Last week the legendary Shirley Maclaine received a lifetime achievement award from The American Film Institute. On hand to pay tribute were former costars, Julia Roberts and Sally Field who starred with Ms. Maclaine in Steel Magnolias, and Meryl Streep who has stated in previous interviews that because Shirley is so ingratiating it was a challenge to portray contention and turmoil with her onscreen in Postcards From The Edge. Warren Beatty, the Oscar Winner’s little brother, also showed up to give props and pay homage to his big sister.
Here is what I’d like to honor about Ms. Maclaine: in a world of varying ideas and levels of skepticism, she has openly shared her beliefs. With her charming ‘take it or leave it’ attitude she paves the way for other women to express their opinions.
The facts: Ms. Maclaine wrote extensively about her past life remembrances of parthenogenesis in Lemuria and the way that level of multi-life remembrance has affected her experience. I find it wonderfully refreshing and affirming that information was shared in the popular book The Camino, which I personally loved. What exposure for what some consider a fringe concept!
Beyond that, Ms. Maclaine is not only a treasure of American cinema but role model for women everywhere to live with gusto and courage and be fully present to life. Kudos and congratulations to Shirley Maclaine!
