Liza Minnelli Reflects on Childhood, Family, and Fame in Candid Interview

Liza Minnelli, the renowned actress and singer, has opened up about the complexities of her childhood in a rare interview, shedding light on her experiences growing up as the daughter of legendary performers Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli. In a conversation with her close friend and musician Michael Feinstein, Minnelli discussed the “glamorous” and “challenging” aspects of her early life in Hollywood.

Minnelli, known for her performances on stage and screen, described her father Vincente Minnelli, a celebrated director, as the “most glamorous” part of her upbringing, while noting with a laugh that her mother Judy Garland was “the most challenging.” She attributed her mother’s difficulties to the pressures of her career and personal relationships, including multiple marriages and struggles with addiction.

Recalling the influence of her parents, Minnelli mentioned that her father “treated me like a princess,” allowing her to witness his work on film sets and fostering her interest in the arts. In contrast, she noted that Garland’s mood often influenced her interactions, yet she fondly remembered her mother’s humor and fascination with creative people.

Minnelli, who was raised amid the glitz of Hollywood, shared anecdotes about her childhood that included attending film sets and musical rehearsals with her father, and accompanying her mother on concert tours. Despite the challenges at home, she appreciated the opportunities to learn from renowned performing artists like Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly.

The interview also delved into Minnelli’s resilience in the face of media scrutiny, a skill she credited to her father. She explained how Vincente Minnelli shielded her from the harsh glare of public attention and taught her to focus on her own identity rather than her parents’ fame.

Friends with iconic figures such as Andy Warhol, Minnelli was a central figure in the art and entertainment circles of the time. Feinstein recalled various anecdotes from Minnelli’s glamorous life, including her legendary parties and interactions with artists of the stature of Warhol.

Moving beyond her iconic lineage, Minnelli also reflected on her accomplishments, including four Tonys, two Grammys, an Emmy, and an Oscar. She emphasized the significance of each award as markers of distinct achievements in different areas of her career.

As she works on a memoir with Pulitzer-winning journalist Heidi Evans and writer Josh Getlin, Minnelli promises to delve deeper into her narrative. The book, scheduled for a 2026 release, aims to offer a comprehensive look at her life’s story, fleshed out with previously unreleased archival material.