Shirley MacLaine's Remarkable Hollywood Journey: From Paramount Starlet to Oscar-Winning Icon

Shirley MacLaine's illustrious career has spanned decades, with the acclaimed actress gracing the silver screen alongside some of Hollywood's most legendary leading men. In her new memoir, "The Wall of Life: Pictures and Stories from This Marvelous Lifetime," MacLaine offers a captivating glimpse into her storied past, including her encounters with a young, up-and-coming Elvis Presley and her unique relationship with the equally iconic Jack Nicholson.

Guiding a Rising Star: Shirley MacLaine's Advice to Elvis Presley

Shirley MacLaine's early days in the entertainment industry were marked by her time as a contract player at Paramount, where she crossed paths with a fellow rising star – Elvis Presley. The two actors, both embarking on their acting careers, found themselves sharing the Paramount lot, with Presley's dressing room just two doors down from MacLaine's.MacLaine, who had already established herself as a talented and versatile performer, took it upon herself to offer the King of Rock and Roll a bit of guidance. "His dressing room was two doors down, and he didn't know how to behave as he needed to on the set," MacLaine wrote, as reported by People magazine. "I just told him to be nice to people and kind, because he was a huge star then."Despite their proximity, MacLaine and Presley didn't develop a close personal relationship. "But we didn't hang out, I didn't know him that well," she admitted. Nevertheless, MacLaine's willingness to offer a helping hand to a fellow actor in need speaks volumes about her character and her commitment to fostering a supportive environment in the industry.

Shirley MacLaine's Unconventional Approach to Relationships

Shirley MacLaine's memoir also sheds light on her unconventional approach to relationships, both on and off the screen. The Academy Award-winning actress revealed that she had affairs with many of her leading men, with the notable exceptions of Jack Nicholson and Jack Lemmon.MacLaine, who was in an open marriage with her husband of 28 years, Steve Parker, explained her unique perspective on these relationships. "I propositioned him, and he turned me down," she wrote, referring to her encounter with the acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman. "Oh, I really liked him right away. I thought his acting was brilliant. I barely said anything, and he just shook his head. Isn't that interesting?"Despite her willingness to engage in these affairs, MacLaine's relationship with Nicholson remained strictly platonic. "He just made me laugh all the time. He was one of my favorite people," she said. "I don't think he would've been my type to have an affair with anyway. I would laugh too much."

A Legendary Collaboration: Shirley MacLaine and Jack Nicholson in "Terms of Endearment"

While MacLaine and Nicholson may not have had a romantic relationship, they did share the screen in the critically acclaimed film "Terms of Endearment." In the 1983 drama, directed by James L. Brooks, MacLaine portrayed the role of widow Aurora Greenway, who embarks on a romance with her next-door neighbor, the promiscuous retired astronaut Garrett Breedlove, played by Nicholson.Nicholson's performance in the film earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, while MacLaine finally took home her first Best Actress Oscar after four previous nominations. During her acceptance speech, MacLaine famously quipped, "to have him in bed was such middle-aged joy," further cementing the enduring chemistry between the two legendary actors.

Matchmaker Extraordinaire: Shirley MacLaine and the Pairing of Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd

Shirley MacLaine's memoir also reveals her role as a matchmaker, introducing the iconic Elizabeth Taylor to her third husband, producer Mike Todd. MacLaine, who had starred in Todd's film "Around the World in 80 Days," recognized the potential for a connection between the two."I suspected they would get along," MacLaine told People magazine. "I asked one of them to come to where I was so they could meet … and there was attraction right away." This serendipitous encounter would lead to Taylor's marriage to Todd, a union that would tragically be cut short by his untimely death in a plane crash just a year later.MacLaine's ability to recognize the spark between Taylor and Todd, and her willingness to facilitate their meeting, further solidifies her reputation as a savvy and perceptive figure in the entertainment industry. Her memoir offers a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped some of Hollywood's most iconic relationships.