April 24 marks the birthday of Oscar- and Emmy-winning performer Shirley MacLaine.
Born April 24, 1934, MacLaine got her start in the chorus of Me and Juliet before being cast as the understudy for Carol Haney in The Pajama Game. After an onstage ankle injury led to Haney's exit from the production, MacLaine stepped into the role of Gladys Hotchkiss, where she was noticed by film producer Hal B. Wallis. Wallis signed MacLaine to work with Paramount Pictures, the start of her acclaimed film career.
MacLaine is an Academy Award winner for Terms of Endearment, as well as a nominee for Some Came Running, The Apartment, Irma la Douce, and The Turning Point; she has also won seven Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy Award for her onscreen work.
In 1984, MacLaine opened Shirley MacLaine on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre. In the autobiographical revue, MacLaine recounted her show business life and journey, from the Broadway chorus of The Pajama Game to film stardom, while singing, dancing, and performing monologues from several of her films.
Flip through the original production photos below:
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