Liza Minnelli at a Glance
Liza Minnelli is an American actress and singer best known for her work in stage musicals, film, and cabaret. This profile focuses on verifiable milestones, award documentation, and career context that remain useful over time. Below you will find core biographic details, a timeline of major achievements, and a concise breakdown of her public legacy.
Key Biographic Facts
Below is a table of widely reported attributes, with source types indicated for transparency. These entries are drawn from authoritative biographies, news archives, and reference databases commonly used in editorial and research workflows.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Liza May Minnelli | Official records, biographies |
| Date of birth | March 12, 1946 | Public birth registry, authorized biographies |
| Place of birth | Los Angeles, California, United States | Biographical sources, census data |
| Parent(s) | Judy Garland (mother), Vincente Minnelli (father) | Authorized biographies, interviews |
| Profession(s) | Singer, actress, dancer, cabaret performer | Credits databases, union records |
Date of Birth and Age Context
Liza Minnelli was born on March 12, 1946. As of 2025, she is 79 years old. Her birthday falls in early March, placing it in astrological season Pisces. Age is calculated from date of birth compared against the current Gregorian calendar, and this reference remains valid for long-term lookup.
Career Milestones by Phase
Minnelli’s career can be grouped into distinct phases, each marked by durable cultural and commercial achievements. These phases help explain her sustained relevance and the breadth of her influence across music, screen, and stage.
1940s–1950s: Early Exposure
Born into a high-profile entertainment family, Minnelli appeared in early film tests and stage visits as a child. This environment shaped her performance intuition, though major professional milestones came later.
1960s: Breakthrough in Film and Recording
Her breakthrough came with the musical film Cabaret (1972), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The soundtrack reinforced her status as a vocal stylist capable of interpreting sophisticated material.
1970s–1980s: Peak Recognition and Touring
Stage work in Chicago and My One and Only demonstrated her range. She released charting albums and toured extensively, building a loyal audience for her cabaret and concert performances.
1990s–Present: Legacy and Continued Performances
Although health and schedule considerations have limited output, Minnelli has periodically returned to the stage and screen. Her catalog remains in active circulation through reissues, documentaries, and retrospective programming.
Documented Awards and Honors
Below is a concise list of major, verifiable honors that underscore her impact on entertainment. These entries are drawn from official award bodies and widely referenced databases.
| Year | Award / Honor | Category or Context | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Academy Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role (Cabaret) | Won |
| 1973 | Golden Globe Awards | New Star of the Year – Actress (Cabaret) | Won |
| 1973 | Grammy Awards | Best New Artist | Won |
| 1995 | Tony Awards | Best Actress in a Musical (Kiss of the Spider Woman) | Won |
| 2008 | Presidential Medal of Freedom | National honor | Received |
| 2010 | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | Recording academy recognition | Received |
| 2024 | Tony Awards | Special Tony Award (Career legacy) | Received |
Public Legacy and Influence
Minnelli’s influence extends beyond her awards. She is frequently cited in discussions of vocal style, screen presence, and cross-disciplinary stage work. Documentary projects and retrospectives continue to introduce her achievements to new audiences. Her relationship to both studio-era musical drama and later cabaret revues has shaped how performers and critics discuss longevity in show business.
Relationship to Family and Peers
As the child of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, her upbringing intersected with two major figures in mid-century entertainment. Professional relationships with directors, choreographers, and musicians have been documented in interviews and published biographies. These connections help contextualize her development and the environments in which she refined her craft.
Where to Find Authoritative Information
For ongoing verification, consult primary and secondary sources such as official award body archives, accredited biographies, major news outlets with editorial standards, and digitized performance recordings. Library collections and academic databases also provide critical analysis and contextual framing that remain useful over time.
Summary
Liza Minnelli, born March 12, 1946, is a singer, actress, and performer with a documented career spanning stage, film, and recording. Key milestones include an Academy Award for Cabaret, a Grammy for Best New Artist, a Tony for Kiss of the Spider Woman, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy endures through catalog reissues, retrospectives, and continued scholarly and public interest in her contributions to entertainment.