Shirley MacLaine, 92, Makes Rare Video Appearance and Jokes About ‘Sweet Charity’ Flop

Shirley MacLaine, now 92, has made a rare video appearance to look back on one of the most memorable films of her career — and she had a few jokes about its disappointing box-office performance.

In a video shared by the Southampton Playhouse ahead of a screening of “Sweet Charity,” MacLaine encouraged audiences to watch the 1969 musical while remembering how much work went into making it.

“I would like to see ‘Sweet Charity’ again,” MacLaine said. “Now, while you’re watching it, remember how hard we worked. And between you and me, it didn’t do very well.”

“Sweet Charity” marked the directorial debut of legendary choreographer and filmmaker Bob Fosse. MacLaine played Charity Hope Valentine, alongside Sammy Davis Jr., Chita Rivera, John McMartin, Paula Kelly and Ricardo Montalban.

Although the film was not a commercial success when it was released, Fosse later found major success with films including “Cabaret” and “All That Jazz.”

MacLaine has remained closely associated with dance throughout her long career. In December 2025, she received a lifetime achievement award at the first Dance Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The award was named in her honor.

“Getting an award for dancing is the most important acknowledgment I could have,” MacLaine said during the ceremony. She recalled that her mother enrolled her in dance classes when she was three because she had weak ankles.

“I fell in love with it,” she said.

MacLaine went on to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated performers. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1984 for “Terms of Endearment” and received five other Oscar nominations during her career, including for “The Apartment,” “Irma la Douce” and “The Turning Point.”

Her most recent screen work includes the 2022 film “American Dreamer” and appearances in “Only Murders in the Building.” In November 2025, Variety reported that MacLaine and Ansel Elgort were set to star in a road-trip comedy titled “Lucy Boomer.”

Decades after “Sweet Charity” first reached theaters, MacLaine’s playful comments show that she can still laugh about the film’s rocky start — while remembering the hard work and artistry that went into making it.