Even after decades in the industry, this celebrated actress remains dedicated to her craft. Though her personal life has seen its fair share of hardships—including the end of her long marriage and a strained bond with her daughter—she has found fulfillment in her work and a deep sense of inner peace.
Once a shining star of the 1960s film scene, she is now 90 years old and continues to defy expectations. Her marriage, which lasted 28 years, eventually came to an end, and her relationship with her daughter became complicated. Despite these challenges, her Hollywood career stands as a testament to her perseverance and love for acting.
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From her first major role in The Trouble with Harry in 1955 to her unforgettable performances in The Apartment, Irma la Douce, and Terms of Endearment, she has consistently demonstrated her immense talent. She attributes much of her discipline and work ethic to her early training in a different field, believing that her background as a dancer shaped her approach to efficiency and professionalism.
Throughout her career, she has been known for her dedication, avoiding the ego-driven behavior often associated with stardom. Even as she has reduced her workload, she remains committed to acting, insisting that the joy she finds in her work is irreplaceable. She continues to bring energy to her roles, often surprising her co-stars with her unwavering enthusiasm.
Beyond her career, her personal life has been a mix of adventure and complexity. She married film producer Steve Parker in 1954, and they welcomed their daughter, Sachi, two years later. Reflecting on their relationship, she described their marriage as more of a deep friendship than a conventional union. She also acknowledged that they had an open marriage—something quite unconventional for the time.
While she worked in Hollywood, Steve spent most of his time in Japan, but they maintained a strong friendship and often traveled together. Eventually, in 1982, their marriage ended, marking the close of a significant chapter in her life.
Her approach to motherhood was influenced by her belief that pursuing her career was essential for her happiness. She reasoned that had she stayed home unfulfilled, her daughter would have sensed her frustration. Her own mother had given up her acting dreams for family life, and she had vowed never to do the same.
Sachi spent much of her childhood with her father while her mother continued working. Despite their physical separation, the actress always made herself available, and Sachi recalled in an interview that she never felt completely abandoned. However, their perspectives on their relationship were not entirely aligned.
In 2013, Sachi released her memoir, Lucky Me: My Life With – and Without – My Mom, Shirley MacLaine, which painted a different picture of their bond. She described feeling lonely and emotionally disconnected from her mother. She also recalled moments when she sensed her mother’s interest in her visits fading after only a short time. Their contrasting lifestyles—her mother’s adventurous spirit versus her own desire for stability—created emotional distance between them.
Sachi’s childhood was a blend of exciting and painful experiences. She once recounted spending Christmas alone while attending a European boarding school, uncertain about her parents’ whereabouts. Though she looks back on it with humor now, she admitted that, at the time, it was a difficult and frightening experience. She eventually spent the holiday with strangers, longing for a sense of belonging.
Even as she grew older, the emotional divide between mother and daughter persisted. Sachi longed for a closer connection, but she felt her mother was reluctant to acknowledge the issues between them. While she did not receive financial support as a child, she saw this as an opportunity to build independence.
After sending her mother a copy of her memoir, she never received a response. Writing the book was an emotional process, but it ultimately gave her clarity. She maintained that her intention was never to harm her mother but rather to share her own truth, something her mother had always encouraged.
Sachi’s upbringing had a profound impact on the way she raised her own children. Now 68, she has two children, Frank Jr. and Arin, from her marriage to Frank H. Murray, which lasted from 1993 to 2011. Unlike her mother, she prioritized an involved parenting style, admitting that she may have overcompensated to give her children the stability she lacked.
Meanwhile, her mother continues to live life on her own terms. Now in her senior years, she carefully selects projects that resonate with her values rather than chasing high-budget roles. She has also mastered the art of balancing work and leisure, embracing the peace she has created for herself.
Looking back, she feels more content than ever. While romance is no longer a major focus, she finds companionship in her three dogs. She has learned to appreciate the simple joys of life, valuing her health and personal fulfillment above all else.
She spends much of her time at her secluded ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, where she enjoys solitude and quiet reflection. Occasionally, she ventures into Santa Fe to experience the city’s rich culture and cuisine. More than ever, she embraces life with optimism, appreciating each moment with gratitude.