7 Shocking Facts About Liza Minnelli's Life And Career As She Turns 79

Liza Minnelli, the undisputed icon of stage and screen, is currently 79 years old as of December 18, 2025. Born Liza May Minnelli on March 12, 1946, the legendary performer is approaching her milestone 80th birthday in the spring of 2026, marking a lifetime spent in the spotlight and cementing her legacy as one of the most dynamic entertainers in history. While the question "how old is Liza Minnelli" remains a popular search, the more compelling query today is what the star is doing now, as she continues to make headlines with new projects and rare public appearances, proving her enduring star power.

The daughter of Hollywood royalty, Minnelli has carved out a unique and extraordinary career that spans over six decades, earning her the coveted EGOT status and an indelible place in pop culture. Far from resting on her laurels, the star has recently announced a major new project—a long-awaited memoir—and has been making significant appearances, keeping her name firmly in the current news cycle and exciting fans who cherish her unique blend of theatricality and raw emotional power.

The Complete Biography of Liza Minnelli: From Hollywood Royalty to EGOT Legend

Liza Minnelli's life story is as dramatic and dazzling as her performances, defined by her legendary parentage, groundbreaking career achievements, and remarkable resilience. Her journey from a child in the shadow of her famous mother to an Oscar-winning superstar is a testament to her singular talent.

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• Full Name: Liza May Minnelli
• Date of Birth: March 12, 1946
• Current Age (as of December 18, 2025): 79 years old
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Judy Garland (Actress/Singer) and Vincente Minnelli (Film Director)
• Occupations: Actress, Singer, Dancer, Stage Performer
• Years Active: 1949–present
• Key Career Milestones:
  • Academy Award (Oscar): Best Actress for Cabaret (1972).
  • Tony Awards: 4 competitive Tony Awards, including Best Actress in a Musical for Flora, the Red Menace (1965) and The Act (1978), and a Special Tony Award (1974).
  • Emmy Award: Outstanding Single Program—Variety and Popular Music for Liza with a 'Z' (1973).
  • Grammy Award: Grammy Legend Award (1990) (contributing to her non-competitive EGOT status).
  • Other Honors: Knight of the French Legion of Honour.
• Spouses: Peter Allen (m. 1967; div. 1972), Jack Haley Jr. (m. 1974; div. 1979), Mark Gero (m. 1981; div. 1992), David Gest (m. 2002; div. 2007).

The Enduring Legacy: Key Roles and The EGOT Achievement

Liza Minnelli's career is defined by her electric stage presence and her deep, career-long collaboration with the songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb. This partnership produced some of her most iconic work, solidifying her status as a true theatrical force.

The Icon: Sally Bowles in Cabaret

The defining role of Minnelli’s career is undoubtedly Sally Bowles in Bob Fosse's 1972 musical film Cabaret. Playing the complex, fragile, and determined nightclub performer in Weimar-era Berlin earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film, which features timeless songs like "Maybe This Time" and "Cabaret," is considered a cinematic masterpiece and instantly made Minnelli a global superstar.

Beyond the Oscar win, the film showcased her unique ability to blend singing, dancing, and dramatic acting, setting her apart from her contemporaries. This success was followed by other notable films, including the Martin Scorsese-directed musical New York, New York (1977), where she starred alongside Robert De Niro.

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The EGOT is the most prestigious distinction in show business, representing a win at the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. Minnelli is one of the elite few to achieve this status, a testament to her versatility across film, television, recording, and the Broadway stage.

Fresh Updates: Liza Minnelli's Memoir and 2025 Public Appearances

Despite her age and a history of health challenges, including a serious bout with viral encephalitis in 2000, Liza Minnelli continues to engage with the entertainment world. Her recent activities have provided fans with exciting new updates and a reminder of her lasting influence. Her sister, Lorna Luft, has provided rare updates, stating that the star is "doing well" after stepping back from the public eye for a period.

The Upcoming Memoir: 'Kids, Wait Till You Hear This...'

One of the most anticipated projects is her long-awaited memoir, titled Kids, Wait Till You Hear This.... The book, which was first announced in August 2024 and is set for a Spring 2026 release, promises to offer a candid and definitive account of her life, career, and her famous family. The memoir is expected to set the record straight on various aspects of her personal life and professional journey, offering a fresh perspective from the icon herself.

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In a major development, the memoir has already been optioned by Warner Bros. for development into a television series. This indicates a massive resurgence of interest in Minnelli's compelling life story, ensuring her legacy reaches a new generation of viewers and fans.

2024 and 2025 Gala Appearances

Minnelli has also made a series of high-profile public appearances, demonstrating her continued connection to the entertainment community. In 2024, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Industry Dance Awards Gala of the Stars. This recognition highlighted her profound impact on the world of dance and theatrical performance.

Looking ahead, the star is scheduled to return to the Gala of the Stars in 2025 to present the prestigious ICON Award to global superstar Janet Jackson. These rare appearances are treasured by fans and the industry alike, showcasing the enduring glamour and power of the legendary performer.

As Liza Minnelli approaches her 80th year, her career is experiencing a vibrant new chapter. From her Oscar-winning turn as Sally Bowles to her upcoming memoir and the TV series it will inspire, Minnelli remains a cultural force. The story of her life—from the daughter of Judy Garland to a non-competitive EGOT winner—is a timeless tale of ambition, talent, and survival, ensuring that the star's unique voice and presence will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. Her impact on Broadway and Hollywood is immeasurable, making her a true legend of the American musical landscape.