For Liza Minnelli, life has been a whirlwind of show business practically from the moment she was born. How could it not be? Her mother, Judy Garland, was a legendary entertainer, and her father, Vincente Minnelli, was an Oscar-winning director. Talk about growing up in the spotlight!
“The minute I was born, they snapped a picture,” said the Cabaret star, now 73, during a rare interview with Variety. It’s clear that being in the public eye has been a part of her life since day one.
Life in the Spotlight: Knowing When Things Were Up
Even though her mom didn’t explicitly talk to her, her half-sister Lorna Luft, or her half-brother Joey Luft about her struggles, Liza could sense when something was off. “Even as a little kid, I just knew,” she remembered. “I’d try to cheer her up. Sometimes, I’d tickle her when she was upset. I’d grab her hips and bounce her around on the bed or couch. I was probably only five at the time, but I knew instinctively that laughter could help.”
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Escaping the Shadow of Fame
It wasn’t easy for Liza to step out of the massive shadow cast by her parents’ fame. Her mother was an icon, and her father was celebrated in Hollywood. But Liza had her own dreams and aspirations. “The toughest part was figuring out how to be known for who I was, not just as someone’s daughter,” she revealed. “It took time, but I found my own voice and carved my own path.”
Cherished Memories with Her Mother
Picking just one favorite memory with her mother is impossible for Liza. “Every moment with her was special,” she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. “She had such a great sense of humor and loved her kids fiercely. She was protective and strict, but always wanted us to do the right thing. That’s what being a mom is all about, isn’t it?”
After her mother’s tragic passing in 1969, it took Liza some time to reconnect with her mom’s music
