Liza Minnelli.

Liza May Minnelli

Liza Minnelli — Actor

Born 12 Mar 1946 Los Angeles, United States

Citizenship United States

Age 80 yr Today

16 min read

Reading time

3,103

Words

Sep 3, 2026

Published

163

Film credits

15

Awards

TL;DR

Liza Minnelli won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1972 for Cabaret, becoming one of the few performers to win a competitive Oscar, Emmy, and Tony. She made her film debut at 14 months in In the Good Old Summertime 1949 and won her first Tony at age 19 for Flora, the Red Menace 1965. Daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, she has also received a Grammy Legend Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Identity & family.

KIN · 8

Names, aliases, and relatives of Liza Minnelli — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Liza May Minnelli

Nicknames The Queen of Hollywood, The Queen of Broadway

Aliases Liza Minelli, Liza Minnellii

Parents: Judy Garland Vincente Minnelli
Spouses: David Gest Mark Gero Jack Haley Jr. Peter Allen
Siblings: Lorna Luft Joey Luft

At a glance.

STATS

Liza Minnelli by the numbers — life, work, and family.

80 Age

163 Film credits

15 Awards

4 Marriages

Who is Liza Minnelli?

BIOGRAPHY

Liza Minnelli — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Liza May Minnelli was born on March 12, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, to actress and singer Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli. She was raised at MGM Studios, making her film debut at 14 months in In the Good Old Summertime 1949. Her parents divorced in 1951, and her mother married Sidney Luft, with whom Liza had half-siblings Lorna and Joey Luft. Her father later married Georgette Magnani, adding half-sister Christiane Nina Minnelli.

At 16, Liza moved to New York City to pursue a career in show business, living independently. Her first recognition came in 1963 with the play Best Foot Forward, which ran for seven months. The following year, she appeared with her mother at the London Palladium, a performance that sold out immediately and marked a turning point in her career and her relationship with Judy.

Career

Liza Minnelli won her first Tony Award at age 19 for Flora, the Red Menace in 1965. She earned her first Academy Award nomination at 23 for The Sterile Cuckoo 1969, playing Pookie Adams. In 1972, she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Sally Bowles in Cabaret. That same year, she won an Emmy for her television special Liza with a Z.

During the 1970s, she worked steadily in film, stage, and music, appearing in films like New York, New York 1977 and Arthur 1981. She collaborated with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. on concerts and TV specials. In the 1980s, she continued to perform on stage and released albums. She also faced personal challenges, including stays at drug rehabilitation clinics.

Personal life

Liza Minnelli has been married four times: to Peter Allen 1967-1974, Jack Haley Jr. 1974-1979, Mark Gero 1979-1992, and David Gest 2002-2007. She remained close friends with Allen until his death in 1992. She had three miscarriages during her marriage to Gero, the first occurring a week after their wedding in December 1979.

Liza is the half-sister of Lorna Luft and Joey Luft. She has been open about her struggles with alcoholism and attended Alcoholics Anonymous. She also suffered a broken knee in 2003 while preparing for a concert with Luciano Pavarotti. In later years, her health declined, and she required a wheelchair at the 2022 Academy Awards.

Legacy

Liza Minnelli is one of the few performers to win a competitive Oscar, Emmy, and Tony — known as the Triple Crown of Acting. She won her Tony for Flora, the Red Menace 1965 and The Act 1977, her Oscar for Cabaret 1972, and her Emmy for Liza with a Z 1973. She also received the Grammy Legend Award, making her one of the few artists to win all four major entertainment awards, though the Grammy is honorary.

She inspired the character Eloise at the Plaza Hotel, written by her godmother Kay Thompson. Her performance in Cabaret is still widely admired, and she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her influence on queer culture earned her a GLAAD Vanguard Award. She overcame personal challenges and continues to be celebrated.

Filmography.

FILMS · 163

The complete filmography of Liza Minnelli — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962
TV

The Graham Norton Show

2007
TV

Law & Order: Criminal Intent

2001
TV

Saturday Night Live

1975
TV

The Mike Douglas Show

1961
TV

Great Performances

1971
TV

RuPaul's Drag Race

2009
TV

Arrested Development

2003
TV

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

2003
TV

The Merv Griffin Show

1962
TV

The Dick Cavett Show

1968
TV

The Carol Burnett Show

1967
TV

Champs-Elysées

1982
TV

Tony Awards

1956

Showing 14 of 163 View all 163 films

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 14

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Liza Minnelli — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Officer of the Legion of Honour
Primetime Emmy Award
Grammy Legend Award
Academy Award for Best Actress
Theatre World Award
Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical
Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress
BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Drama League Award
Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year
GLAAD Vanguard Award
Golden Globe Awards
David di Donatello for Best Foreign Actress

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 7

A wall of memorable lines from Liza Minnelli — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Reality Is Something You Rise Above.
My Mother Gave Me My Drive but My Father Gave Me My Dreams.
It’s a Waste of Time to Think About What I Should Have Done and What I Didn’t. I Really Believe in That. That’s How I React to the If-onlys of Life. to Moan and Groan About Something I Shouldn’t Have Done, Could Have Done, Might Have Done . . . Who Knows? It Is What It Is. You Got What You Got. I Live My Life One Day at a Time.
My Family’s Been in Show Business Since the 1700S. I Traced Them. I’m Bred to This. Like a Racehorse. a Thoroughbred. Look at My Parents, My God. but It Was My Curiosity That Made Me Do This. Because You Could Also Say, Look at Frank Sinatra Jr.. It’s Not Like a Natural Thing That Happens. You Gotta Work.
I’m Always Looking at the Next Thing. I’m Too Curious to Look Back . . . It’s Very Hard to Be Unhappy When You’re Curious and Grateful. You’re Busy. You Don’t Have Time to Be Unhappy. My Biggest Talent Is I Know Who Is More Talented Than I Am. I Find Them and I Go to Them, and I Learn.
It Was No Great Tragedy Being Judy Garland’s Daughter. I Had Tremendously Interesting Childhood Years – Except They Had Little to Do with Being a Child.
I’m Not a Very Good Singer. I Just Know How to Present a Song, and Honey, I Think I’ve Been Through Enough to Do It Right.

Did you know?

FACTS · 50

Little-known facts about Liza Minnelli — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Liza Minnelli and her mother Judy Garland were the first mother-daughter duo to both receive Oscar nominations.
She is the only performer to hold a R.E.G.O.T. distinction, having won a Razzie, an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award.
While Frank Sinatra’s version of New York, New York is played at Yankee Stadium after Yankee home wins, Liza’s version is played after home losses.
Because Liza constantly traveled with her mother, she spent most of her childhood in hotels. She was the inspiration for the titular character who grew up in the Plaza Hotel in the Eloise at the Plaza Hotel book series, written by her godmother Kay Thompson.
Stated in an interview that she had her first kiss with Rock Brynner, son of Yul Brynner. They are still friends to this day.
After winning the Academy Award for Cabaret 1972, Marlene Dietrich said: I’m annoyed when people keep comparing her to her mother Judy Garland. She’s nothing to do with her mother. She’s a completely different woman.
Her mother Judy Garland was pregnant with her while filming her minor role in Till the Clouds Roll By 1946. To hide her pregnant stomach, she was hidden behind stacks of dishes while singing Look for the Silver Lining.
Is one of eight actresses who have won an Academy Award for their performance in a musical. The others in chronological order are Rita Moreno, Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Hudson, Anne Hathaway, and Emma Stone.
Won an Academy Award for her role as Sally Bowles in Cabaret 1972.
Says her mother gave her a sense of humor.
She received the Grammy Legend Award, making her one of the few artists who have won entertainment’s top four awards – the Oscar, the Tony, the Emmy, and the Grammy. However, Liza isn’t considered an EGOT since those considered EGOTs won all four awards in competition, while Liza’s Grammy is an honorary award.
She was the second choice to play Sally Bowles in Cabaret 1972. Barbra Streisand was offered the role first and turned it down because she wanted to move away from musicals.
Is one of 17 actresses to have won the Triple Crown of Acting an Oscar, Emmy and Tony; the others in chronological order are Helen Hayes, Ingrid Bergman, Shirley Booth, Rita Moreno, Maureen Stapleton, Jessica Tandy, Audrey Hepburn, Anne Bancroft, Vanessa Redgrave, Maggie Smith, Ellen Burstyn, Helen Mirren, Frances McDormand, Jessica Lange, Viola Davis, and Glenda Jackson.
Became the seventh person to win the Triple Crown of Acting: a Tony for Flora, the Red Menace 1965 and The Act 1977; an Oscar for Best Actress for Cabaret 1972; and an Emmy in 1973 for Liza with a Z 1972.
She befriended Marilyn Monroe when she was young.
Was briefly managed by KISS lead singer/guitarist Gene Simmons in the 1980s.
Had vocal surgery, after which she began watching her father’s movies. This led to her starring in her Broadway revue, Minnelli on Minnelli.
Broke her knee while preparing for a concert with Luciano Pavarotti in Bologna, Italy 25 May 2003.
Was huge friends with the late singer Freddie Mercury.
Her mother, Judy Garland, and former father-in-law, Jack Haley, starred together in The Wizard of Oz 1939.
One of only four actresses, along with Faye Dunaway, Sandra Bullock, and Halle Berry, to win both the Academy Award for Best Actress and the Razzie Award for Worst Actress. Dunaway shared her award with Bo Derek.
Stayed close friends with her first husband, Peter Allen, until his death in 1992.
Was a huge fan of the TV show La Femme Nikita 1997, so much so that, before Peta Wilson’s first TV interview on The Rosie O’Donnell Show 1996, Liza secretly called to have Peta’s limo stop at her home on the way to the studio so she could meet her and give her advice on what to say.
Her favorite modern-day singers are Adele, Michael Bublé, P!nk, and Lady Gaga.
Her favorite movie starring her mother Judy Garland is Meet Me in St. Louis 1944.
Returned to work 17 days after the death of her mother Judy Garland to begin filming Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon 1970.
Was childhood friends with Mia Farrow, Cheryl Crane, Candice Bergen, and Katy Manning.
Older half-sister of Lorna Luft, Joey Luft, and Christiane Nina Minnelli.
In the early 1980s during pre-production for a film version of Evita, director Ken Russell auditioned her for the role. Russell was so impressed that he refused to do the film without her. He was promptly fired by producer Robert Stigwood and the film lay dormant until the Madonna version in 1996.
Suffered three miscarriages during her marriage to Mark Gero, the first occurring just a week after their wedding in December 1979.
Close friends with singer/actress Diana Ross.
First television appearance was on House Party 1952.
At her wedding to David Gest, Elizabeth Taylor and Marisa Berenson acted as co-matrons of honor, while Michael Jackson and Tito Jackson were co-best men.
Sought treatment at the Betty Ford Center when she was 35.
She is the 17th cousin of Elizabeth Montgomery and Princess Diana.
Her parents named her after Ira Gershwin’s song Liza All the Clouds Will Roll Away.
Sang part of the song Mama on the third studio album, The Black Parade by the rock band My Chemical Romance.
Is portrayed by several actresses at different ages in her life in Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows 2001.
Made up with half-sister Lorna Luft.
In January 2022, her health condition deteriorated, paralyzing her. In March, she attended the 94th Academy Awards, sitting in a wheelchair unable to walk and with great difficulty speaking, presenting the Best Picture award with the help of singer Lady Gaga.
Collapsed on stage while performing a Christmas show in Stockholm, Sweden.
For her first network television appearance, on The Jack Paar Program 1962, she was billed as the somewhat exotic-sounding Yduj Dnalrag… Judy Garland spelled backwards.
She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Was honored at the Steve Chase Awards, a charity gala in Palm Springs, CA, where she was awarded the humanitarian award for her many years of work with AIDS charities. She shared the honor with Bishop Desmond Tutu.
She was awarded the Ella Fitzgerald Award at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.
Reports that she adopted a three-year-old daughter named Serena, with then-husband David Gest in early 2003, have proved to be untrue.
Stepdaughter of Sidney Luft, Mark Herron, Mickey Deans, Georgette Martell, Denise Hale, and Lee Anderson.
In the early 1960s, she resided in London with mother Judy Garland, half-siblings Lorna Luft and Joey Luft, and stepfather Sidney Luft.
As of December 1999, she sees a psychiatrist and attends AA.
Suffered from alcoholism.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 37

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Liza Minnelli.

What is Liza Minnelli's date of birth?

Liza Minnelli was born on March 12, 1946. She was born in Los Angeles, California, to Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli.
Where was Liza Minnelli born?

Liza Minnelli was born in Los Angeles, California, USA. She was delivered at a hospital in the city, but grew up partly at MGM Studios.
How old is Liza Minnelli?

Liza Minnelli was born in 1946, making her 79 years old as of 2025. She has maintained a prolific career in entertainment despite health challenges.
What is Liza Minnelli's birth name?

Her full birth name is Liza May Minnelli. She was named after Ira Gershwin’s song Liza All the Clouds Will Roll Away.
What does Liza Minnelli do for a living?

Liza Minnelli is an actor, director, and writer. She is best known for her work in film, theater, and music, winning an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony.
What nationality is Liza Minnelli?

Liza Minnelli is American. She holds United States citizenship and was born and raised in the country.
What languages does Liza Minnelli speak?

Liza Minnelli speaks English as her native language. She has performed in English for most of her career.
Who are Liza Minnelli's parents?

Liza Minnelli’s parents are actress and singer Judy Garland and film director Vincente Minnelli. They divorced in 1951 when she was five.
Who is Liza Minnelli married to?

Liza Minnelli has been married four times: to Peter Allen 1967-1974, Jack Haley Jr. 1974-1979, Mark Gero 1979-1992, and David Gest 2002-2007.
Does Liza Minnelli have any siblings?

Yes, Liza Minnelli has two half-siblings: Lorna Luft and Joey Luft, from her mother’s marriage to Sidney Luft. She also has a half-sister from her father’s side, Christiane Nina Minnelli.
Where did Liza Minnelli go to school?

Liza Minnelli attended Chadwick School, the High School of Performing Arts, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, Scarsdale High School, and HB Studio.
What awards has Liza Minnelli won?

Liza Minnelli has won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actress, a Primetime Emmy Award, two Tony Awards, a Grammy Legend Award, a BAFTA, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How many awards has Liza Minnelli won?

Liza Minnelli has won at least 15 major awards, including an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Legend Award. She has also received 52 nominations.
What is Liza Minnelli best known for?

Liza Minnelli is best known for her Oscar-winning role as Sally Bowles in Cabaret 1972. She is also known for her stage work and films like New York, New York 1977 and Arthur 1981.
What is Liza Minnelli's Instagram handle?

Liza Minnelli’s official Instagram account is @officiallizaminnelli. She uses it to share updates with fans.
How tall is Liza Minnelli?

Liza Minnelli is 5 feet 4 inches 1.63 meters tall. Her petite frame has often been noted in her performances.
What are Liza Minnelli's nicknames?

Liza Minnelli is known as The Queen of Hollywood and The Queen of Broadway. These nicknames reflect her success in both film and theater.
Did Liza Minnelli use any aliases?

Yes, Liza Minnelli has been credited under the aliases Liza Minelli and Liza Minnellii. These variations appear in some early credits.
Is Liza Minnelli married to David Gest?

Liza Minnelli was married to David Gest from March 16, 2002, to April 20, 2007. Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson served as attendants at their wedding.
Does Liza Minnelli have children?

No, Liza Minnelli does not have any children. She suffered three miscarriages during her marriage to Mark Gero.
Who are Liza Minnelli's relatives?

Liza Minnelli’s immediate relatives include her parents Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, half-siblings Lorna Luft and Joey Luft, and stepfathers. She is also the 17th cousin of Princess Diana.
What is Liza Minnelli known for?

Liza Minnelli is best known for her Oscar-winning performance in Cabaret 1972. She also had notable roles in New York, New York 1977, Arthur 1981, and the TV show Arrested Development.
Did Liza Minnelli win a Razzie Award?

Yes, Liza Minnelli won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress, making her one of the few actresses to have won both an Oscar and a Razzie.
What is Liza Minnelli's connection to Eloise at the Plaza Hotel?

Liza Minnelli was the inspiration for the character Eloise, who grew up in the Plaza Hotel. The book series was written by her godmother, Kay Thompson.
How is Liza Minnelli related to Princess Diana?

Liza Minnelli is the 17th cousin of Princess Diana, according to genealogical records. They were distant relatives.
Did Liza Minnelli appear in a My Chemical Romance song?

Yes, Liza Minnelli sang part of the song Mama on My Chemical Romance’s album The Black Parade. She contributed vocals to the track.
What happened at Liza Minnelli's wedding to David Gest?

At her wedding to David Gest, Elizabeth Taylor and Marisa Berenson were co-matrons of honor, while Michael Jackson and Tito Jackson were co-best men.
Did Liza Minnelli have a vocal surgery?

Yes, Liza Minnelli had vocal surgery, after which she began watching her father’s movies. This inspired her Broadway revue, Minnelli on Minnelli.
How many Tony Awards did Liza Minnelli win?

Liza Minnelli won two Tony Awards: one for Flora, the Red Menace 1965 and another for The Act 1977. Both were for Best Actress in a Musical.
What TV special won Liza Minnelli an Emmy?

Liza Minnelli won a Primetime Emmy Award for her television special Liza with a Z, which aired in 1972. The special was directed by Bob Fosse.
Did Liza Minnelli befriend Marilyn Monroe?

Yes, Liza Minnelli befriended Marilyn Monroe when she was young. Monroe was a friend of her mother, Judy Garland.
What film marked Liza Minnelli's debut?

Liza Minnelli made her film debut at 14 months old in the 1949 film In the Good Old Summertime, alongside her mother Judy Garland.
Did Liza Minnelli have a broken knee?

Yes, Liza Minnelli broke her knee on May 25, 2003, while preparing for a concert with Luciano Pavarotti in Bologna, Italy.
Is Liza Minnelli an EGOT winner?

Liza Minnelli has won an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and a Grammy Legend Award, but the Grammy is honorary, so she is not considered a competitive EGOT winner.
What is Liza Minnelli's favorite movie starring her mother?

Liza Minnelli’s favorite movie starring her mother Judy Garland is Meet Me in St. Louis 1944. She has expressed admiration for the film.
Did Liza Minnelli befriend Freddie Mercury?

Yes, Liza Minnelli was close friends with Freddie Mercury. They shared a mutual respect and friendship.
What song was Liza Minnelli named after?

Liza Minnelli was named after the Gershwin song Liza All the Clouds Will Roll Away. Her parents chose the name in tribute to the song.

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Audited & updated by

If something's wrong in a profile, Daniel will find it. With 7 years of research experience, he's developed an almost unreasonable eye for inaccurate career timelines, misattributed credits, and dates that don't quite add up. He doesn't publish anything he can't verify. The profiles on Famousy are as accurate as they are largely because of work you'll never see his name on.

Published on September 3, 2026

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