Shirley MacLaine Celebrates 90th Birthday, Shares Secrets To Longevity
Shirley MacLaine is revealing the surprising secret behind her long and fulfilling life as she turned 90 on April 24. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the legendary actress attributes her vitality to her lifelong passion for dance.
“I started my dance training at age three and stopped at about 67. It taught me discipline, loving music, working with people and dealing with pain,” she shares, highlighting the profound impact of dance on her physical and mental well-being.
But dance isn’t the only factor contributing to Shirley’s vibrant lifestyle. The Hollywood icon maintains an attitude of gratitude, cherishing her ability to continue working and the blessings of good health and cherished friendships.
“I have my friends and I am really healthy,” she affirms, emphasizing the importance of social connections and well-being in her life.
As she enters her 90s, Shirley shows no signs of slowing down. She is gearing up for an exciting year ahead, with plans to begin filming a new movie titled People Not Places in Atlantic City. Additionally, she will take a nostalgic journey through her remarkable life with the release of her upcoming book The Wall of Life, slated for October 22.
Reflecting on the process of compiling her memories into the book, Shirley expresses, “I have lived a wonderful life and I wanted to share it. All of the photos brought back such wonderful memories.”
This isn’t the first time Shirley has shared insights into her contented existence. In 2019, as she approached her 85th birthday, she reflected on her simple yet fulfilling lifestyle.
“I have what I consider just a perfect life… I eat what I want, I sleep when I want,” she revealed, underscoring the importance of harmony with nature and the joy of surrounding herself with animals in her New Mexico home.
“Learn to amalgamate with nature. I have all the animals around me [in New Mexico]. It’s everything I need to be happy,” she added.
For Shirley, embracing the joys of dance, maintaining gratitude, and connecting with nature are the timeless ingredients for a life well-lived.
