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Shirley MacLaine to star in...
DOWNTON ABBEY
Shirley MacLaine to star in DOWNTON ABBEY

Carnival Films and ITV are delighted to announce that Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Shirley MacLaine (Bernie, In Her Shoes, Terms of Endearment, The Apartment) will join the cast of Downton Abbey when they begin filming on series three next month. In a deal brokered by ICM International Creative Management, Shirley will be playing new character Martha Levinson, Lady Grantham’s mother.

Shirley MacLaine’s illustrious career comprises more than 50 feature films highlighted by an Academy Award® win and six nominations, six Emmy® Awards nominations and seven Golden Globe® Awards, including the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. She is also an international best-selling author for her 2008 book, “Sage-Ing While Age-Ing” followed by her latest New York Times best-seller, “I’m Over All That – And Other Confessions,” released on April 5th, 2011.

Carnival Films’ Managing Director, Gareth Neame said, “My late grandfather directed Shirley MacLaine in Gambit in 1966 so it is a delight for me that she will be joining us on Downton Abbey. Julian has written another brilliant character in Martha Levinson, who will be a wonderful combatant for Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess and we are excited at the prospect of Shirley MacLaine playing her.”

Laura Mackie, Director of Drama at ITV said, "It is so exciting to have an actress of Shirley MacLaine's stature joining our brilliant Downton Abbey cast for series three and a tribute to the show's success on both sides of the Atlantic".

The first series of Downton Abbey premiered on ITV in the U.K. and on MASTERPIECE on PBS in the U.S. to critical acclaim and collected a number of awards including six Primetime Emmys®, a Golden Globe® and a Producers Guild Award for Outstanding Producer of Long-Form Television. The second series increased its audience by 20% in the U.K. and is currently transmitting in the U.S. with an increase of almost 30%.

Downton Abbey, written and created by Julian Fellowes, is a Carnival/Masterpiece co-production. The producer is Liz Trubridge and the executive producers are Gareth Neame, Managing Director, Carnival Films, Julian Fellowes and Rebecca Eaton, Masterpiece.

***

Carnival Films is part of NBCUniversal International Television Production

Awards so far:

2011 Golden Globes: Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

2011 Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Miniseries Or Movie 2011

Outstanding Writing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special 2011 – Julian Fellowes

Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special 2011 – Brian Percival

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie 2011 - Maggie Smith

Creative Arts Emmy Awards: Outstanding Cinematography For A Miniseries Or Movie 2011 - David Katznelson, Director of Photography

Outstanding Costumes For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special 2011 - Susannah Buxton, Costume Designer; Caroline McCall, Assistant Costume Designer

Producers Guild Awards: David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Long-Form Television

National Television Awards 2012: Best Drama

Other Awards earned to date: Best Mini-Series, Fiction Rockies Awards.
Best Director: Fiction, Brian Percival, BAFTA Television Craft Awards 2011
Best Sound: Fiction, BAFTA Television Craft Awards 2011
Best Drama Series, Broadcasting Press Guild Awards 2011
Julian Fellowes, Writer’s Award, Broadcasting Press Guild Awards 2011
Best Drama Series, TRIC Awards 2011

Related links to this story:
Variety

Hollywood Reporter

NY Times

NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams

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40th Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Award
to Shirley MacLaine
America’s Highest Honor for a Career in Film to be Presented June 7, 2012

LOS ANGELES, CA, October 6, 2011 – Sir Howard Stringer, Chair of the American Film Institute’s Board of Trustees, announced today the Board’s decision to honor Shirley MacLaine with the 40th AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor for a career in film.

The award will be presented to MacLaine at a gala tribute on Thursday, June 7, 2012 in Los Angeles, CA. TV Land will broadcast the 40th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute on TV Land later in June 2012. The event will celebrate MacLaine’s extraordinary life and all her endeavors – movies, television, Broadway, author and beyond.

"Shirley MacLaine is a powerhouse of personality that has illuminated screens large and small across six decades," said Stringer. "From ingénue to screen legend, Shirley has entertained a global audience through song, dance, laughter and tears, and her career as writer, director and producer is even further evidence of her passion for the art form and her seemingly boundless talents. There is only one Shirley MacLaine, and it is AFI’s honor to present her with its 40th Life Achievement Award."

Last year’s AFI Tribute brought together icons of the film community to honor Morgan Freeman. Sidney Poitier opened the tribute, and Clint Eastwood presented the award at evening’s end. Also participating were Casey Affleck, Dan Aykroyd, Matthew Broderick, Don Cheadle, Bill Cosby, David Fincher, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Ashley Judd, Matthew McConaughey, Helen Mirren, Rita Moreno, Tim Robbins, Chris Rock, Hilary Swank, Forest Whitaker, Betty White, Renée Zellweger and surprise musical guest Garth Brooks.

About Shirley MacLaine Shirley MacLaine’s illustrious career comprises more than 50 feature films highlighted by an Academy Award® win and six nominations, six Emmy® Awards nominations, seven Golden Globe® Awards – including the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award – and the title of international best-selling author. Recently, MacLaine appeared in the ensemble film, VALENTINE’S DAY, and the Lifetime made-for-TV movie COCO CHANEL, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe® and SAG Award®.

She released her best-selling book “SAGE-ING WHILE AGE-ING” in 2008, followed by her latest New York Times best-seller, “I’M OVER ALL THAT – AND OTHER CONFESSIONS,” released on April 5th, 2011. In the fall of 2011, she received France’s most prestigious cultural award, the Legion of Honor, presented by France’s Minister of Culture and Communication, Frederic Mitterrand, at the French Cinematheque.

MacLaine made her professional debut dancing in a Broadway revival of OKLAHOMA! in the 1950s. Her first film appearance was in Alfred Hitchcock’s THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY, earning her a Golden Globe Award for “New Star of the Year – Actress” in 1955. At the same time, she starred in SOME COME RUNNING, which led to her first Academy Award® nomination and an additional Golden Globe® nomination. She also starred alongside Audrey Hepburn in THE CHILDREN’S HOUR, based on a play by Lillian Hellman. MacLaine received a second Oscar® nomination for her work in the award winning film, THE APARTMENT, co-starring Jack Lemmon and directed by Billy Wilder. She reunited with Lemmon and Wilder for IRMA LA DOUCE in 1963, earning yet another Academy Award® nomination.

In 1975, MacLaine received her fourth Oscar® nomination, this time for best documentary as a producer and star of THE OTHER HALF OF THE SKY: A CHINA MEMOIR. Two years later, she was once again nominated for her starring role in THE TURNING POINT.

In 1983, MacLaine finally won an Oscar for her work in TERMS OF ENDEARMENT. Later, she also received a Golden Globe® Award for her 1989 performance in MADAME SOUSATZKA. MacLaine was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Golden Globe Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1998.

MacLaine’s additional credits include notable films such as STEEL MAGNOLIAS with Julia Roberts, POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE with Meryl Streep, IN HER SHOES with Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette, and RUMOR HAS IT with Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Costner.

MacLaine’s television credits include the telefilms, “THESE OLD BROADS,” “CAROLINA” and “SALEM WITCH TRIALS.” She also starred in the CBS miniseries, “HELL ON HEELS: THE BATTLE OF MARY KAY,” the life story of the cosmetics queen Mary Kay Ash.

A longtime outspoken advocate for civil rights and liberties, women’s rights, and spiritual understanding, MacLaine is known for her faith in reincarnation, angels, the power of crystals and other New Age beliefs. She addresses these topics at length, as well as her Hollywood career, in her books, OUT ON A LIMB and DANCING IN THE NIGHT. MacLaine went on to author numerous other books including THE CAMINO and OUT ON A LEASH, all of which are international bestsellers.

MacLaine can be seen next in BERNIE, staring Jack Black and Matthew McConaughey. She can also be seen on stage during her one-woman show tour as it hits cities across the globe, combining a montage of memorable film moments with private revelations about her extraordinary life, career and spiritual journey.

FILMOGRAPHY: Actress Bernie - 2011 Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning - 2010 - PBS Valentine's Day - 2010 Coco Chanel - Lifetime TV - 2008 Closing the Ring - 2007 Rumor Has It - 2005 Bewitched - 2005 In Her Shoes - 2004 Carolina - 2003 Salem Witch Trials – 2003 (Shirley discusses her account of the filming of Salem Witch Trials for CBS) Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay - 2003 Bruno/The Dress Code - 2000 These Old Broads - 2000 Get Bruce - 1999 A Smile Like Yours - 1997 The Evening Star - 1996 Mrs. Winterbourne - 1996 The Celluloid Closet - 1996 Guarding Tess - 1994 A Century of Cinema - 1994 Wrestling Ernest Hemingway - 1993 Used People - 1992 Defending Your Life - 1991 Waiting for the Light - 1990 Postcards from the Edge - 1990 Steel Magnolias - 1989 Madame Sousatzka - 1988 Out On A Limb - 1987 Cannonball Run II - 1984 Terms of Endearment - 1983 Loving Couples - 1980 A Change of Seasons - 1980 Being There - 1979 The Turning Point - 1977 The Possession of Joel Delaney - 1972 Desparate Characters - 1971 Two Mules for Sister Sara - 1970 Sweet Charity - 1969 The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom - 1968 Woman Times Seven - 1967 Gambit - 1966 The Yellow Rolls-Royce - 1965 John Goldfarb, Please Come Home - 1964 What a Way to Go! - 1964 Irma la Douce - 1963 Two for the Seesaw - 1962 My Geisha - 1962 The Children's Hour/The Loudest Whisper - 1962 All in a Night's Work - 1961 Two Loves - 1961 Can-Can - 1960 Ocean's Eleven - 1960 The Apartment - 1960 Career - 1959 Ask Any Girl - 1959 Some Came Running - 1958 Hot Spell - 1958 The Matchmaker - 1958 The Sheepman - 1958 Around the World in 80 Days - 1956 Artists and Models - 1955 The Trouble With Harry - 1955

Director Bruno/The Dress Code - 2000 (Producer, Screenwriter and Co-Director) The Other Half of the Sky: A China Memoir - 1975

Television Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning - 2008 Coco Chanel - 2008 Salem Witch Trials - 2003 Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay - 2003 The West Side Waltz - 1995 (Movie) Out on a Limb - 1986 (Mini-Series; Performer, Director) The Shirley MacLaine Show - 1985 (Special) Shirley MacLaine: Illusions - 1982 Shirley MacLaine...Every Little Movement - 1980 (Performer, Producer) Shirley MacLaine at the Lido - 1979 (Performer, Producer) The Shirley MacLaine Special: Where Do We Go From Here? - 1977 (Special) Gypsy in My Soul - 1976 (Performer, Producer) The Other Half of the Sky: A China Memoir - 1975 (Documentary; Performer, Producer, Director) Amelia - 1975 (Performer, Producer) Shirley MacLaine: If They Could See Me Now - 1974 (Performer, Producer) Shirley's World - 1971-1972 (Series)

BOOKS Don't Fall Off the Mountain - 1970 McGovern: The Man and His Beliefs - 1972 You Can Get There from Here - 1975 Out on a Limb - 1983 Dancing in the Light - 1986 It's All in the Playing - 1987 Going Within: A Guide to Inner Transformation - 1989 Dance While You Can - 1991 My Lucky Stars: A Hollywood Memoir - 1995 The Camino: A Journey of the Spirit - 2000 Out on a Leash: Exploring the Nature of Reality and Love - 2003 Sage-ing While Age-ing - 2007 I'm Over All That: And Other Confessions - 2011

About the AFI Life Achievement Award The highest honor given for a career in film, the AFI Life Achievement Award was established by the AFI Board of Trustees on February 26, 1973. It is presented to a single honoree each year based on the following criteria as mandated through a resolution passed by the AFI Board of Trustees:

"The recipient should be one whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art; whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time."

AFI Life Achievement Award Recipients Shirley MacLaine joins an esteemed group of individuals who have been chosen for this distinguished honor since its inception in 1973.

1973 John Ford 1974 James Cagney 1975 Orson Welles 1976 William Wyler 1977 Bette Davis 1978 Henry Fonda 1979 Alfred Hitchcock 1980 James Stewart 1981 Fred Astaire 1982 Frank Capra 1983 John Huston 1984 Lillian Gish 1985 Gene Kelly 1986 Billy Wilder 1987 Barbara Stanwyck 1988 Jack Lemmon 1989 Gregory Peck 1990 David Lean 1991 Kirk Douglas 1992 Sidney Poitier 1993 Elizabeth Taylor 1994 Jack Nicholson 1995 Steven Spielberg 1996 Clint Eastwood 1997 Martin Scorsese 1998 Robert Wise 1999 Dustin Hoffman 2000 Harrison Ford 2001 Barbra Streisand 2002 Tom Hanks 2003 Robert De Niro 2004 Meryl Streep 2005 George Lucas 2006 Sean Connery 2007 Al Pacino 2008 Warren Beatty 2009 Michael Douglas 2010 Mike Nichols 2011 Morgan Freeman 2012 Shirley MacLaine

About the American Film Institute AFI is America’s promise to preserve the history of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers. AFI provides leadership in film, television and digital media and is dedicated to initiatives that engage the past, the present and the future of the moving image arts.

AFI preserves the legacy of America’s film heritage through the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, an authoritative record of American films from 1893 to the present, and the AFI Archive, which contains rare footage from across the history of the moving image.

AFI honors the artists and their work through a variety of annual programs and special events, including the AFI Life Achievement Award and AFI Awards. For 40 years, the AFI Life Achievement Award has remained the highest honor for a career in film while AFI Awards, the Institute’s almanac for the 21st century, honors the most outstanding motion pictures and television programs of the year. AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies television events and movie reference lists, as well as AFI Night at the Movies, have introduced and reintroduced classic American movies to millions of film lovers. And as the largest nonprofit exhibitor in the United States, AFI offers film enthusiasts a variety of events throughout the year, including AFI Fest presented by Audi, the longest running international film festival in Los Angeles, celebrating its 25th edition this year; AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs, the largest documentary festival in the US; and year-round programming at the AFI Silver Theatre in the Washington, DC area.

AFI educates the next generation of storytellers at its world-renowned AFI Conservatory, which was named the #1 film school in the world by The Hollywood Reporter. AFI Conservatory offers a two-year Master of Fine Arts degree in six filmmaking disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. AFI also explores new digital technologies through special workshops.

Additional information about AFI is available at AFI.com.

About TV Land TV Land is the programming destination featuring the best in entertainment on all platforms for consumers in their 40s and 50s. Consisting of original programming, classic and contemporary television series acquisitions, hit movies and a full-service Web site, TV Land is now seen in over 98 million U.S. homes. _________________________________

Read More HERE _________________________________

and... HERE _________________________________

Congratulations Shirley!

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Brooks Smith pays tribute to Shirley
Brooks Smith pays a wonderful essay tribute to Shirley. Click here to hear the interview.

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About Coco Chanel
Some excerpts from recent interviews with Shirley about Lifetime’s upcoming movie.
Coco Chanel airs on Lifetime Television on September 13th From PremiumHollywood.com blog Third panel: the Coco Chanel biopic, starring Shirley MacLaine. I fell asleep watching it, frankly, but it wasn’t MacLaine’s fault. The flick covers Chanel’s entire life, and the bit that lost me was when it was exploring the early years. But MacLaine was such a stitch during the panel that I’m just going to close out this entry by listing my top 10 favorite comments. 10. “Audrey (Hepburn) and I talked about many things. I tried to teach her how to cuss. It didn’t work. She tried to teach me how to dress. It didn’t work. But in the process of our time together on ‘The Children’s Hour,’ she and I were talking about the contradictions, the ambition, the need for love, the search for beauty, et cetera, that fashion designers had because I didn’t know much about fashion, and she told me that I should play Coco Chanel, and I said, ‘Well, Coco Chanel was little and scrunched over and very short.”‘And she said, ‘No, but the spirit of the woman is what matches your spirit.’ Now, I found Coco to be everything between generous and rude, so I don’t know what Audrey really meant. But she was right.” 9. “Someone looked on the Internet and found a picture of me at a Chanel collection. I was in my 20s or 30s, something like that, but I don’t remember having been there. But, then, I don’t remember much, anyway, these days.” 8. On the similarities between herself and Coco Chanel: “Well, I think we’re both colorful. I think we’re both rude. I think we’re both spontaneous. We both can’t hold what we feel to be the honest opinion in. I think we both have talent. And I think we both are probably dead.” 7. Writer: What’s wrong with Hollywood? Shirley MacLaine: Oh, please. Meet me later. Writer: Over a drink? Shirley MacLaine: Takes more than that, babe. 6. “I like playing in Canada. You know, I’m half Canadian. The bottom half.” 5. Writer: Why wouldn’t you ask Shirley MacLaine to have a French accent? Shirley MacLaine: I wouldn’t have done it. That’s why. I’m not Meryl Streep. 4. On actors who try to upstage each other: “I never learned that art and didn’t care about learning that art. And the whole idea of where the punch line is, and you can interrupt the punch line so they have to go to you, stuff like that, that’s…that’s like George Bush in the White House. That’s not something I would do.” 3. “I’d always wanted to do a jewelry collection, and I put them together after I finished (’Coco Chanel’). And I made all these. Do you like them? Aren’t these interesting? It’s called sky jewelry. They go on the tops of the fingers, and these are all reflections of the chakras and our inner power. Should I give you a seminar? All right, everybody close their eyes…which is probably not going to change much of what you’re doing.” 2. Writer: To a young person who would go and study your career, which three movies would you say, “Look at those first. They’re my best roles”? Shirley MacLaine: Oh, what an interesting question. “The Apartment,” because it’s a testimonial to looping. I looped all the crying scenes, you know, and got nominated (for an Oscar). I think “Terms of Endearment,” because it’s the accomplishment of comedy and drama, and it was a very turbulent set that may or may not have contributed to the success of the movie. Do I have to do three? Okay. How about “Coco”? There should be more about her in her elder years, so that we could make a good feature film of the truth. Writer: I have to ask: what do you mean by that? Shirley MacLaine: Figure it out. Over the drink we’re having. 1. On whether Coco Chanel was a lesbian: “Just because you play the whole field doesn’t mean you’re a lesbian.” *** From Michael Jensen’s blog on www.AfterElton.com Day 6 of TCA (Where new programs are presented to the press) Of course, it wasn't all just gay men this weekend. In fact, it was quite a eclectic line-up including one of the last true movie stars, Shirley MacLaine. Ms. MacLaine (it just feels wrong to call her Shirley) is starring in Coco Chanel, a Lifetime movie about the French designer. For you MacLaine fans who will only be tuning into see her, I should say that she is only in about 20% of the movie, 10% at the start and 10% at the end. During the panel and afterward, MacLaine was funny, outspoken and normally jaded critics actually seemed a little in awe. Afterward, a group of us were chatting with the screen legend who has very definite views on politics. Asked what she watches MacLaine named off a variety of programs before someone asked which news channels she watces. Said MacLaine, "I want to see what old Bill O'Reilly is up to because he's so full of sh*t. Gotta see what he's doing now. ... I like Bill Moyer. I very much like that society lady's son [Anderson Cooper]. I like him. I think he's honest." So Anderson not only made the AfterElton.com Hot 100 top ten, but now he's got Shirley MacLaine's stamp of approval.

Sage-ing While Age-ing
Shirley MacLaine
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Hollywood's Ageless Sage
Discusses Life
Excerpt

Hollywood's Ageless Sage Shirley MacLaine Discusses Life

Shirley MacLaine is an accomplished actress and writer and when she sat down to discuss her newest book, Sage-ing While Age-ing, she talked about her life and beliefs. She is an intelligent woman who is not afraid to voice her own thoughts and beliefs and is very happy with her life at the moment. "I'm happy with it," she proclaims. "There's a lot I'd like to improve, but not a lot of that has to do with my life. I'm really happy and content with my life. I'm not happy and content with the news, but I haven't yet turned it off."

Ms. MacLaine is definitely not happy with the state of the world and the fear that terrorism has added to our everyday lives. "I think we're afraid. I think we really are consumed with fear about terrorism, about the future, about our jobs, about where we're going, and you know the old adage, 'Go out and buy yourself a hat if you don't feel well.' I think that's what we're doing, and I think the materialism is an attempt to try to solve our fear about life." She explains that "going within" is what people need to do, rather than to look outwards. "What I'm saying is, go within yourself and that center will be attached to the divine, and whatever it is you're going through there will be a reason for it. But then, you know, I don't believe we die. I think the soul is eternal so, therefore, I'm not afraid of bad; therefore, I'm not afraid of other realities because I'm old enough now to have been through many adventures where my life really was at stake, and I was always protected because I went within and asked for help."

To read the entire article by Francine Brokaw click Here

A&U Magazine
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Click here to read the interview.

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“Being There” with Shirley…
By Kat Kramer
From: Entertainment Today

“Being There” with Shirley…
By Kat Kramer

The screen legend talks to ET's Kat Kramer about everything from L.A. traffic and Hollywood to Hurricanes and The Rolling Stones…

The Many “Passions” of Shirley MacLaine…

I’m proud to say that Shirley MacLaine is my idol. Ever since I was a little girl, she has been and continues to be an inspiration. I’ve been lucky enough to know her, and I can happily tell you she’s the ultimate role model – not only as a person – but as an Academy-Award-winning legendary actress, dancer, singer, filmmaker, activist, New-Age leader and best-selling author. Who wouldn’t admire her? She’s the quintessential “Renaissance Woman.”

Timeless Classic” – (The Original ‘It’ Girl) Who can forget Shirley in her early films such as “Some Came Running,” “The Apartment,” “Irma La Douce,” “Can-Can,” “The Children’s Hour” and “Sweet Charity” – (one of my all-time favorites.)

Then, there’s more mature MacLaine in edgier films such as “Being There,” “The Turning Point,” “Postcards From The Edge,” “Madame Sousatska,” “Steel Magnolias,” and her Academy-award winning turn as Aurora Greenway in “Terms of Endearment” not to mention all of the multiple award nominations, groundbreaking television specials, and her international and political adventures in the 1970’s-80’s. Long before it was in vogue to make non-fiction films, Shirley wrote, directed and produced (along with Claudia Weill) the feature documentary “The Other Half Of The Sky: A China Memoir,” (which was nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe.) In 2000, she directed and starred in the charming film “Bruno,” and she has been a guiding light for the metaphysical movement and pet spirituality with such books as “Out On A Limb” and “Out On A Leash.” Let’s face it, she’s done it all, and she’s still doing it!

A Day In The Life…” In 2005 – Shirley MacLaine is enjoying one of her busiest years. She’s had three movies out in theatres, and just received her 19th Golden Globe nomination for her role as “Ella Hirsch in Curtis Hanson’s “In Her Shoes” – opposite Cameron Diaz. On Christmas Day, Shirley will most certainly delight audiences as the feisty Katharine Richelieu in Rob Reiner’s romantic comedy “Rumor Has It” – opposite Jennifer Aniston, and if that’s not enough, on January 7, 2006, she will be honored with The Lifetime Achievement Award at The Palm Springs Film Festival.

Earlier this year, she was given two other lifetime achievement awards, one from The Chicago International Film Festival, one from ShowEast. I had a rare chance to spend the afternoon with Shirley at her new home in Malibu – where she only stays part of the time (she now resides in New Mexico.) – to talk about her new movies and her upcoming projects. But we also discussed a lot of other things – and I can’t tell you my excitement and anticipation as I fought the L.A. traffic from the San Fernando Valley to Malibu on a bright, sunny afternoon. As I drove along the Pacific Coast Highway – I wondered what can Shirley be truly “passionate” about now in her life?

As I made my way up the driveway path leading to her front door, I heard loud barking, and was then officially greeted by the famous Terry (her beloved rat terrier) who has plenty of moxie and spirit, I must say…

Shirley made her grand entrance – looking more radiant than ever – and we decided to conduct our conversation – in her lovely garden terrace – and during our chat – the veteran photographer extraordinaire Greg Gorman – briefly interrupted us to inform Shirley that he had come to photograph her for “Venice” magazine, and he brought a large entourage with him.

During our time together, I realized that one of the topics Shirley was not passionate about these days was politics, and she is passionate about avoiding all situations in life and work – that will make her unhappy – no matter how great the sacrifice. What a nice philosophy.

Shirley is celebrating her 50th year in motion pictures (she made her big screen debut in “The Trouble With Harry” – 1955) and it’s kind of the world’s anniversary of their love affair with Shirley Maclaine. I know our discussion – was unique – and I think I’ve peaked her interested in attending a Rolling Stones concert with me in 2006. Will she go? We’ll see…

The following are some of the highlights from “Being There” with Shirley MacLaine:

Kat – One of the reasons I’ve always admired you, and you’ve been my role model is because you’re the “original renaissance woman.” When you were a little girl growing up in Virginia, did you ever envision your future, did you see “your great success.”

Shirley – I didn’t think about (any of that) or foresee anything. I was just a dancer, and I wanted to get more specific – so I went into musical comedy. Then I wanted to get even more specific – so I went into acting, and I wanted to get even more specific than that – so I went into writing.

Kat – Did you have any premonitions when you were little about some of your current “passions?”

Shirley – Well, I’ve always been interested in the origins of the species – it had nothing to do with show business. I think I’ve been interested in pursuing that curiosity since I was ten. I’m very interested in whether we’re alone in the universe or not – I asked for a telescope when I was ten. So those are my “passions!”

Kat – Your film career is flourishing. How do you feel about it?

Shirley – As far as show business is concerned, I love it! I feel creatively useful in it! I’m having a great time. But I didn’t foresee anything, really.

Kat – You’re getting lots of recognition for your role as Ella in “In Her Shoes,” what was it like working with Curtis Hanson?

Shirley – I loved it! Curtis would give me ideas about line readings that I never would have thought of, or an idea in the middle of a scene. Of course, I was playing a very contained character; I think Curtis must have been exploring the feminine aspect of life – to go from “Wonder-Boys,” “8 Mile” and “L.A. Confidential” to suddenly, he’s with all these women. I think he was either exploring his own feminine – or “what does he do with all these women?” He’s more comfortable with feminine issues than you think. And he has incredible patience – almost awesome.

Kat – Can you describe it?

Shirley – Well, for example, at 4 o’clock in the morning – (when everybody else is dying) – he’s just standing there stalwart, ready to do it for the 23rd time – kind of the tortoise and the hare syndrome. He’s the last one left standing - no doubt. And a good woman is like that, that’s my point. He has stamina, and he’s a journalist, you know. He’s an observer. Usually a man will get impatient easily and get boorish. But Curtis doesn’t do that. He’s very patient.

Kat – What attracted you to the character of Ella?

Shirley – I hadn’t done a picture in a while, and I liked the idea of being so subtle and contained as I call it. Curtis wasn’t sure I could do it. He wasn’t sure that I wouldn’t be larger-than-life and walk in and breathe all the air. But I enjoyed it, I find it much easier – and very (she contemplates) gentle making on my soul, to play those parts.

Kat – And your part as Katharine in “Rumor Has It.” What’s that like?

Shirley – It’s funny. It’s me playing flamboyant – it’s the opposite of “In Her Shoes.” I like them both.

Kat – Tell me about some of the projects you’re currently working on?

Shirley – I have three that I think will probably go after the first of the year. It’s wonderful because it’s harder to make a movie now in town than ever! One I’ve been working on with Sir Richard Attenborough for three years – and we finally got the money. It’s a fabulous script called “Closing The Ring.” But you know, marketing is running everything these days – and they don’t know what the target audience is. Also, I’m contemplating going back to Broadway when I’m 75.

Kat – Why when you’re 75?

Shirley – Because 7+5 is a 3 – one for mind, body and spirit. I’ll have a stool, spotlight and black stockings – maybe do a little Fosse – but I’m sure not gonna dance the Can-Can! (Laughs) I just saw Elaine Stritch in New York – and I’m so inspired by her. It’s like I’m not finished performing yet. It will be a one-woman show.

Kat – You used to live in Malibu full-time. Why did you move to Santa Fe, New Mexico?

Shirley – I moved because it’s insane here – The traffic! (laughs) Anytime I want to go anywhere, I have to put aside two hours to get there. That’s nuts, and the road rage builds up in people who don’t normally have road rage. I’ve been going to New Mexico for years and years. It’s a big artistic community; it’s a new age and a heavy duty spiritual community. It’s being involved with nature – and learning how to grow your own food. I’m a city person – and that part of me was, well, I just didn’t know anything. So now I have a ranch, I’ve got my own food and water, I’m self-sufficient, I’m off the grid. It’s a paradise out there.

Kat – Don’t you miss California?

Shirley – I love Hollywood, I always have – I love being part of it. But it’s not like I’m social – and go to the Polo Lounge. I never did that.

Kat – So you avoided the social scene in Hollywood. Did it make you uncomfortable?

Shirley – No. It’s just that I haven’t a lot to say, once you get past the grosses. If it’s about a good script, and if somebody wants to get down and deep about what is the meaning of this or that character, sure. But there have been times when I go to parties (I think I’m not gonna go) and I’m the last one to leave. But I’ve always found it a little dull, frankly.

Kat – When I go to social events or parties, I go to connect with the people, about creative ideas and projects. When I don’t go, I worry about missing out on important information. How about you – how do you handle that?

Shirley – I used to think like you. But I still couldn’t get myself to go do the Hollywood social scene – as they call it. So what I did was have the faith and trust that anything I needed to know would somehow synchronistically happen. That way, I didn’t have to get in the car and drive to a party that I enjoyed for twenty minutes.

Kat – So did you have problems with some of the shallow values in Hollywood, or do you still?

Shirley – No, I’m alright with that. The big knife has a velvet edge now. This is capitalism, this is materialism – this is the way it works. I’ll tell you what does bother me – the thing that I can’t bear to witness is some of these older, more experienced, talented people (a Billy Wilder, Bob Wise or a Lew Waserman) - who are not respected in their older years. That was awful for me to watch. It’s like they’re not there anymore when they’re over a certain age. I don’t like seeing these brilliant, older, wiser people become invisible. I’ve actually experienced that somewhat – but not now!

Kat – I doubt you’ve ever really experienced that – you’ve always been in demand. I truly believe you’re the only modern actress (besides my Godmother Katharine Hepburn, of course) who is able to go the distance, and keep playing interesting roles that happen to be grandmothers. You will become the 21st century equivalent. Only in some ways, you’re more innovative than Kate was, and you take more chances.

Shirley – Well, I’m more eccentric. She was a New Englander, and more conservative by nature. But it’s fascinating to get older and watch what goes on. I think I’m going to be writing a book about aging, I don’t know.

Kat – How old do you think you’ll live to be?

Shirley – I’ll live to be very old. Into my mid 90s at least. Then I’ll decide if I want to live longer.

Kat – Since you’re so wise about Hollywood, what do we have to look forward to in the future?

Shirley – Well, I’m fascinated by this controversy between the motion pictures and DVDs, and the simultaneous release! Why do we have theatres? That’s a good question. People are so afraid to go out, it costs them too much money between parking, concessions, hiring a babysitter, and the cost of the ticket for the movie itself. I think in the future, people will just put all their money into entertainment centers at home – and have people come over – and then they don’t have to worry about being kidnapped, carjacked, hijacked or murdered (laughs) – or shot!

Kat – Don’t tell me it’s gonna be like “Clockwork Orange!”

Shirley – Well, I do think Nature’s pretty pissed off! What we’re seeing with Hurricane Katrina – that’s just the beginning! I don’t see the world ending by a nuclear disaster, or being devastated by fire or water, but by wind! And I’ve felt that for a very longtime. I do have a basement at home in New Mexico.

Kat – When will this happen?

Shirley – I don’t know – on a Tuesday, maybe in early March! (laughs)

Kat comment – No, that’s the Rolling Stones at the Great Western Forum! It can’t happen till after that (laughter)

Shirley comment – Maybe it will happen with that! (Hysterical laughter)

Kat comment – I just saw The Stones at The Hollywood Bowl. You should see them live, you’d love it! They’re amazing Shirley, you’d appreciate it, being a live performer. They might even become one of your passions.

Shirley – Yes, I know I would! I love those guys (A thousand miles away!) No, I’m kidding – I guess this new album is one of their best. Is it really loud at one of their concerts? I saw The Beatles once at Madison Square Garden – and I couldn’t hear for a week! in 1972 – and I couldn’t hear for a week!

Kat – No, it’s not too loud! My mom goes, and doesn’t even need earplugs. I’ll take you. Will you go with me? I’ll make the arrangements for next time.

Shirley – Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t be able to hear for a week. But if you get me a private plane, I’ll go. I do love those guys. Who wouldn’t love somebody in their sixties still doing it!?

… And with that, we left the garden patio area to go inside her cozy cottage. She stared out the window, contemplating the sunlight, as Greg Gorman and his team set up the cameras. Another photo session, another interview, another day in the life of Shirley MacLaine. Just like The Rolling Stones, she has broken all the rules, and rewritten history. She will continue to act, perform, write books and search for the truth until she leaves this planet. She will probably out-live us all. Why? Because she has so many “passions.” By the way, it’s nice to have an idol who is also an “icon for the ages.”

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