Shirley MacLaine | Source: Getty Images

Shirley MacLaine Makes Rare Public Outing — The 91-Year-Old Enjoys a Cocktail at Her Favourite Restaurant

Dec 17, 2025

06:57 A.M.

She stepped out for a casual Malibu lunch — but what should've been a quiet outing sparked a storm of cruel comments and fierce defense.

She won an Oscar, danced through "Sweet Charity," and made millions cry in "Terms of Endearment." But now, at 91 years old, Shirley MacLaine is facing a very different spotlight — and it's not the kind that flatters.

In a rare public appearance, the legendary actress was spotted enjoying a casual lunch in sunny Malibu, California — and while some fans celebrated the screen icon's enduring spirit, others launched cruel attacks on her appearance, igniting a fiery online debate that continues to spiral.

On Tuesday, 25 November, the beloved "Steel Magnolias" star was seen dining al fresco at Kristy's Village Cafe in Malibu. Keeping things California casual, MacLaine wore a dark navy sweatshirt layered over a royal blue top with loose-fitting black trousers, topped off with a wide-brimmed sun hat and oversized brown gradient sunglasses — a signature nod to her Old Hollywood glamour.

With her signature short hair softly framing her face, MacLaine appeared relaxed and radiant, sipping a bright orange cocktail from a stemless martini glass rimmed with what appeared to be chili salt. She smiled, chatted with friends, and even took a bite of her sandwich as she enjoyed the pre-Thanksgiving buzz.

But the serenity of her outing didn't last long online. Once photos of the Oscar-winning actress hit social media, the commentary turned savage.

"Her skin 😮 even at 91. Use sunscreen 🧴," one person sneered. "That can't be real," another wrote. "That skin is TERRIFYING," a third sniped.

And the criticism didn't stop at her complexion.

One disapproving netizen added, "Good for her but why do really old people have to look like a homeless person? She is well off. The messy clothes, a sweat shirt & floppy hat? I have total respect for her career but if you're going to go out, can you put a little effort into it! 🤦🏻‍♀️ It doesn't matter how old you are. 🤷🏻‍♀️"

Fortunately, not everyone joined the takedown.

"Good for her! Yes we age but we are young inside!!!!" one supporter passionately declared. "I hope I'm still dining out and enjoying cocktails at 91," another shared. "Once a beauty, always a beauty. One of the greatest stars of our time," someone else praised the star.

And she's not finished yet.

Though she's stepped away from the limelight in recent years, MacLaine hasn't stopped working. In 2022, she returned to film in "American Dreamer," a dark comedy based on a segment from the radio show "This American Life," starring opposite Peter Dinklage as the eccentric character Astrid.

Later that same year, she made her television comeback in Hulu's hit series "Only Murders in the Building," portraying the mysterious Rose Cooper, aka Leonora Folger, in Season 2 — her first major series role in nearly a decade.

In 2023, she was showered with honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Industry Dance Awards and the James Schamus Ally Award at the Outfest Legacy Awards, which recognized her unwavering support for LGBTQ+ voices in cinema.

And she's not finished yet.

Up next? "Lucy Boomer," a comedy-drama adapted from Russell Hill's 1992 novel. MacLaine will play the titular character opposite Ansel Elgort, adding yet another layered role to her illustrious career.

She will also star in the forthcoming drama "People Not Places," which centers on an elderly woman who befriends a homeless man while trying to reconnect with her estranged son — a role that feels eerily poignant amid the current public commentary on her Malibu look.

Despite the backlash, MacLaine remains unapologetically herself — sipping cocktails, wearing what she pleases, and living life on her own terms.

Whether she's dazzling in diamonds or lounging in a floppy hat, she remains a woman of depth, defiance, and dazzling unpredictability — a star who has never once asked for approval.

Relive the unforgettable glamour and grace of her golden years below — and browse through a legacy etched in film, fame, and fearless individuality.

1959

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A young Shirley MacLaine lights up the room during a lunch in Los Angeles, circa 1959. Draped in a smart green jacket and patterned blouse, the rising star is caught mid-laughter — her charm and charisma already undeniable as she soared to Hollywood stardom.

1965

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Serving pure mid-century glamour, MacLaine stuns in a vivid blue belted coat dress, circa 1965. With softly sculpted curls and statement earrings, she channels the elegance of a screen queen at the very top of her game.

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Playful yet poised, MacLaine poses beside glittering Christmas gifts in a festive portrait circa 1965. Wearing vintage pearls and a glamorous evening look, she captures the magic of the season with a touch of timeless Hollywood sparkle.

1973

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MacLaine holds court at a 1973 press conference at the Greater Los Angeles Press Club, resting her chin in thought. Framed by microphones and a gold curtain, the actress radiates confidence and intellect in a sleek black top.

1978

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All eyes were on MacLaine as she arrived at the 1978 AFI Lifetime Achievement Award Salute to Henry Fonda. Wrapped in dark fur and flanked by photographers, she exuded red carpet magnetism at one of Hollywood's most glittering affairs.

1984

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Old friends, lasting legends — Jack Nicholson and MacLaine share a laugh in New York City, circa 1984. Linked arm in arm, the off-screen camaraderie between these two titans of cinema radiates through this relaxed, heartfelt moment.

1990

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Poised and pensive, MacLaine speaks at the 1990 "Out There Tonight" press conference at the Pantages Theatre. Dressed in a soft white look and holding the mic with quiet strength, she reflects on her personal journey and powerful stage return.

1999

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Commanding the spotlight in a sparkling red gown, MacLaine dazzles on January 30, 1999. Her radiant smile and fiery look prove her presence remained just as magnetic as ever as the millennium came to a close.

2005

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During the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival, MacLaine shines while promoting "In Her Shoes." Her easy smile and relaxed elegance steal the show as she meets the press at one of cinema's most prestigious gatherings.

2015

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MacLaine joins Hollywood royalty at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills. Effortlessly glamorous, she turns heads once again during the industry's most exclusive celebration of the year.

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2023

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Beaming beneath a black jacket embroidered with colorful florals, MacLaine brings warmth and whimsy to the 2023 Industry Dance Awards. The screen legend's presence is both joyful and iconic as she honors a night dedicated to artistic brilliance.

2025

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A candid embrace between icons — MacLaine shares a spirited exchange with Mikhail Baryshnikov at the 2025 Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony. Animated and affectionate, the Oscar winner captures the heart of a moment brimming with mutual respect and deep artistic connection.

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With her signature sparkle and expressive gaze, MacLaine glows at the 2025 Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony. Her heartfelt smile, framed in a tender close-up, reflects a lifelong love for performance — and a legacy that refuses to fade.