Liza Minnelli showed off her trademark wit as she opened up about her secret to survival on her 78th birthday on Tuesday.
The Oscar winner, born to iconic actress Judy Garland and famed director Vincente Minnelli, has persevered through the highs and lows of fame, including setbacks like health issues and tumultuous relationships.
‘I am so grateful for all the good wishes and all the love that comes my way. Not only on my birthday, but always,’ the superstar – who is in the films Cabaret and Arthur – shared with People.
‘I wish I knew how to act my age. But kids guess what, I have never been this damn old! Just keep going baby, that’s the secret!’ she quipped.
She also revealed plans for the ‘fabulous’ celebration on her big day, which includes a gift from the Italian jewelry line Elsa Peretti.
Liza Minnelli showed off her trademark wit as she opened up about her secret to survival on her 78th birthday on Tuesday; pictured in 2006
The Oscar winner, born to iconic actress Judy Garland and famed director Vincente Minnelli, has persevered through the highs and lows of fame; pictured with Garland (R) in 1964
‘A party is being thrown in my honor by dear friends [pianist] Michael Feinstein and Terrence Flannery,’ she explained. ‘There will be food, fabulous music and I am told to expect a wonderful surprise and my only clue is Elsa Peretti!’
The inimitable star shared insights into her future plans as well.
‘I am recording music again!’ the Grammy nominee exclaimed to the outlet. ‘And I’m involved in an exciting brand collaboration that will be announced soon.’
According to her publicist Victoria Varela, ‘It’s very exciting news but not something we can reveal yet.’
Diagnosed with viral encephalitis in 2000, which can cause weakness or loss of movement in parts of the body, Liza has continued to battle health issues over recent years.
She is often seen in public using a wheelchair and even appeared seated in one on the 2022 Oscars stage alongside Lady Gaga.
The Bad Romance songstress was seen comforting Liza by whispering: ‘I got you’, as Liza tried to read her lines. Showing her appreciation, Liza replied: ‘I know.’
‘She’s celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cabaret,’ Gaga then announced to the audience, with Liza famously winning Best Actress for her leading role in the 1972 musical feature.
‘I am so grateful for all the good wishes and all the love that comes my way. Not only on my birthday, but always,’ the superstar shared with People; pictured in Cabaret in 1971
‘I wish I knew how to act my age. But kids guess what, I have never been this damn old! Just keep going baby, that’s the secret!’ she quipped; pictured in 2008
She also revealed plans for the ‘fabulous’ celebration on her big day, which includes a gift from the Italian jewelry line Elsa Peretti; pictured with Princess Diana (L) in 1991
‘I am recording music again!’ the Grammy nominee exclaimed to the outlet; pictured with Jessica Walter in Arrested Development in 2004
She is often seen in public using a wheelchair and even appeared seated in one on the 2022 Oscars stage alongside Lady Gaga
Liza performed with Tony Bennett in 1992
Taking home an Oscar was just one of the many highlights of Liza’s illustrious career.
Growing up in the spotlight of her parents’ acclaimed careers, Liza embarked on her own journey in show business, making her film debut at just three years old in the musical In the Good Old Summertime.
She honed her skills in singing and dancing, eventually making her breakthrough on Broadway in the musical Flora the Red Menace in 1965.
The performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, making her the youngest recipient of the award at the time.
This marked the beginning of a stellar film career for Minnelli, as she went on to achieve further acclaim for her roles in iconic films such as Cabaret, Arthur and New York New York.
Minnelli’s talent transcended the silver screen; she became a renowned stage performer, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Her live performances, including sold-out concerts and Broadway shows, solidified her status as a true icon of entertainment.
Despite facing personal setbacks, Minnelli’s resilience and determination never wavered. She struggled with substance abuse issues, including alcoholism and addiction to prescription medication.
‘I am recording music again!’ the Grammy nominee exclaimed to the outlet. ‘And I’m involved in an exciting brand collaboration that will be announced soon.’
Growing up in the spotlight of her parents’ careers, Liza embarked on her own journey in show business, making her film debut at just three in Good Old Summertime’ pictured in 1965
She honed her skills in singing and dancing, eventually making her breakthrough on Broadway in the musical Flora the Red Menace in 1965; pictured on Garland’s TV show in 1963
Liza struggled with substance abuse issues, including alcoholism and addiction to prescription medication; pictured in 1963
These struggles led to various health problems and several stints in rehabilitation facilities to address her addiction issues.
In terms of relationships, Liza experienced multiple divorces and tumultuous romantic entanglements.
She was married and divorced four times, including marriages to entertainer Peter Allen, producer Jack Haley Jr., sculptor Mark Gero.
Her last marriage was to concert promoter David Gest.
Liza with her first husband, Australian born actor Peter Allen in 1967
Liza and her husband Jack Haley Jr in London on their honeymoon in 1974
Liza and Mark Gero at Studio 54 circa May 1979
Her marriage to Gest, which occurred in 2002, was particularly tumultuous and ended in a highly publicized and acrimonious divorce in 2007; pictured 2003
Her marriage to Gest, which occurred in 2002, was particularly tumultuous and ended in a highly publicized and acrimonious divorce in 2007.
Additionally, Minnelli faced legal battles and financial challenges, including lawsuits and disputes over contracts and finances.
These personal setbacks added further complexities to her already turbulent personal life.
Despite these challenges, LIza has demonstrated resilience and continued to pursue her passion for performing, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
