Shirley MacLaine has had a long and full career as a peformer. She starred in many televsion shows, plays and films and was talented enough to sing, dance and act at the same time. Shirley spent over 60 years performing and was recently recognized for her achievements at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors.

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual event that celebrates the lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. Several other performers were honored at this year’s event as well, including Martina Arroya, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel, and Carlos Santana.

Shirley was best known for her role as Aurora in Terms of Endearment as well as her earlier roles in Broadway’s The Pajama Game, and Oklahoma. She also starred in numerous other films, made for TV movies, and stage productions throughout her decade spanning career. She still makes television appearances from time to time.

Shirley isn’t the only one in her family with performing talent, her brother Warren Beatty is also a successful actor. You might think that there would be some competition between the siblings, but Shirley insists that they have never competed or fought over their talents. Instead, Shirley says that the two always looked out for each other.

Shirley’s popularity sparked rumors about her love life and she was often linked to several Rat Pack members. At the time, Shirley did not comment on the rumors, but later admitted thats she had a crush on Dean Martin, but says that there was no relationship and she did not pursue her feelings.

Shirley’s ability to concentrate on her career instead of her crushes proved to help her in the long run and helped mold her into the professional performer she became known as. What is your favorite Shirley MacLaine film and why?

Image via Wikimedia Commons.