Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Liza Minnelli

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Liza Minnelli made an impact.

Liza Minnelli is a highly acclaimed American entertainer renowned for her acting, singing, and dancing abilities. Her stage presence and powerful voice have garnered her an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award), solidifying her status as one of the most versatile and accomplished performers. She is a Knight of the French Legion of Honour. Minnelli's distinctive style and personality have also established her as a gay icon.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1949: First Film Appearance

In 1949, Liza Minnelli made her first appearance on film as the baby in the final shot of her mother's film In the Good Old Summertime.

1959: Sang and danced with Gene Kelly

In 1959, Liza Minnelli sang and danced with Gene Kelly on his first television special.

1961: Apprentice at Cape Cod Melody Tent

During 1961, Liza Minnelli was an apprentice at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, Massachusetts, appearing in the chorus of Flower Drum Song and playing Muriel in Take Me Along.

1963: Professional Stage Debut

In 1963, Liza Minnelli made her professional stage debut in the Off-Broadway revival of Best Foot Forward.

1963: Professional Performing Start

In 1963, at the age of 17, Liza Minnelli began performing professionally in an Off-Broadway revival of the musical Best Foot Forward, receiving the Theatre World Award, and also toured in The Fantasticks.

1964: Mr. Broadway Appearance

In 1964, Liza Minnelli appeared as Minnie in her first television dramatic role in the episode "Nightingale for Sale" on Craig Stevens's short-lived series Mr. Broadway.

1964: Voiceover Work for Journey Back to Oz

In 1964, Liza Minnelli did voiceover work for the animated film Journey Back to Oz, as Dorothy.

1964: Release of Liza! Liza!

In 1964, Liza Minnelli released her album Liza! Liza! for Capitol Records.

1965: Release of It Amazes Me

In 1965, Liza Minnelli released her album It Amazes Me for Capitol Records.

1965: The Dangerous Christmas of Red Riding Hood

In 1965, Liza Minnelli starred in the television special, The Dangerous Christmas of Red Riding Hood, and a soundtrack was released.

1965: Tony Award for Flora the Red Menace

In 1965, Liza Minnelli won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in the Broadway musical Flora the Red Menace.

1966: Release of There Is a Time

In 1966, Liza Minnelli released her album There Is a Time for Capitol Records.

1967: First Credited Film Role

In 1967, Liza Minnelli had her first credited film role as the love interest in Charlie Bubbles.

1968: Release of Liza Minnelli Album

In 1968, Liza Minnelli released her album Liza Minnelli for A&M Records.

1969: Starred in The Sterile Cuckoo

In 1969, Liza Minnelli appeared in The Sterile Cuckoo as Pookie Adams, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

1969: Breakthrough Performance in The Sterile Cuckoo

In 1969, Liza Minnelli had her breakthrough performance in the drama film The Sterile Cuckoo, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

1970: Headlined first TV special

In 1970, Liza Minnelli headlined her first television special, entitled Liza, with guest stars Anthony Newley and Randy Newman.

1970: Starred in Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon

In 1970, Liza Minnelli played an eccentric character in Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon, directed by Otto Preminger, which resulted in controversy.

1970: Release of Come Saturday Morning and New Feelin'

In 1970, Liza Minnelli released the albums Come Saturday Morning and New Feelin' for A&M Records.

1972: Won Academy Award for Cabaret

In 1972, Liza Minnelli appeared in the film version of Cabaret as Sally Bowles. Minnelli won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, along with a Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award, Sant Jordi Award and David di Donatello Award for Best Foreign Actress for her performance.

1972: Starred in Cabaret

In 1972, Liza Minnelli starred as Sally Bowles in the musical film Cabaret, which brought her to international prominence.

1972: Release of Liza with a Z

In 1972, Liza with a Z was originally released and won an Emmy and Peabody award.

1972: Release of Journey Back to Oz

In 1972, the Filmation production Journey Back to Oz, which had been delayed, was released in the UK.

1973: Sang Backup on Teenage Lament '74

In 1973, Liza Minnelli sang back up with Ronnie Spector for Alice Cooper's song "Teenage Lament '74" from the album Muscle of Love.

1974: Special Tony Award for Liza at the Winter Garden

In 1974, Liza Minnelli won a Special Tony Award for Liza at the Winter Garden.

1975: Starred in Lucky Lady

In 1975, Liza Minnelli starred in the film Lucky Lady, which was considered a flop.

1976: Starred in A Matter of Time

In 1976, Liza Minnelli starred in A Matter of Time with her father, which was considered a flop.

1977: Release of Tropical Nights

In 1977, Liza Minnelli released her solo album Tropical Nights on Columbia Records.

1977: Starred in New York, New York

In 1977, Liza Minnelli starred in New York, New York, which gave Minnelli her best known signature song.

1978: Labeled as Box Office Poison

By 1978, Liza Minnelli was labeled as box office poison after a string of flops.

1978: Tony Award for The Act

In 1978, Liza Minnelli won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in the Broadway musical The Act.

1979: Concert at Carnegie Hall

In 1979, Liza Minnelli performed a concert at Carnegie Hall, recognized as one of her most successful.

1980: Made Two Television Specials

In 1980, Liza Minnelli made two television specials, Goldie and Liza Together, with Goldie Hawn, and An Evening with Liza Minnelli.

1981: Starred in Arthur

In 1981, Liza Minnelli starred in Arthur, which was a big hit.

1984: Guest appearance on Faerie Tale Theatre

In 1984, Liza Minnelli made a guest appearance as Princess Alecia in 'The Princess and the Pea' episode of Faerie Tale Theatre.

1984: Tony Nomination for The Rink

In 1984, Liza Minnelli received a Tony nomination for her performance in The Rink.

1985: Starred in A Time to Live

In 1985, Liza Minnelli starred in a made-for-TV movie, A Time to Live.

1987: Concert at Carnegie Hall

In 1987, Liza Minnelli performed a concert at Carnegie Hall, recognized as one of her most successful.

1988: Frank, Liza & Sammy: The Ultimate Event Tour

From 1988, Liza Minnelli toured with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. in Frank, Liza & Sammy: The Ultimate Event.

1988: Appeared in Sam Found Out: A Triple Play

In 1988, Liza Minnelli appeared in Sam Found Out: A Triple Play.

1988: Starred in Rent-A-Cop and Arthur 2: On the Rocks

In 1988, Liza Minnelli returned to film for Rent-A-Cop and Arthur 2: On the Rocks.

1988: Starred in Rent-a-Cop

In 1988, Liza Minnelli starred in the film Rent-a-Cop.

1989: Collaboration on Results album

In 1989, Liza Minnelli collaborated with the Pet Shop Boys on Results, an electronic dance-style album, and performed Losing My Mind live at the Grammys.

1990: Frank, Liza & Sammy: The Ultimate Event Tour

Until 1990, Liza Minnelli toured with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. in Frank, Liza & Sammy: The Ultimate Event.

1991: Concert at Radio City Music Hall

In 1991, Liza Minnelli performed a concert at Radio City Music Hall, recognized as one of her most successful.

1991: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1991, Liza Minnelli received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also made a Knight of the French Legion of Honour and received multiple prestigious awards.

1991: Starred in Stepping Out

In 1991, Liza Minnelli starred in Stepping Out, a musical comedy drama.

April 1992: Tribute Concert for Freddie Mercury

In April 1992, Liza Minnelli appeared at the tribute concert for Freddie Mercury, performing "We Are the Champions" with Queen.

December 1992: Liza Minnelli Live from Radio City Music Hall

In December 1992, American Public Television aired Liza Minnelli Live from Radio City Music Hall, which received six Emmy nominations and won an Emmy Award.

1992: Concert at Radio City Music Hall

In 1992, Liza Minnelli performed a concert at Radio City Music Hall, recognized as one of her most successful.

1994: Appeared in Parallel Lives

In 1994, Liza Minnelli appeared in the made-for-TV movie Parallel Lives.

1994: Donation to AIDS Research

In 1994, Liza Minnelli recorded "The Day After That" and donated the proceeds to AIDS research. She also performed the song at the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

1995: Appeared in The West Side Waltz

In 1995, Liza Minnelli appeared in the made-for-TV movie The West Side Waltz.

1996: Release of Gently

In 1996, Liza Minnelli released her studio album Gently, which included jazz standards and contemporary songs and received a Grammy nomination.

1997: Broadway Return in Victor/Victoria

In 1997, Liza Minnelli returned to Broadway, taking over the title role in the musical Victor/Victoria.

2001: Release of The Capitol Years

In 2001, the Capitol albums Liza! Liza!, It Amazes Me, and There Is a Time were reissued on the two-CD compilation The Capitol Years.

2002: Liza's Back in Spring

In 2002, David Gest produced Minnelli in "Liza's Back in Spring", which received rave reviews in London and New York City. The show included a tribute to her mother, Judy Garland.

2003: Recurring Role on Arrested Development

From 2003, Liza Minnelli appeared as Lucille Austero on the TV sitcom Arrested Development.

December 14, 2004: Royal Variety Performance

On December 14, 2004, Liza Minnelli performed as a special guest at the Royal Variety Performance in the UK, attended by Charles, Prince of Wales.

2005: Rerelease of Liza with a Z

In 2005, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron were involved with the rerelease of 1972's Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning Liza with a Z.

2005: Recurring Role on Arrested Development

In 2005, Liza Minnelli continued to appear as Lucille Austero on the TV sitcom Arrested Development.

2005: Film Appearance in The Oh in Ohio

In 2005, Liza Minnelli made her first film appearance in more than 15 years in The Oh in Ohio.

September 2006: Guest Appearance on Law & Order

In September 2006, Liza Minnelli made a guest appearance on Law & Order: Criminal Intent in the episode "Masquerade."

October 2006: UK Television Appearances

In October 2006, Liza Minnelli participated in a comedy skit on Charlotte Church's show and was featured on Michael Parkinson's show in the UK.

October 31, 2006: Law & Order: Criminal Intent Air Date

On October 31, 2006, the Halloween-themed episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, "Masquerade", which featured Liza Minnelli as a guest star, was broadcast.

2006: DVD Release of Liza with a 'Z'. A Concert for Television

Following the success of Cabaret, Bob Fosse and Minnelli teamed for Liza with a 'Z'. A Concert for Television. The program aired two times on TV and was not seen again until a DVD release in 2006.

2006: Appeared in The Oh in Ohio

In 2006, Liza Minnelli appeared in The Oh in Ohio, which received a limited release.

2006: Appearance on The Black Parade

In 2006, Liza Minnelli appeared on My Chemical Romance's album The Black Parade, providing backing vocals on the track "Mama".

2006: Guest Vocals on My Chemical Romance Album

In 2006, Liza Minnelli provided guest vocals on My Chemical Romance's concept album The Black Parade, portraying "Mother War" in the song "Mama".

2006: HIV/AIDS Conversation with Elizabeth Taylor

In 2006, Liza Minnelli said that she told Elizabeth Taylor about HIV/AIDS while talking about their mutual friend Rock Hudson.

2007: AmfAR Interview

In 2007, Liza Minnelli stated in an interview with Palm Springs Life that amfAR is important to her because she lost many friends to AIDS.

2007: Kay Thompson Tribute Album Announced

In 2007, it was announced that Liza Minnelli was working on an album in tribute to Kay Thompson, which later became the basis for her Broadway concert "Liza's at The Palace...!"

December 3, 2008: Liza's at The Palace...! Opens

On December 3, 2008, Liza Minnelli's solo concert at the Palace Theatre titled "Liza's at The Palace...!" opened.

January 4, 2009: Liza's at The Palace...! Closes

On January 4, 2009, Liza Minnelli's solo concert at the Palace Theatre titled "Liza's at The Palace...!" closed.

October 1, 2009: Taping of Liza's at the Palace

From September 30 to October 1, 2009, Liza's at the Palace was taped in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre.

October 2009: Australian Idol Appearance

In October 2009, Liza Minnelli toured Australia and appeared on Australian Idol as a mentor and guest judge.

November 2009: Liza's at the Palace Aired

In November 2009, American Public Television aired Liza's at the Palace, which had been taped from September 30 to October 1, 2009.

2009: Nomination for Liza's at the Palace...!

In 2009, Liza Minnelli was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for her studio recording Liza's at the Palace...!

2009: Special Tony Award for Liza at the Palace!

In 2009, Liza Minnelli won a Special Tony Award for Liza at the Palace!

May 2010: Cameo in Sex and the City 2

In May 2010, Liza Minnelli made a cameo appearance in Sex and the City 2, covering Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and Cole Porter's "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye".

September 21, 2010: Release of Confessions

On September 21, 2010, Liza Minnelli released an album titled Confessions on the Decca Records label.

December 2010: Appearance in The Apprentice

In December 2010, Liza Minnelli made a starring appearance in The Apprentice.

2010: Release of Confessions Album

In 2010, Liza Minnelli released an album of American standards "unplugged" with Billy Stritch, titled Confessions.

June 14, 2012: Headlined Hampton Court Palace Festival

On June 14, 2012, Liza Minnelli headlined at the Hampton Court Palace Festival.

2013: Final Appearance on Arrested Development

In 2013, Liza Minnelli completed her run as a recurring guest star on the sitcom Arrested Development.

2013: Return to Arrested Development

In 2013, Liza Minnelli reprised her role as Lucille Austero for the show's fourth season of Arrested Development.

May 9, 2014: Guest Appearance on Cher's Tour

On May 9, 2014, Liza Minnelli made a guest appearance on Cher's Dressed to Kill Tour in Brooklyn, performing "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" with Cyndi Lauper and Rosie O'Donnell.