Liza Minnelli

Birth Place: Los Angeles, CA, USA

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Liza Minnelli BIO

Perhaps no three words in the English language better personify show business than Liza May Minnelli. The daughter of legendary film maker Vincent Minnelli and one of the greats of film and stage, Judy Garland, Liza was born 75 years ago today in the veritable home of show business-- Hollywood, California.

It was almost a given, preordained, that the young daughter of such show business royalty would pursue performing. What no one could predict, however, was that Liza Minnelli would conquer stage, screen, records, concerts and later on, even television. She became a nightclub performer at the age of 16, won her first Tony at 19, released three albums through Capitol Records by 20, and received her first Oscar nomination at 24. Liza became a fashion icon in her teens with her signature pixie cut- the result of having to chop her locks when playing around with some friends ended with a wad of gum in her hair. That, plus her red lips and ensembles, made her a muse to designers like Halston, and a creative muse for such Broadway luminaries as John Kander and Fred Ebb, who Liza famously claimed “created her.” 

Liza left home and moved to New York to become a Broadway performer. “To be on Broadway, you have to go to New York. So I went to New York. And that was the last time that I took any money from my parents” When asked if having famous parents helped her career, Liza responded, “People don’t want to spend money on a publicity stunt- you have to deliver.” And deliver she did. She delivered so well that when she was 19, Minnelli became the youngest person to win the leading actress in a musical Tony for her turn in the 1965 Kander and Ebb musical Flora the Red Menace. Thus beginning a long standing relationship between the hit making duo and Liza. Her other Broadway credits include Liza, Chicago, The Act, The Rink, Victor/Victoria, Minnelli on Minnelli and Liza's at the Palace.

From Steppin Out to Sex in The City, Tell Me That You Love Me Junie Moon to Arthur, and the role that cemented her into the status of bona fide movie star, Cabaret, Liza Minelli dominated the screen. She received her first Oscar nomination for her riveting performance in the romantic comedy The Sterile Cuckoo. It's been often said that Liza’s infamous telephone scene is one of the greatest performances in film history. She did the scene on her first day on set when production began, in one take with no edits. Liza has said that after doing this scene in one take she knew that she understood the character and that it gave her a lot of confidence as an actress. That confidence was displayed in the role of a lifetime as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. The 1972, Bob Fosse-directed big-screen musical earned eight Oscars, including one for Liza’s work as American expatriate in 1930s Berlin during the rise of Nazism. Her father Vincent Minnelli advised her to not fashion Sally Bowles after Marlene Dietrich, but Louise Brooks instead. The look may have been Brooks, but the performance was pure Liza. 

In 1961 Liza’s mother, Judy Garland, brought her and her siblings onstage at Carnegie Hall- it was apparent to all then that Liza was a live performer. Liza’s high octane live shows are a thing of lore, and to see her in concert is to have seen, what many describe as, a tour de force. Tony Bennett became one of Liza’s early mentors, as was the late French Armenian singer Charles Aznavour, whom Liza has credited with teaching her how to inhabit a song. Liza single handedly created the one-woman television show, at a time when no one had done that: “I thought it was a good idea” Liza said “Someone told me that I couldn’t do that- and all of these rules, but you gotta try.” That show, Liza with a Z, won 4 Emmys and a Peabody award.

Through her movies, TV appearances, concerts and recordings, new generations are continuing to be inspired by Liza. She has appeared as herself on TV in Smash, The Voice: UK, So You Think You Can Dance, The Apprentice and more, and she is also known for her portrayal of Lucille Austero in the comedy series Arrested Development. Liza has dedicated much time to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, which was co-founded by Elizabeth Taylor. Liza has also supported the Great American Songbook Foundation, Broadway Cares, and The Actors Fund.

Liza Minnelli Photos

Liza Minnelli STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 2008
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Victoria Grant [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Angel

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1977
Michelle Craig

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Roxie Hart [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1974
Performer

[Broadway]
Unknown, 1974
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Flora

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1963
Ethel Hofflinger


Liza Minnelli Movies

[1963]The April in Paris Ball

[1965]The Dangerous Christmas of Red Riding Hood Little Red Riding Hood

[1968]Charlie Bubbles Eliza

[1969]The Sterile Cuckoo Pookie Adams

[1970]Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon Junie Moon

[1970]Movin'

[1972]Cabaret Sally Bowles

[1972]Journey Back to Oz Dorothy - Voice

[1974]Love from A to Z

[1975]Lucky Lady Claire

[1976]A Matter of Time Nina

[1976]Silent Movie Liza Minnelli

[1977]New York, New York Francine Evans

[1978]Movies Are My Life

[1979]Hello, Here Is Berlin

[1981]Arthur Linda Marolla

[1981]Marvin Hamlisch: They're Playing My Song

[1984]The Muppets Take Manhattan Liza Minnelli

[1985]A Time to Live Mary-Lou Weisman

[1987]Rent-a-Cop Della Roberts

[1988]Sam Found Out: A Triple Play Three Characters

[1988]Arthur 2: On the Rocks Linda Marolla Bach

[1991]Stepping Out Mavis Turner

[1993]Liza and Friends: A Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr. Self - Host

[1994]Parallel Lives Stevie Merrill

[1995]The West Side Waltz Cara Varnum

[1995]Michael Feinstein: Sing a Song of Hollywood

[1999]Jackie's Back! Liza Minnelli

[2002]Killer Queen!

[2005]Judy Garland Duets

[2006]The Oh in Ohio Alyssa Donahue

[2006]Broadway Under the Stars

[2007]Singer's Spotlight

[2009]Liza's at the Palace

[2010]Sex and the City 2 Liza Minnelli

[2012]Final Cut: Ladies & Gentlemen

[2018]Die Wiener Stadthalle rockt! Pop Meets Classic zum 60. Jubiläum


Liza Minnelli TV Shows

That's Life Secretary

The Dick Cavett Show Francine Evans

Faerie Tale Theatre Princess Alecia

Law & Order: Criminal Intent Beth Harner

Drop Dead Diva Lily Wells

[ 2003-2013]Arrested Development Lucille Austero

Smash Liza Minnelli

[ 2018-2019]Arrested Development Lucille Austero

Liza Minnelli Videos

Liza Minnelli News


Alice Ripley and John McDaniel to Perform at Birdland in April

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present Tony Award-winning singer and actress Alice Ripley and Grammy and Emmy Award-winning musical director and pianist John McDaniel in concert. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Interview: Nicolas Dromard & Desiree Davar of NIC AND DESI at Green Room 42

Though shaken by a recent battle with cancer, the husband-and-wife duo are prepared to put on a show March 23rd where you can park your worries at the door and just enjoy some classic standards and song and dance. (They’ll be getting on their tap shoes, and songs from Singin’ in the Rain will make an appearance.)

WEST SIDE STORY, GYSPY & More Set for OFC Creations Theatre 2024-25 Season

OFC Creations Theatre has revealed its 2024-25 season, featuring six professional musical productions directed by Eric Vaughn Johnson. See the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

Ben Platt Will Play 3-Week Concert Residency at Broadway's Palace Theatre

Ben Platt will play a three-week concert residency at Broadway's recently refurbished Palace Theatre this May, in celebration of the release of his upcoming third album Honeymind. The historic Broadway theatre has now been raised to create space for retail shops underneath. Past residencies at the Palace include Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Bette Mider, and more.

Video: Celebrate Liza Minnelli's 78th Birthday with a Look Back at Her Performance at The Palace

As Liza Minnelli celebrates her 78th birthday, join the journey down memory lane with her unforgettable, Tony-winning concert event at The Palace.

Naples' TheatreZone Reveals 20th Season Lineup

TheatreZone, Naples' premier professional theatre company, has announced its 2024-2025 musical productions.

Storm Large Returns To NYC In TALES FROM A BROAD At 54 Below

Vocalist and actor, STORM LARGE, returns to 54 Below for a three-night performance of her new show TALES FROM A BROAD.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 12, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 12, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Lucie Jones, Carole Bufford, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. Learn more about the performances and how to get tickets here!

Spotlight: Melba Moore Spreads Love at 54 Below

NEXT WEEK! Tony Winner Melba Moore spreads love at 54 Below

MARY POPPINS Will Embark on New UK and Ireland Tour in 2024

Direct from the West End, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group have announced that MARY POPPINS will embark on a 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour.

Linda Purl and Diva Jazz Orchestra Bring BIG BAND ROMANCE to Birdland in April

Birdland has announced that singer/actress Linda Purl, joined with internationally, acclaimed DIVA Jazz Orchestra, returns to its historic stage on Monday April 1 at 7pm.

Krysta Rodriguez To Perform At Out Of The Box Theatrics' BROADWAY AT THE 154 CABARET SERIES

Broadway star Krysta Rodriguez joins Out of the Box Theatrics' Broadway at the 154 Cabaret.

Broadway Streaming Guide: March 2023 - Where to Watch GIRLS5EVA & More

It's your lucky month as March is filled with a brand-new lineup of streaming content for Broadway fans! From the return of Girls5Eva and movie musicals like Wonka and Cabaret coming to streaming, this season also features new streaming projects with Carol Burnett, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ariana DeBose, Ariana Grande, and more.

Spotlight: LAURA BENANTI at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Tony ® Award winner Laura Benanti – March 14-15

OUR LOVE IS HERE TO STAY Comes to HFC Underground at Hunt & Fish Club

On March 1st, Broadway veterans Lucia Giannetta and Charlie Marcus will present 'Our Love Is Here To Stay,' an endearing journey through the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of love.

March BIRTHDAY Feature and a QUIZ: Honoring Those Born in March

Let's march into March with a quiz about the music notables born in that month. Check out this BroadwayWorld quiz to see how much you know about them. A March Multiple Choice Quiz about our multiple birthday honorees.

Carnegie Hall's FALL OF THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC: DANCING ON THE PRECIPICE Festival Continues This Spring

Experience the continuation of CARNEGIE HALL's FALL OF THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC: DANCING ON THE PRECIPICE festival this spring.

Len Cariou & Peter Filichia To Be Honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards

The Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has announced two of the individuals to be honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards to be held on Monday evening, June 10, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Review: Stephanie J Block Shows her Softer Side In THE MOTHER at 92nd Street Y

Unlike the characters she often plays on stage, this view of Stephanie J Block was sentimental, vulnerable, cozy, and very very warm. It was an evening filled with gratitude for the blessings of life that was brimming over with humor, mostly self-deprecating. The amazing thing is the picture of the artist is just as badass as any of her onstage alter egos.

Liza Minnelli FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Liza Minnelli has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.

Liza Minnelli has not appeared in the West End.

Liza Minnelli has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Rink," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Rink" and "The Act," a Special Tony Award, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Flora, the Red Menace." She also received a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "Best Foot Forward."

Liza Minnelli has won several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for "The Act" and "Flora, the Red Menace." She also received a Special Tony Award and a Theatre World Award for her performance in "Best Foot Forward."

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