Few entertainers have achieved the level of success and versatility that Liza Minnelli has displayed throughout her career. From stage to screen, her powerful voice, dynamic acting, and captivating stage presence have solidified her legacy as a true icon. Let’s delve into six intriguing facts about this legendary performer.
#1. Hollywood Roots
Born on March 12, 1946, Liza Minnelli entered the world with a silver screen legacy. Her parents were Hollywood royalty: her mother, Judy Garland, starred in classics like “The Wizard of Oz,” while her father, Vincente Minnelli, directed renowned musicals like “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Despite her parents’ divorce and the complexities of her relationship with Garland, Minnelli remained close to both. “I got my drive from my mama and my dreams from my father,” she has said of their influence.
#2. Early Start in the Spotlight
Minnelli’s journey in entertainment began at an incredibly young age. Her first film appearance was technically before her birth, as Garland was pregnant with her during the filming of “Till the Clouds Roll By” in 1946. A few years later, she made her official debut in the 1949 film “In the Good Old Summertime,” sharing a scene with Garland and Van Johnson. Her professional stage debut followed in 1963 with an Off-Broadway revival of “Best Foot Forward.”
#3. The “Cabaret” Role That Almost Slipped Away
Though now synonymous with the role of Sally Bowles in “Cabaret,” Minnelli initially missed out on the part when the show premiered on Broadway in 1966. She auditioned but was considered too inexperienced. Undeterred, she later said she always believed she would land the film role. In 1972, director Bob Fosse cast her in the film adaptation, a decision that earned Minnelli an Academy Award for Best Actress and cemented her place in cinematic history.
#4. EGOT Winner
Minnelli belongs to the exclusive group of entertainers who have achieved EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Her Grammy win, however, is honorary; the Grammy Legend Award, received in 1990, recognized her overall contributions to music. Among her other accolades are Tony Awards for her performances in “Flora the Red Menace” and “The Act,” an Emmy for “Liza with a ‘Z’: A Concert for Television,” and, of course, the Oscar for “Cabaret.”
#5. “New York, New York” Before Sinatra
While Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “New York, New York” became iconic, it was Liza Minnelli who first introduced the song to the world. Composed by John Kander and Fred Ebb for Martin Scorsese‘s 1977 film “New York, New York,” Minnelli’s performance marked the song’s debut. Although Sinatra’s later version achieved greater commercial success, Minnelli’s original remains a cherished rendition for many.
#6. An Unexpected Rock Collaboration
In a surprising turn of events, Minnelli lent her voice to the 2006 emo rock album “The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance. The band, drawn to her theatrical background and dramatic flair, felt she was the perfect fit for their album’s narrative. Minnelli’s haunting vocals on the track “Mama” added a unique dimension to the band’s sound, showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.
