- Dancing in the Light
Radio
She also hosted the Independent Expression radio program for many years, covering subjects such as health, the environment, politics, Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), and expanded consciousness.
Philanthropy
Her philanthropic interests have included animal adoption and shelter-animal welfare, as well as children’s programs and organizations such as the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Adopt-A-Classroom and the Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation.
Recognitions
- Kennedy Center Honors (2013)
- AFI Life Achievement Award (2012)
- Elle Women in Hollywood — Woman of the Year (2012)
- Palm Springs International Film Festival — Lifetime Achievement Award (2006)
- Chicago Film Critics Association’s Career Achievement Award (2005)
- Elle Women in Hollywood — Icon Award (2005)
- Government of France’s Legion of Honor (2001)
- Honorary Golden Bear (1999)
- Cecil B. DeMille Award (1998)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
Conclusion on Shirley MacLaine net worth
In conclusion, Shirley MacLaine has achieved financial success through decades-long career in film and television. Her earnings have been supplemented by stage performances, book sales, and publishing royalties from her numerous memoirs and other books.
Featured image: Shirley MacLaine on shirleymaclaine.com
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