Shirley MacLaine Had An Unconventional Relationship With Her Greatest Love

Shirley MacLaine isn't the type to follow a rule book, especially when it comes to life and relationships. The "Terms of Endearment" actor had been the centrepiece of several scandals, involved with infamous names like Lord Louis Mountbatten. However, the man she dubbed the "love of my life" was none other than her ex-husband of 28 years, Steve Parker (who she was married to between 1954 and 1982). And throughout the course of their marriage, MacLaine learned something quite valuable that she's willing to impart to the public. 

Although five people in open relationships told us the most tired misconceptions they faced, the "Madame Sousatzka" star remained a life-long firm proponent of open marriages. "I guess you would say 'practiced an open marriage' in 1954, which was another lifetime," she shared with "The Jess Cagle Interview", per People. "No one understood it, we did." The Oscar winner then added that the reason they stayed together for so long was because they understood it was "better to stay friends" first over anything romantic. And despite eventually splitting, it's clear MacLaine deeply cherished the time they shared together.

Shirley MacLaine has been involved with numerous famous men throughout her career. And it is evident she has tips on curbing your bristly bluntness while still being upfront and honest, as she has been extremely open with her past flings and romances. In fact, the "Steel Magnolias" actor cheekily revealed that she "fell in love with someone on every picture I made for the first 30 years." And it comes as no surprise, seeing as she starred in hit films alongside the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.  

MacLaine was clear that nothing happened between her and Dean Martin, despite her attraction to him. "I had a crush on Dean. He was the funniest. His imagination was funny," MacLaine recounted exclusively to The Times. But "The Trouble With Harry" star added that she would never become romantic with someone she "was hanging out with." Yet those days are now far behind the Emmy Award winner, and are treasured memories she'll look back on fondly.