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Aging

Shirley MacLaine’s Secret to Living a ‘Perfect Life’ at 85

Some people dread getting older. You might even refuse to acknowledge your birthday — or cheat on the number of candles you put on the cake. On the other hand, if you’re anything like legendary actress Shirley MacLaine, you’ll realize things really only get better as you age. In fact, according to her, she’s living the “perfect life” now that she’s 85. 

MacLaine clearly hasn’t taken any cues from her iconic Steel Magnolias character, Ouiser Boudreaux, who couldn’t seem to be pleased by much of anything. Although that film is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the actress is a far cry from that role in real life. 

“Not that much bothers me,” she told People, “I think attitudes are a choice. Anger is a choice, peace is a choice, sarcasm (which I’m good at) is a choice.” It’s hard to disagree with someone who’s lived as long and full life as she has. Plus, she also admitted, “I eat what I want, I sleep when I want.” Hey, that sounds pretty great to us, too! 

MacLaine is still going strong in the film industry with three movies currently in production, including a Christmas-themed flick co-starring Anna Kendrick. According to the credits listed for the film, which is titled Noelle, we can expect to see MacLaine take on the role of an elf from Santa’s workshop. If that doesn’t inspire you to buy a movie ticket, there might not be much that does.

In the meantime, we can all enjoy one of the many classic films MacLaine has starred in over the years. Whether you go with her black and white performance in The Apartment or her Academy Award winning tearjerker of a role in Terms of Endearment — or any of the other amazing options in between — you’ll be glad you reminded yourself of the redheaded actress’ serious talent. 

And we can all strive to have as inspiring an outlook on life as she does as we age, too!

More From Woman’s World

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11 Bizarre Weight-Loss Gadgets From the Past That Women Actually Used

Martha Stewart’s Simple Secrets to Staying Ageless at 77

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