Shirley MacLaine, the celebrated actress with nearly 70 years in the film industry, shares fascinating tales from her life in her new book, The Wall of Life: Pictures and Stories from This Marvelous Lifetime. This recently released memoir not only showcases never-before-seen photos but also highlights her unique connections with several U.S. presidents.
A Remarkable Journey Through Presidential History
Having met 13 U.S. presidents since Harry Truman, MacLaine offers readers an intriguing glimpse into her experiences with these influential figures. She humorously notes that the only president she never encountered was Richard Nixon, whom she described as “ridiculous.” Reflecting on her encounters, she expressed admiration for Jimmy Carter’s intelligence and shared fond memories of Ronald Reagan, whom she considered a “show business favorite.”
The Discomforting Encounter with Donald Trump
Among her numerous encounters, MacLaine recounts a particularly uncomfortable meeting with Donald Trump, the 45th president and current Republican presidential nominee. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she elaborated on their first and only meeting, which occurred in the 1980s while she was viewing a vacant apartment in Trump’s 666 Fifth Avenue building in Manhattan.
MacLaine recalls, “I went up to look at it, and walked in because I knew it was available, and he was there. We met in a room where no one else was.” She vividly describes feeling uncomfortable during their interaction, sensing that Trump was undressing both himself and her with his gaze. As a result, she quickly exited the apartment and decided against the expensive rental.
A Brush with Presidential History
Beyond her encounters with political leaders, MacLaine reflects on her participation in a historic event. She performed at President John F. Kennedy’s famous 1962 45th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden, where Marilyn Monroe famously sang “Happy Birthday” to him. The memoir features a photo from the afterparty, along with a humorous anecdote involving John and Robert Kennedy.
In her book, MacLaine writes about her conversation with Ted Kennedy in 1984, sharing a laugh over how the Kennedy brothers often got away with their escapades.
The Wall of Life is now available in bookstores and online, offering readers a rich tapestry of stories from MacLaine’s illustrious life and career, intertwined with political history and personal anecdotes.
