Liza Minnelli grew up in the Hollywood spotlight and became famous for her roles in movies and on TV. Along with her success, she also faced hard times, including health problems and addiction. Now at 78, she faces the challenges of aging.
Liza Minnelli performs “If You Really Knew Me” from They’re Playing My Song on stage at the memorial of Marvin Hamlisch at Peter Jay Sharp Theater on September 18, 2012, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
From Hollywood Royalty to Iconic Star
Liza, who now reveals moments of fragility, once embodied a vibrant symbol of Hollywood success. She was born into a renowned Hollywood family on March 12, 1946.
Liza Minnelli receives kisses from her mother, Judy Garland, and father, Vincente Minnelli, in April 1947 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Born into the limelight as the daughter of the late actress Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, she famously quipped, “I was born, and they took a picture.”
Liza Minnelli as a child being held by Bozo the Clown at a children’s Easter party in 1949 in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli saying goodbye to her father, film director Vincente Minnelli, aboard the Queen Elizabeth before sailing to join her mother, Judy Garland, on tour in Europe. | Source: Getty Images
Her remarkable performance on screen and on stage led to her receiving multiple awards, including an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe. Liza’s stardom was not merely inherited; she earnestly earned it.
Liza Minnelli hugs her mother, Judy Garland, upon the latter’s return from a rest cure. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli and Albert Finney share an intimate moment in a scene from the film “Charlie Bubbles,” captured in 1967. | Source: Getty Images
Instead, she recalled that after watching her performance in “Anne Frank,” Judy, her mother, was moved to tears and expressed her approval, while Vincente, her father, simply acknowledged her talent with a “Yes.”
Liza Minnelli poses in a red jacket beside an autumnal table setting in a studio portrait from 1965. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles in the 1972 film “Cabaret.” | Source: Getty Images
Initially inspired by Marlene Dietrich’s iconic look, her path took a turn when her father advised, “You know, there were other people who were wonderful, [like] Louise Brooks, and they all had dark hair.”
Liza Minnelli in 1970. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli in 1965. | Source: Getty Images
“I wanted my mother to be proud, so I really went out and learned,” Liza added reflecting on her burgeoning career in the world of entertainment.
Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles in the 1972 film “Cabaret” directed by Bob Fosse. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli Overcomes Struggles Amid Fame
Liza’s journey in the world of glitz and glamour has not been without its struggles. A New York Times report from 1981 detailed a heartbreaking miscarriage, a painful moment in Liza’s life that marked one of many personal battles she faced.
Liza Minnelli poses for a portrait in 1987 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
She has also faced numerous health challenges. Alongside hip replacements, a wired-up knee, and a crushed vertebra, she endured surgery for vocal cord polyps in 1997, silencing her for 18 months.
Liza Minnelli attends the 56th Annual Drama League Awards at the Pierre Hotel on February 5, 1990, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli poses for a portrait at Waldorf Astoria in 1995 in New York City, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, she struggled with prescription drugs, attributing it to Valium prescribed after her mother’s death. Notably, Andy Warhol’s 1978 diary documented her request for drugs at Halston’s house.
Liza Minnelli performs in “A Month in the Country” on July 25, 1995, at Roundabout Theater in New York City, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli attends the 14th Annual MAC Awards at Town Hall in New York City, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Liza recalled, “I couldn’t walk and I couldn’t talk, and they told me I wouldn’t… ever again. After I was told that, everybody left the room and I turned my face to the wall and started to go ‘A – B – C.’ You know, that’s what it felt like because I had Carnegie Hall to rehearse. I want to live. I have always wanted to live.”
Liza Minnelli leaves the hospital in a wheelchair pushed by her half-sister Lorna Luft after being discharged from the Cleveland Clinic Hospital on October 30, 2000, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli attends the Drama League’s Salute to her at the Pierre Hotel on January 31, 2000, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Recounting her struggle, she emphasized her unconventional method of counting leaves on the wall to aid in regaining speech and employing a similar technique to relearn walking. She knew her recovery was rare, as most people don’t bounce back from such challenges.
Liza Minnelli stands during a promotional tour for her album “Minnelli on Minnelli” on March 20, 2000, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli attends the premiere of “Sex And The City 2” presented by Mercedes-Benz and Maybach at Radio City Music Hall on May 24, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
She acknowledged the significant pressure she has faced, highlighting how dismissive criticism can unfairly impact individuals. Despite these challenges, Liza’s dedication to her recovery and art remains unwavering.
Liza Minnelli attends the World AIDS Day event “Light for Rights” at Washington Square Park on December 1, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli attends Perez Hilton’s “Carn-Evil” Theatrical Freak and Funk 32nd birthday party at Paramount Studios on March 27, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite these challenges, Liza still shone in the limelight, making only rare appearances.
Liza Minnelli’s Candid Reflections and Rare Appearances
Like her mother Judy, Liza constantly faced challenges in the spotlight, including battles with addiction. Her life was marked by personal trials—failed marriages and miscarriages—all under media scrutiny.
Liza Minelli visits “Late Show With David Letterman” at the Ed Sullivan Theater on November 18, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli and Cortes Alexander arrives at LAX on June 9, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, in a past interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Liza offered her candid insights into her experiences while paying homage to her mother’s enduring legacy.
Liza Minnelli attends the Los Angeles Italia closing night ceremony at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on February 20, 2015, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Michael Feinstein plays the piano while Liza Minnelli sings in front of him. | Source: YouTube/CBSSundayMorning
Liza expressed, “When I’m singing to an audience, I’m not just singing to an audience; I’m singing to you. What I want to say to the audience is— have you ever felt like this? Because it’s what I’m going through now. I just want people to know that I’ve been through what they’ve been through.”
Michael Feinstein and Liza Minnelli sit for an interview with host Jane Pauley on “CBS Sunday Morning” on July 31, 2022. | Source: YouTube/CBSSundayMorning
Liza Minnelli stands with Cortes Alexander at LAX on September 11, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
At the 2022 Oscars, Liza Minnelli made a memorable appearance, where her interaction with Lady Gaga became a highlight.
Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli speak on stage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli on stage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
This moment also marked the 50th anniversary of Liza’s iconic role in “Cabaret,” showcasing the pop star’s reverence for the veteran actress.
Lady Gaga claps as Liza Minnelli speaks onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli backstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
After announcing the nominees, Liza told Lady Gaga she was her “biggest fan” and expressed her happiness to share the stage with her.
Liza Minnelli stands with assistance from a friend on December 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Two companions assist Liza Minnelli into her wheelchair on December 5, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Both artists delivered a soulful rendition of “Quiet Love,” with Ben on stage and Liza complementing the performance by echoing the lyrics from her table into a microphone. As the song concluded, the audience erupted into a standing ovation.
Liza Minnelli sits in her wheelchair on December 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Netizens’ Reactions on Liza Minnelli’s Recent Appearance in Los Angeles
In 2024, Liza, once admired for her distinctive appearance, made a rare public outing by returning to her Beverly Hills home in Los Angeles on March 28th. She arrived in a Cadillac sedan and was helped by two friends from the car into her wheelchair.
Liza Minnelli poses on March 18, 1986, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
She exuded glamour, sporting full makeup, and her trademark all-black ensemble. Netizens have shown mixed reactions to Liza Minnelli’s recent public appearance, focusing on the iconic actress’s perceived vulnerability.
Liza Minnelli attends the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 2, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
One concerned internet user noted, “She looks so fragile,” while another echoed the sentiment, saying, “Awww, she seems old and frail.” Another commented, “She’s been as poorly served by those closest to her as her mother was. Absolutely heartbreaking.”
Another user praised Liza’s contributions to the industry, “Getting older is horrible, it just is. I wish her well. She was great in ‘Arrested Development’, made fun of herself, and was very refreshing.”
Liza Minnelli in a wheelchair at the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite facing challenges, Liza maintains her unwavering positivity, as evident during her 78th birthday celebration, where her trademark humor shines through. “I wish I knew how to act my age. But kids guess what, I have never been this d—- old! Just keep going baby, that’s the secret!” she quipped.
She then reflected on the well-wishes and love she has received, saying, “I am so grateful for all the good wishes and all the love that comes my way. Not only on my birthday, but always.”
Liza Minnelli now treasures her privacy and prioritizes her health. Before her humorous comments on her latest birthday, she caught attention with a rare video appearance, where she was seen singing during her 77th birthday celebration.