Even in her later years, the legendary actress remains dedicated to her craft. Despite the challenges in her personal life, including the end of her open marriage and a complex relationship with her only child, she has found peace and fulfillment.
Now 90 years old, this former ‘60s movie icon experienced a difficult chapter when her 28-year marriage came to an end, followed by struggles in her relationship with her daughter. However, her Hollywood career remains a testament to her resilience and unwavering passion for acting. With a strong work ethic and a cooperative nature, she has maintained a remarkable presence in the industry for decades.
From her debut role in The Trouble with Harry in 1955 to her acclaimed performances in The Apartment, Irma la Douce, and Terms of Endearment, she has continuously showcased her remarkable talent. She credits her early training in a different field for shaping her disciplined approach to work, believing that her background as a dancer played a key role in her efficiency and commitment.
Known for her professionalism, she has always rejected diva-like behavior, choosing instead to focus on teamwork. Her dedication to acting remains strong, even though she has reduced her workload in recent years. In an interview, she expressed her desire to continue working, stating that acting still brings her immense joy and learning opportunities. Even at her age, she remains active and finds deep satisfaction in her career, often amusing her co-stars with her energy.
Beyond her professional life, her personal journey has been filled with unique experiences and relationships. She married Steve Parker, a film producer and production manager, in 1954. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Sachi, two years later. Looking back, she described their marriage as more of a friendship, acknowledging that they maintained an open marriage long before such arrangements became widely discussed.
Despite living separately for most of their marriage—Steve in Japan and she in the U.S.—they remained close friends and frequently traveled together. Ultimately, their marriage ended in 1982, but their bond remained amicable. The actress’s approach to balancing career and motherhood was shaped by her belief that pursuing her passion was essential, even if it meant spending less time at home.
Sachi spent much of her early years with her father while her mother prioritized her acting career. The actress believed that staying home unfulfilled would have negatively impacted her daughter. She often reflected on how her own mother, an aspiring actress who gave up her dreams for marriage, influenced her outlook on balancing work and family.
Despite the physical distance, she remained available for her daughter. Sachi recalled in a 1984 interview that her mother was always just a phone call away, emphasizing that she never felt completely alone. However, their relationship became more complex over time. The actress believed in giving her daughter freedom and never imposing her own beliefs, but Sachi saw things differently.
In 2013, Sachi published her memoir, Lucky Me: My Life With – and Without – My Mom, Shirley MacLaine, offering a candid account of their relationship. She described her mother as emotionally distant, recalling feelings of loneliness and abandonment. She also shared that during visits, her mother often seemed disengaged after just a few hours. Their differing perspectives on life—her mother’s adventurous spirit versus Sachi’s longing for stability—created further tension.
Sachi’s childhood was a mix of excitement and solitude. She recounted spending Christmas alone while attending a boarding school in Europe, uncertain of her parents’ whereabouts. Though she laughs about it now, she admitted it was a painful and frightening experience at the time. She spent the holiday with a classmate’s family and later with an elderly couple, feeling lost and disconnected from her own parents.
As the years passed, the emotional distance between mother and daughter remained. Sachi wished for a closer bond but felt her mother was unwilling to acknowledge the reality of their strained relationship. While she never received financial support as a child, she credited this independence for shaping her resilience.
After sending a copy of her memoir to her mother, she never received a response. Though writing the book was emotionally difficult, it provided closure. She maintained that her intent was to share her truth, not to harm her mother, as she had always been taught to be honest about her experiences.
Sachi’s past influenced her own approach to parenting. Now 68, she shares two children, Frank Jr. and Arin, with her ex-husband, Frank H. Murray. Their marriage lasted from 1993 to 2011. Unlike her mother, Sachi prioritized a hands-on approach to raising her children, admitting that she overcompensated due to her own upbringing.
Meanwhile, the actress has embraced a fulfilling life in her later years, focusing on creative endeavors and meaningful work. She remains selective about her projects, preferring roles that align with her values rather than high-budget productions. She has also mastered the art of balancing work and leisure, expressing contentment with the peaceful and simple lifestyle she has cultivated.
Reflecting on her life, she considers herself happier than ever. She values her health and the meaningful connections she has maintained. Though her romantic life has quieted in recent years, she finds companionship in her three beloved dogs.
Spending much of her time at her ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, she enjoys solitude, venturing into Santa Fe occasionally for its artistic and culinary scene. She appreciates the serenity of her current life and continues to approach the world with optimism and gratitude.
