judy garland children

The Enduring Legacy: Where Are Judy Garland's Three Children Now In 2025?

judy garland children

The enduring legacy of Judy Garland, one of Hollywood's most iconic and tragically brilliant stars, lives on most vibrantly through her three children: Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft. Born from two of Garland’s five marriages, each child forged a unique path in the entertainment industry while navigating the complexities of their mother's tumultuous life and monumental fame. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the siblings continue to manage their own health challenges, pursue their creative careers, and fiercely protect the memory of the woman who gave the world Dorothy Gale. The story of Judy Garland’s children is not just a tale of Hollywood royalty, but a testament to the resilience of a family bound by an extraordinary, yet often difficult, shared past. They have collectively ensured that the legacy of *The Wizard of Oz* star remains a luminous beacon in the 21st century, with recent public appearances, tribute shows, and personal projects keeping their mother's memory fresh and relevant.

A Full Profile of Judy Garland's Three Children

Judy Garland, who married five times in her 47 years, welcomed three children with two of her husbands. These children have become the primary custodians of her legendary status.

  • Liza May Minnelli (Daughter)
    • Born: March 12, 1946 (Age 78/79 in 2025)
    • Father: Vincente Minnelli (Director, Garland's second husband)
    • Career: EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), renowned for her work in film (*Cabaret*, *Arthur*), music, and stage.
    • Key Entity: Oscar for Best Actress in *Cabaret* (1972).
  • Lorna Luft (Daughter)
    • Born: November 21, 1952 (Age 72 in 2025)
    • Father: Sidney "Sid" Luft (Producer, Garland's third husband)
    • Career: Singer, actress, and author. Known for her stage work and the memoir *Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir*.
    • Key Entity: Performed with her mother on *The Judy Garland Show*.
  • Joseph "Joey" Wiley Luft (Son)
    • Born: March 29, 1955 (Age 69/70 in 2025)
    • Father: Sidney "Sid" Luft (Producer, Garland's third husband)
    • Career: Actor, photographer, and stage performer. Has largely maintained a private life compared to his sisters.
    • Key Entity: Debuted the tribute show *A Judy Garland Concert with Joey Luft* (2014).

Liza Minnelli: The Living Legend and Her Latest Appearances

Liza Minnelli, the eldest child and only one born from Garland's marriage to director Vincente Minnelli, has carved out a monumental career that rivals her mother's. She is one of the few artists to achieve EGOT status, a testament to her versatility in film, music, and theater.

Recent Health and Public Life (2024-2025): In recent years, Minnelli's public appearances have become less frequent, often sparking speculation about her health. She has openly discussed her battle with viral encephalitis, a condition she contracted in 2000 that left her with lasting effects, including mobility issues.

Despite these challenges, Minnelli made a rare and celebrated public appearance in late 2024, attending the Dancers Against Cancer Gala where she presented the Icon of the Year award. This appearance, where she was seated on a velvet throne, reassured fans of her continued presence and spirit. Her sister, Lorna Luft, has consistently provided updates, emphasizing that Liza remains in good spirits and is living comfortably in New York.

Minnelli’s connection to her mother is profound. She has often spoken about their close bond, particularly after her parents’ divorce. She continues to be one of the most vociferous defenders of Garland's memory, ensuring that the narrative focuses on her mother’s artistry rather than her personal struggles.

Lorna Luft and Joey Luft: Carrying the Torch Through Tribute

Lorna and Joey Luft, the children from Judy Garland's third marriage to producer Sid Luft, have taken a more direct approach to honoring their mother's musical and theatrical heritage. They share a deep, protective bond over their mother's memory, often appearing together for interviews and events.

Lorna Luft's Recent Career: Lorna Luft is an accomplished singer, actress, and author in her own right. She has spent decades performing her own cabaret shows and acting on stage and screen. A significant part of her recent work has been dedicated to her mother's story.

  • The New Show: Lorna has been involved in the stage production *Judy – The Life and Music of a Hollywood Legend*. This show, which she has starred in, is a career-spanning musical tribute, positioning her literally in her mother's footsteps.
  • 2024 Activities: In 2024, Lorna continued her performance schedule, including a notable appearance at the Bell Theater. She also authored the book *A Star Is Born: Judy Garland and the Film that Got Away*, adding to the historical record of her family’s life.

Joey Luft's Private Life and Tributes: Joey Luft is the most private of the three siblings. Unlike his sisters who embraced the spotlight, Joey has largely shied away from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood. His primary public contribution to his mother's legacy is his one-man show, *A Judy Garland Concert with Joey Luft*, which debuted in 2014. This show offers a more intimate, personal look at his mother through rare family photos and stories, a contrast to the grand scale of his sister Liza's performances. Joey's decision to maintain a life outside the constant glare of fame is a powerful choice, allowing him to honor his mother on his own terms.

The Extended Family: Judy Garland's Five Husbands and Their Impact

To fully understand the children's background, it is essential to recognize the influence of Judy Garland's five marriages, which provided a complex family environment. Her children were only born from the second and third marriages, but the other husbands were also figures in their lives.

Vincente Minnelli (Husband #2, 1945–1951): A celebrated film director, Vincente Minnelli was Liza’s father. His artistic influence on Liza's career is undeniable, solidifying her status as a true Hollywood artist.

Sidney "Sid" Luft (Husband #3, 1952–1965): A film producer, Sid Luft was the father of Lorna and Joey. This was Garland's longest and most turbulent marriage, and it was during this period that Lorna and Joey were born and spent their earliest, most formative years with their mother.

Other Marriages: Garland was also married to musician David Rose (1941–1944), actor Mark Herron (1965–1969), and jazz pianist Mickey Deans (1969). Mark Herron and Mickey Deans were part of the children’s lives in their later teenage years, with Deans being Garland's final husband before her untimely death in June 1969. The children's perspective on these later, shorter marriages has often been one of protective caution, a theme that Lorna Luft has explored in her writings.

The three siblings—Liza, Lorna, and Joey—have navigated the intense spotlight and the shadow of their mother's genius with remarkable grace. They are not merely the children of a legend; they are accomplished artists and individuals who continue to ensure that the joy, talent, and unforgettable music of Judy Garland remains accessible to new generations.

judy garland children
judy garland children

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judy garland children
judy garland children

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