When the world lost Judy Garland in London on June 22, 1969, her daughter Liza Minnelli was left in a state of disbelief. "My mom? No way. She’s not going to leave us," Liza reflects. "I believed that with every fiber of my being." She remembers the overwhelming grief that followed, a period where tears flowed nonstop for nearly a week. It was a seismic shift in her life, one that would eventually lead her to carve out her own unique path in the world of entertainment.
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, a new documentary, takes us on a journey through Liza's transformation following her mother's untimely death. It's a powerful story of resilience and self-discovery, showing how Liza emerged from the shadow of Judy Garland to become a star in her own right.
Director Bruce David Klein, speaking exclusively to Closer, shares insights into Liza's journey. "For Liza to fully embrace who she was meant to be, she had to let go of her connection to Judy," he explains. The documentary features interviews with Liza herself, alongside her famous friends such as Ben Vereen, Mia Farrow (a childhood pal since preschool), and Michael Feinstein. The film also unveils rare, unseen footage of Liza, capturing moments that reveal her evolution as an artist.
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Klein describes the documentary as a celebration of Liza’s rise to stardom in the '70s, a period when she became a global sensation. The film premieres January 24 in New York, followed by a January 31 release in Los Angeles, with a nationwide rollout soon after through Zeitgeist Films in partnership with Kino Lorber.
At 78, Liza Minnelli continues to radiate talent, a legacy inherited from her legendary mother and acclaimed film director father, Vincente Minnelli. Yet, the expectations were sky-high. "People were always comparing Liza to her mother," Klein notes. "That made it incredibly challenging for her to step into her own spotlight."
At the tender age of three, Liza made her big-screen debut in her mother's 1949 musical In the Good Old Summertime. As a teenager, despite dealing with scoliosis, which left her self-conscious about her shorter leg, she dreamt of becoming a dancer. During her time at New York’s High School of Performing Arts, her mother began bringing her on stage to perform alongside her.
At 19, Liza earned her first Tony Award for her role in Flora the Red Menace, but Judy’s influence still loomed large. "In the '60s, while Liza's performances were brilliant, they were more conventional," Klein explains. "After her mother's passing, she felt freer to explore and expand her artistic boundaries."
Discovering Her Voice: The Mentors Who Shaped Liza
In the documentary, Liza credits her reinvention to the mentors who stepped into her life after her mother's passing. Kay Thompson, star of Funny Face, became a surrogate mother. Charles Aznavour, the renowned French crooner, helped refine her vocal style. Bob Fosse directed her to an Oscar-winning performance in Cabaret, while designer Halston turned her into a fashion icon. "I was really good at surrounding myself with the right people," Liza says. "I had an eye for talent."
Klein was struck by Liza’s genuine gratitude toward these mentors. "It wasn’t just lip service," he reveals. "She truly believes these people helped shape her and discover her authentic voice."
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Klein's film highlights how, despite her lifelong fame and numerous accolades, Liza remains warm, open-hearted, and genuine. During filming, she made a heartfelt request to Klein. "She held my hand, petted it, and looked up with those big eyes and said, 'Bruce, please, don’t put anything fake in the movie,'" he recalls. "She wants people to love her, to be her friend. It’s incredibly endearing."
Looking Ahead: Liza Minnelli's Future Projects
Liza's friendships have not only contributed to her legendary career but have also sustained her through tough times. The four-time divorced star has faced challenges, including addiction and health issues. Despite her physical struggles, her mental clarity remains sharp. "She has her good days and bad days, but her brain is just fine," a close friend shares. "She’s a fighter."
Liza approaches life with humor. "Take care of your body because you might live longer than you expect," she jokes. "I keep replacing parts and moving forward. Life’s about dealing with it and staying happy."
Her home in West Hollywood is a sanctuary where she hosts friends, surrounded by giant portraits of herself and her famous parents. "Liza is one of the most positive people I’ve ever met," Klein says. "She’s faced challenges head-on, and they’ve only made her stronger. She has an incredible outlook on life."
Liza has several projects on the horizon. She’s collaborating with Michael Feinstein on a new album, working with Tiffany & Co. on a jewelry line, and planning to release her memoir in 2026. "She’s happiest when she’s working," Klein notes.
Liza agrees. "I love performing," she says. "I still take dance lessons, and when I sing to an audience, it’s not a performance—it’s a connection. I’m asking, 'This is how I feel. How about you?' My work is real, and it’s my passion."
