Liza Minnelli, the beloved actress, singer, and performer, was born on March 12, 1946, to the iconic Judy Garland and renowned movie director Vincente Minnelli. Growing up in the midst of Hollywood glamour, Liza was practically raised at MGM studios, making her film debut at just 14 months old in the 1949 movie In the Good Old Summertime. Tragedy struck when her parents divorced in 1951, and her mother remarried Sidney Luft in 1952, welcoming siblings Lorna Luft and Joey Luft into the family. Vincente Minnelli later married Georgette Magnani, mother of Liza's half-sister Christiane Nina "Tina Nina" Minnelli.
At the tender age of 16, Liza found herself alone in New York City, struggling to establish her career in show business. Her breakthrough came with the 1963 play "Best Foot Forward," which ran for seven months, followed by a sold-out show at the London Palladium alongside her mother Judy. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in both Liza's career and her relationship with her mother, as the audience's overwhelming response solidified Liza's status as a talented performer in her own right. It was during this time that she met her first husband, Peter Allen, a friend of Judy's.
Liza's impressive career trajectory continued with a Tony Award win at the age of 19 and an Academy Award nomination at 23 for her role in The Sterile Cuckoo (1969). She went on to secure dramatic roles and, in 1972, won the Oscar for her iconic performance as Sally Bowles in the movie Cabaret. The 1970s were a whirlwind of activity for Liza, as she worked tirelessly in film, stage, and music. Her friendships with designer Halston and the legendary Studio 54 club further cemented her status as a true Hollywood icon. She married filmmakers Jack Haley Jr. and Mark Gero, a sculptor, but both unions ultimately ended in divorce.
As the years went by, Liza's focus shifted towards stage performances, and she continued to release new music, teaming up with Frank Sinatra for his "Duets" CD and collaborating with Sammy Davis Jr. on a series of concerts and TV shows that received widespread acclaim. Despite facing tabloid scrutiny surrounding drug abuse and health issues, Liza has maintained a devoted fan base and remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
