Liza Minnelli, a legendary entertainer known for her electrifying stage presence and powerful voice, was born on March 12, 1946, in Los Angeles. She is the daughter of Hollywood royalty: Judy Garland, the iconic singer and actress, and Vincente Minnelli, the acclaimed film director.
Following in her parents' footsteps, Minnelli practically grew up at MGM studios. She even made her film debut at a mere 14 months old in the movie In the Good Old Summertime (1949). While she initially dreamed of becoming an ice skater, fate had other plans. By 1963, at the age of 19, she won a Tony Award for her performance in the Off-Broadway revival of the musical Best Foot Forward. This launched her into the spotlight, leading to appearances on popular shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show.
Minnelli's career flourished throughout the 1960s and 70s. She landed dramatic film roles, like Pookie Adams in The Sterile Cuckoo (1969) which earned her an Academy Award nomination at the young age of 23. But it was her portrayal of Sally Bowles in the 1972 musical film Cabaret that truly cemented her status as a star. The role earned her an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award, solidifying her as a triple-threat performer – singer, actress, and dancer.
Minnelli continued to be a powerhouse throughout her career. She captivated audiences on stage in shows like Liza with a Z, a dazzling concert special that won her an Emmy Award, and remained a fixture in the music world, recording numerous albums. She is one of the esteemed few entertainers to have achieved EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.