When she was just seven years old, the legendary actress Pia Zadora found herself on stage with the iconic Tallulah Bankhead in a touring production of Midgie Purvis. Recalling that moment, Pia, now 69, told Closer, “We were in her dressing room, and there was this bottle of bourbon sitting there.” She continues, “She said, ‘Try it. See how it feels.’ And I’ve been drinking ever since!”
Pia’s journey in the entertainment world hasn’t always been smooth sailing. She famously won a Golden Globe as New Star of the Year while simultaneously earning a Razzie for Worst New Star for her performance in the 1981 film Butterfly. Yet, the spirited performer refused to let the critics define her. She went on to carve out a successful career, delivering unforgettable performances in hit comedies like Hairspray and Naked Gun 33 1/3. Beyond acting, Pia also found success as a nightclub performer, touring with legends such as Jackie Mason and Frank Sinatra.
From Child Performer to Hollywood Star
How did you get your start in the world of performing arts?
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“My mom was a bit like Mama Rose from Gypsy, a Polish woman who wasn’t happy with my dad and wanted to make her mark on the world. She saw me as her ticket out, so she pushed me into show business. To help me come out of my shell, she took me to a doctor who suggested I take children’s courses at the Academy of Dramatic Arts. That’s where Burgess Meredith discovered me and asked me to co-star in a stage play with Tallulah Bankhead. And just like that, I was off on the road.”
Winning the Golden Globe: A Night to Remember
People were surprised when you won the Golden Globe in 1982. What do you recall about that evening?
“Honestly, I never thought I’d win, so I didn’t even want to attend the ceremony. I was up against heavyweights like Kathleen Turner, Elizabeth McGovern, and Rachel Ward. Timothy Hutton handed me the award, and I remember the look on Sally Field’s face—she looked like someone had just thrown a bomb in her direction. It was wild!”
Working with Orson Welles: A Unique Experience
What was it like working alongside Orson Welles in Butterfly?
“He was a character, no doubt about it. One day, he asked me to remind him to water his marijuana plants. And then there was the time he spilled his vodka all over the set. Orson was definitely one of a kind.”
Pickfair: The Controversial Decision
You and your late husband, Meshulam Riklis, purchased Pickfair, the historic estate once owned by Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. You faced criticism for demolishing it to build a new home. Do you have any regrets?
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“Let me tell you, I never wanted Pickfair. Meshulam bought it for me as some sort of legacy, but my kids, Kady and Kristofer, swore the place was haunted. Turns out they were right—there were ghosts and termites everywhere. I couldn’t bring myself to tent it because of the chemicals. So, someone suggested tearing it down. Look, it was my house, and if people didn’t like it, that’s their problem. But honestly, it never felt like home to me. Too much marble, too many Picassos. [Laughs]
Friendships That Lasted a Lifetime
Is it true that you and Joan Rivers were close friends?
“Joan was more than a friend—she was family. She was such a sweet, generous person. I’d appear on her show, and I even opened for her at Caesars Palace. The night her husband, Edgar Rosenberg, took his own life, everything came to a standstill. I don’t know how she managed to pull herself together and go through with the show. She fell apart afterward, but she was so strong. I miss her every day.”
Performing with Frank Sinatra: A Career Highlight
How did you end up touring with Frank Sinatra?
“Frank saw me perform when I was opening for Jackie Mason in Miami. Afterward, he sent me a dozen roses with a note that said, ‘You knocked ’em dead. From the guy with the blue eyes.’ Later, when Liza Minnelli fell ill, Frank’s team asked me to step in. That was the start of something special for me. Frank was a tough guy, but he had a big heart.”
A Unique Relationship with Meshulam Riklis
You and Meshulam divorced in 1993 but remained close until his passing. Can you talk about your bond?
“Meshulam was an incredible man. He spoke at both of my subsequent weddings and referred to my current husband, Michael, as his ‘husband-in-law.’ When our house flooded, he invited us to live at Pickfair and even gave us the master bedroom during renovations. He once told his wife that I was the only one he ever truly loved. When he passed away, he left me an elaborate diamond-studded key to Pickfair as a keepsake.”
Love and Marriage with Michael
How did you meet your husband, Michael, who was a police detective at the time?
“It’s a funny story. I called the police to report a stalking incident, and we ended up talking on the phone for two whole years before we ever met in person. When we finally did meet, we instantly connected. He joked that when he first read my police report, he thought, ‘Who names their kid “Pia Zadora”?’ But it turns out we’re soulmates.”
Staying Vibrant and Perky
What’s your secret to staying so lively and youthful?
“It’s just who I am. These days, I feel less pressure, and that allows me to relax and take better care of myself. Life’s all about balance, right?”
Still Recognized by Fans
Do fans still recognize you, and how do you handle it?
“Oh, absolutely. Just the other day, I was in the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, and a guy came up to me and said, ‘Aren’t you Pia Zadora?’ I replied, ‘Are you kidding? I hate her!’ He bolted so fast. [Laughs]”
Advice to Her Younger Self
If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would you say?
“I’d tell her, ‘Don’t worry so much. Everything will be okay. Keep learning and growing, but don’t forget to appreciate the good things in life. And most importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously.’”
Exciting Plans Ahead
You have some upcoming appearances. What can fans expect?
“I’m thrilled to be at the Hollywood Show on October 6 and 7, and I’ll be performing a cabaret in Palm Springs on November 6. [Tickets available at oscarspalmsprings.com.] I’ll be doing a Q&A, showing some clips, and singing a few songs. I might even bring my drag queen, who does an amazing Liza. It’s going to be a blast to get back on stage and feel that energy again.”
