Move over, Hollywood gossip—there's a heartwarming story unfolding between siblings Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty. Since Shirley relocated from New Mexico to Malibu, she's been spending more quality time with her younger brother, Warren. And according to an insider, this newfound closeness has had a surprisingly positive effect on Warren's marriage to Annette Bening, which has faced its share of ups and downs over the years.

Shirley: The Protective Big Sister

If you ask anyone who knows Shirley MacLaine, they’ll tell you she’s always been fiercely protective of her younger brother, Warren Beatty. "She’s always thought of Warren as her kid brother," reveals the source. "She adores him and clucks over him tirelessly." It's not just empty words; Shirley has a knack for offering practical advice with a side of positivity that seems to resonate deeply with Warren. This sibling bond has been a lifeline for Warren and Annette during some challenging times.

A Marriage Built on Surprises

Warren Beatty, at 87, and Annette Bening, 66, tied the knot back in 1992, shocking many fans who only knew Warren as the legendary Hollywood Lothario from Bonnie and Clyde. But the truth is, their relationship wasn’t built overnight. It all started when Warren was casting for Bugsy. He had heard about Annette from her breakout role in The Great Outdoors and immediately thought of her for the part. After inviting her to lunch following her audition, Warren declared to director Barry Levinson, "I love her, and I’m going to marry her." And that was that. Warren never wavered in his decision, proving that sometimes, love strikes fast and hard.

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In a 1994 interview with Robert Ebert, Warren explained his thought process. "When you’re older and you meet somebody," he said, "the decision-making process is a lot shorter." He added, "And that happened here and I listened to it. And by listening to it, it enabled me not to question it too much...and I never did." Clearly, Warren knew what he wanted, and he went after it with determination.

Weathering the Storms

Like any long-term relationship, Warren and Annette’s marriage has had its fair share of challenges. But recently, Shirley’s presence has been a game-changer. "It’s no secret Warren and Annette have had their ups and downs of late," the source admits, "but Shirley’s positivity and practical advice have been the treatment they needed to get back on track." Shirley isn’t just a cheerleader; she’s a mediator who knows how to bring people together without creating drama. Her ability to "crack their heads together in a loving way" has been instrumental in keeping the couple united.

Warren Beatty Needed Sister to Get Marriage 'Back on Track' — Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Even more than 20 years later, Warren remains steadfast in his conviction about Annette. In a 2016 interview with Today, he reiterated, "It didn’t really surprise me. I had no doubt when I met Annette that it was time to get married." But their journey wasn’t without sacrifices. Annette famously turned down the role of Catwoman in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns to focus on building a family with Warren, despite not being married at the time. Overcoming Warren’s reputation as a womanizer added another layer of complexity to their relationship.

Shirley’s Role in the Marriage

When it comes to keeping Warren and Annette together, Shirley is the unsung hero. "Shirley’s all about good karma, and that’s what Warren and Annette need to hear," the source explains. Shirley isn’t afraid to speak her mind when necessary, but her approach is always rooted in love and understanding. As Warren once told People, "I was lucky to grow up with a feminist mother and a feminist sister. We’re very close." Shirley’s ability to mediate conflicts and offer constructive advice has been invaluable to the couple. "She’s good at cracking their heads together in a loving way," the source adds. "She sticks up for Warren and with Annette."

Shirley’s unwavering support for Annette is evident in her actions. "She’s had a very good relationship with Annette and thought she was the perfect gal for her sibling and still does," the source reveals. Shirley is determined to do everything in her power to keep her brother and sister-in-law together, drawing on her extensive life experience and deep family ties to guide them through tough times.