Shirley MacLaine isn’t just another Hollywood name. She’s a living legend who turned talent into millions.
At 90 years old, she’s still going strong. Her net worth tells a story worth hearing.
What Is Shirley MacLaine’s Net Worth and Salary?
Shirley MacLaine’s net worth stands at $50 million as of 2025. That’s seven decades of smart moves and brilliant performances.
Her earnings come from multiple sources. Acting leads the pack, but she’s never put all eggs in one basket.
| Net Worth Overview | Amount |
| Current Net Worth (2025) | $50 Million |
| Primary Income Source | Acting Career |
| Career Span | 70+ Years |
| Total Films | 50+ Movies |
Her salary evolved dramatically over the decades:
- 1955-1960: $50,000-$100,000 per film
- 1960s-1970s: $500,000-$750,000 per major film
- 1980s Peak: $1-2 million per project
- Recent Projects: $500,000-$1 million per role
The Apartment in 1960 paid her approximately $100,000. By the 1960s, Twentieth Century-Fox offered $750,000 for Bloomer Girl.
Terms of Endearment became her goldmine. The 1983 blockbuster grossed over $108 million domestically.
| Major Earnings Sources | Estimated Total |
| Film Career Earnings | $30-35 Million |
| Book Sales (20M+ copies) | $8-10 Million |
| Television Appearances | $5-7 Million |
| Real Estate Investments | $5-8 Million |
Her book empire sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Nine international bestsellers brought steady royalties.
She’s received some of Hollywood’s top honors:
- Academy Awards: 6 nominations, 1 win (Terms of Endearment)
- Golden Globes: 10 wins from numerous nominations
- Emmy Awards: 3 wins
- AFI Life Achievement Award: Received in 2012
Early Life
Born Shirley MacLean Beaty on April 24, 1934, Richmond, Virginia became her starting point. Her parents weren’t Hollywood royalty.
Dad Ira Owens Beaty wore multiple hats. Psychology professor, school administrator, and real estate agent kept him busy.
| Family Background | Details |
| Birth Name | Shirley MacLean Beaty |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1934 |
| Birthplace | Richmond, Virginia |
| Named After | Shirley Temple |
| Father’s Profession | Psychology Professor |
| Mother’s Profession | Drama Teacher |
| Siblings | Warren Beatty (younger brother) |
Mom Kathlyn Corinne taught drama. She spotted her daughter’s potential early.
At age three, ballet classes began. The goal? Fix weak ankles. The result? A star was born.
Her childhood was anything but typical:
- Performed boys’ roles in ballet due to her height
- Played on boys’ baseball team in elementary school
- Earned nickname “powerhouse” after setting home run record
- Trained in ballet throughout school years
- Was cheerleader at Washington-Lee High School
- Active in theater department during high school
Both Beaty children changed their surnames. Warren added an extra “t” to become Beatty.
Shirley changed hers after directors mispronounced it. “Mah-cleen” became “Mah-klain” with MacLaine spelling.
During senior year, Broadway came calling. She performed in Oklahoma’s chorus in New York City.
Career
Her career spans seven decades of non-stop excellence. Each era brought new triumphs.
Broadway Beginnings (1953-1955)
After graduating in 1953, she returned to Broadway. The dancing ensemble of Me and Juliet was her first gig.
| Broadway Career | Production | Year |
| First Role | Oklahoma (Chorus) | 1952 |
| Second Production | Me and Juliet | 1953-1954 |
| Big Break | The Pajama Game | 1954 |
| Role Type | Understudy to Carol Haney | 1954 |
The Pajama Game changed everything. She understudied Carol Haney, then replaced her after Haney’s ankle injury.
Film producer Hal Wallis attended that fateful performance. He immediately arranged a Paramount Pictures contract.
Hollywood Breakthrough (1955-1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry launched her film career in 1955. Critics loved her debut.
Her first major award came fast:
- Golden Globe: New Star of the Year – Actress (1955)
- First Oscar Nomination: Around the World in 80 Days (1956)
- Critical Acclaim: Established as leading actress by age 22
| Early Film Success | Year | Achievement |
| The Trouble with Harry | 1955 | Golden Globe Win |
| Martin and Lewis | 1955 | Supporting Role |
| Around the World in 80 Days | 1956 | First Oscar Nomination |
| The Apartment | 1960 | Second Oscar Nomination |
The Apartment became a cultural phenomenon. Ten Academy Award nominations followed.
Billy Wilder directed this masterpiece. It won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Golden Era (1960s-1970s)
The 1960s solidified her superstar status. Tragedy opened unexpected doors.
She replaced Marilyn Monroe in two major films:
- Irma La Douce (1963): After Monroe’s death
- What a Way to Go! (1964): Another Monroe replacement
| 1960s-1970s Highlights | Year | Role/Achievement |
| The Children’s Hour | 1961 | Critical Acclaim |
| Irma La Douce | 1963 | Oscar Nomination |
| What a Way to Go! | 1964 | Box Office Hit |
| Sweet Charity | 1969 | Golden Globe Nomination |
| The Turning Point | 1977 | Oscar Nomination |
| Being There | 1979 | BAFTA Nomination |
Sweet Charity in 1969 showcased her dancing abilities. Bob Fosse directed this musical adaptation.
She earned a Women in Film Crystal Award in 1978. The honor recognized her contributions to expanding women’s roles.
The Other Half of the Sky: A China Memoir earned a Documentary Feature Oscar nomination in 1975. She documented women’s experiences in China.
Oscar Glory (1980s)
1983 delivered her crowning achievement. Terms of Endearment became the second-highest-grossing film that year.
The numbers tell the story:
| Terms of Endearment | Details |
| Box Office Gross | $108+ Million (US) |
| Academy Award Nominations | 11 Total |
| Academy Awards Won | 5 (Including Best Picture) |
| Shirley’s Award | Best Actress (First Win) |
| Previous Oscar Nominations | 5 Before This Win |
She finally won the Oscar after five previous nominations. Jack Nicholson co-starred brilliantly.
Her other 1980s work included:
- A Change of Seasons (1980) with Anthony Hopkins
- Steel Magnolias (1989) – Ensemble cast success
- Multiple television appearances
Continued Success (1990s-2000s)
The 1990s kept her schedule packed. She proved age doesn’t limit talent.
Notable 1990s Films:
- Steel Magnolias (1989)
- Used People (1992)
- Guarding Tess (1994)
- Mrs. Winterbourne (1996)
- The Evening Star (1996)
| 2000s Projects | Year | Role |
| Bruno (Director/Star) | 2000 | Feature-Film Directorial Debut |
| Rumor Has It | 2005 | Lead Role |
| In Her Shoes | 2005 | Supporting Role |
| Closing the Ring | 2007 | Lead Role |
| Coco Chanel (TV) | 2008 | Title Role |
Bruno marked her directorial debut in 2000. She also starred in this feature.
Coco Chanel on television earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She embodied the fashion icon perfectly.
Television Career
Small screen work added millions to her fortune. Quality over quantity was her approach.
Major TV Projects:
- Out on a Limb (Miniseries)
- The Salem Witch Trials (Historical Drama)
- These Old Broads (Co-wrote by Carrie Fisher)
- Downton Abbey (Seasons 3-4)
- Only Murders in the Building (2022)
| TV Achievements | Project | Recognition |
| Emmy Nominations | Coco Chanel | Lead Actress |
| Golden Globe Nominations | Coco Chanel | Lead Actress |
| Fan Favorite | Downton Abbey | Martha Levinson Role |
| Critical Acclaim | Only Murders in Building | Guest Appearance |
These Old Broads featured legendary co-stars. Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds, and Joan Collins joined her.
Downton Abbey introduced her to younger audiences. Martha Levinson became a beloved character.
Recent Projects (2020s)
At 90, she’s still working. Retirement isn’t in her vocabulary.
2022-2025 Work:
- Only Murders in the Building (2022)
- American Dreamer (2024) – Premiered at Tribeca 2022
- People Not Places (2024) – Filmed in Atlantic City
- The Wall of Life (2024) – Photo memoir released October
| Latest Projects | Year | Co-Stars/Details |
| American Dreamer | 2024 | Peter Dinklage (Dark Comedy) |
| People Not Places | 2024 | Stephen Dorff (Drama) |
| The Wall of Life | 2024 | Photograph-Based Memoir |
American Dreamer paired her with Peter Dinklage. The dark comedy opened in theaters nationwide.
People Not Places filmed during summer 2024. She plays a woman forming an unlikely friendship.
Writing Career
Twenty million books sold worldwide. Nine international bestsellers bear her name.
Book Themes:
- Spiritual beliefs and reincarnation
- Hollywood career experiences
- Metaphysical explorations
- Personal journey narratives
- Autobiographical insights
| Literary Success | Achievement |
| Total Books Published | 9 International Bestsellers |
| Copies Sold | 20+ Million Worldwide |
| Primary Topics | Spirituality & Hollywood |
| Revenue Generated | $8-10 Million Estimated |
Her books explore reincarnation and metaphysics. Readers connect with her honest approach.
Royalties continue generating passive income. The books remain popular decades later.
Personal Life
Shirley married businessman Steve Parker in 1954. Their arrangement was unconventional for the era.
| Marriage Details | Information |
| Spouse | Steve Parker (Businessman) |
| Marriage Year | 1954 |
| Divorce Year | 1982 |
| Marriage Type | Open Relationship |
| Children | 1 Daughter (Sachi) |
Both maintained affairs during their marriage. They openly acknowledged this arrangement.
Freedom mattered more than convention. Their marriage lasted 28 years despite the setup.
They had one daughter together named Sachi. She became the center of some unusual claims later.
Other Personal Connections:
- Godmother to journalist Jackie Kucinich
- Jackie’s father: Former U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich
- Known for independent thinking
- Outspoken civil rights advocate
Her reputation had thorny moments. Anthony Hopkins once called her “the most obnoxious actress I have ever worked with.”
The Hopkins comment came after A Change of Seasons. They notoriously clashed on set.
In 1963, she marched into Mike Connolly’s office at The Hollywood Reporter. She punched him in the mouth.
The reason? Connolly wrote something about her contract dispute with producer Hal Wallis.
Despite controversies, she never apologized for being herself. Authenticity trumped popularity.
UFOs and Aliens
This is where things get fascinating. She’s never hidden her extraterrestrial beliefs.
Her claims raised eyebrows throughout Hollywood. She remained unapologetic about her experiences.
| Alien Beliefs | Claims |
| UFO Sightings | Multiple incidents |
| Location | New Mexico ranch skies |
| First Public Discussion | 1980s interviews |
| Book About Experiences | Sage-ing While Age-ing |
| TV Appearance | Oprah Winfrey Show (2011) |
Her most shocking claim involves daughter Sachi’s father. She stated astronaut Paul cloned Steve Parker.
That’s right – she believes Sachi’s biological father is an alien astronaut. Paul supposedly cloned her husband.
UFO Encounters:
- Multiple sightings at New Mexico ranch
- Documented in various interviews
- Described in her book Sage-ing While Age-ing
- Discussed on Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011
- Never wavered from her accounts
She’s given numerous interviews on UFOs over decades. Each retelling remained consistent.
Sage-ing While Age-ing describes her real-life alien encounters. The book details specific incidents.
On Oprah in 2011, she described many UFO incidents. Her New Mexico ranch became a hotspot.
Critics dismissed her claims as publicity stunts. She didn’t care about skeptics.
Her Spiritual Philosophy:
- Believes in reincarnation strongly
- Practices metaphysical studies
- Open about past life experiences
- Connects spirituality to extraterrestrials
- Never seeks scientific validation
Her beliefs shaped her writing career. Most books explore these themes deeply.
Whether you believe her or not doesn’t matter. She’s lived her truth publicly for decades.
Real Estate
Property investments added millions to her wealth. New Mexico became her chosen sanctuary.
Plaza Blanca Ranch
Her crown jewel property spans 7,450 acres. That’s massive even by celebrity standards.
| Plaza Blanca Ranch | Details |
| Size | 7,450 Acres |
| Purchase Year | Mid-1990s |
| Listing Year | April 2014 |
| Listing Price | $18 Million |
| Main House Size | 9,000 Square Feet |
| Current Status | Still Owned (2025) |
She listed it for $18 million in April 2014. The price wasn’t random.
“Nine is the number of completion,” she explained to Wall Street Journal. That’s why 1 + 8 = 9.
The ranch remains unsold as of 2025. She still owns this massive property.
Plaza Blanca Ranch Features:
- 7,450 acres of New Mexico landscape
- 9,000 square-foot main house
- Multiple guest accommodations
- Site of UFO sightings
- Private sanctuary setting
Secondary New Mexico Property
In 2005, she bought a second New Mexico home. This one was more modest.
| Second Property | Information |
| Purchase Year | 2005 |
| Size | 6,000 Square Feet |
| Land | 5 Acres |
| First Listing | October 2023 |
| Initial Price | $4.3 Million |
| Reduced Price | $2.9 Million (January 2024) |
| Sale Date | June 2024 |
| Final Price | Undisclosed |
She listed this home in October 2023 for $4.3 million. Months passed without buyers.
January 2024 brought a price drop to $2.9 million. That’s a $1.4 million reduction.
Finally, a buyer emerged in June 2024. The final sale price wasn’t disclosed.
Oprah toured this property in 2011. The footage showed her personal style.
Property Investment Strategy:
- Focused on New Mexico locations
- Large acreage for privacy
- Remote settings for spiritual practice
- Strategic buying in mid-career
- Patient selling approach
Her real estate choices reflect her personality. Privacy and space matter more than flashy locations.
Awards and Recognition Throughout Her Career
Hollywood showered her with accolades. The hardware collection is impressive.
| Award Category | Wins | Nominations |
| Academy Awards | 1 Win | 6 Nominations |
| Golden Globe Awards | 10 Wins | 20+ Nominations |
| Emmy Awards | 3 Wins | Multiple Nominations |
| BAFTA Awards | Nominations | Multiple |
| AFI Life Achievement | 1 (2012) | Highest Honor |
The AFI Life Achievement Award came in 2012. It’s the 40th person to receive this honor.
Career Milestones:
- First Golden Globe: 1955 (New Star of the Year)
- First Oscar Nomination: 1956 (Around the World in 80 Days)
- Oscar Win: 1984 (Terms of Endearment)
- Women in Film Crystal Award: 1978
- AFI Life Achievement: 2012
Six Oscar nominations before her win showed incredible consistency. She never gave up.
How Shirley MacLaine Built Her Fortune
Smart diversification created lasting wealth. She didn’t rely on acting alone.
Income Streams Breakdown:
| Revenue Source | Strategy | Result |
| Acting | Consistent work across 70 years | $30-35M |
| Writing | 9 bestselling books | $8-10M |
| Real Estate | Strategic property investments | $5-8M |
| Television | High-profile appearances | $5-7M |
Her approach differed from typical stars. Books provided royalty income for decades.
Real estate timing proved excellent. She bought before prices skyrocketed.
Financial Wisdom:
- Never stopped working despite wealth
- Diversified income streams early
- Invested in property strategically
- Built passive income through books
- Maintained career across format changes
At 90, she’s still booking roles. Money motivates less than passion now.
FAQs
What is Shirley MacLaine’s net worth in 2025?
Her net worth is $50 million as of 2025.
How old is Shirley MacLaine?
She’s 90 years old, born April 24, 1934.
Did Shirley MacLaine win an Oscar?
Yes, she won Best Actress for Terms of Endearment in 1984.
Is Warren Beatty related to Shirley MacLaine?
Yes, Warren Beatty is her younger brother.
How many books has Shirley MacLaine written?
She’s written nine international bestsellers that sold over 20 million copies.
Does Shirley MacLaine still act?
Yes, she released American Dreamer in 2024 and filmed People Not Places.
Conclusion
Shirley MacLaine’s $50 million fortune reflects seven decades of excellence. She mastered every medium she touched.
From Oscar-winning performances to bestselling books, she diversified brilliantly. Her New Mexico properties add millions more to her portfolio.
At 90, she’s still working and inspiring. Her legacy extends beyond money into cultural impact.
Few can claim such longevity and success. Shirley MacLaine remains Hollywood royalty with the bank account to prove it.
Hey, I’m James a celebrity news writer with 10 years of experience bringing you honest and exciting stories.
