Early Life and Education of Liza Minnelli: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Liza Minnelli, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

March 12, 1946: Liza Minnelli's Birth

On March 12, 1946, Liza May Minnelli was born. She is an American actress, singer, and dancer, known for her stage presence and alto singing voice.

Others born on this day/year

1961: Moved to New York City

In 1961, Liza Minnelli moved to New York City and attended the High School of Performing Arts and later, Chadwick School.

1964: King and Queen of the Compass Centre

During an Australian visit in 1964, Liza Minnelli and Peter Allen were awarded the titles of King and Queen of the Compass Centre in Bankstown, Sydney.

March 3, 1967: Marriage to Peter Allen

On March 3, 1967, Liza Minnelli married Peter Allen.

April 9, 1970: Separation from Peter Allen

On April 9, 1970, Liza Minnelli and Peter Allen agreed to a trial separation.

July 24, 1974: Divorce from Peter Allen Finalized

On July 24, 1974, Liza Minnelli's divorce from Peter Allen was finalized.

September 15, 1974: Marriage to Jack Haley Jr.

On September 15, 1974, Liza Minnelli married Jack Haley Jr.

1978: Warhol Diary Entry

In 1978, Andy Warhol noted in his diary that Liza Minnelli arrived at Halston's house and asked for "every drug you've got."

April 1979: Divorce from Jack Haley Jr.

In April 1979, Liza Minnelli divorced Jack Haley Jr.

December 4, 1979: Marriage to Mark Gero

On December 4, 1979, Liza Minnelli married Mark Gero.

1981: Advice to Adam Ant

In 1981, Liza Minnelli advised Adam Ant on what to wear when he was presented to Queen Elizabeth II.

1982: Adam Ant's Minnelli Reference

In 1982, Adam Ant namechecked Liza Minnelli in the track "Crackpot History and the Right To Lie" on his album Friend or Foe.

1984: Entrance to Betty Ford Clinic

In 1984, Liza Minnelli left her musical The Rink to enter the Betty Ford Clinic.

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.

January 1992: Divorce from Mark Gero

In January 1992, Liza Minnelli divorced Mark Gero.

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.

September 1996: Minnelli's Comments on Allen's Sexuality

In September 1996, Liza Minnelli stated that she was unaware of Peter Allen's sexuality during their marriage.

2000: Viral Encephalitis Diagnosis

In 2000, Liza Minnelli was diagnosed with a serious case of viral encephalitis, and doctors predicted she might be confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak. However, she recovered through vocal and dance lessons.

September 19, 2001: Appearance on The Rosie O'Donnell Show

On September 19, 2001, Liza Minnelli appeared on The Rosie O'Donnell Show, which was Rosie's first show after the September 11 attacks. Minnelli sang "New York, New York" despite having vocal surgery shortly before.

March 16, 2002: Marriage to David Gest

On March 16, 2002, Liza Minnelli married David Gest.

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.

July 2003: Separation from David Gest

In July 2003, Liza Minnelli and David Gest separated.

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: 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: Dismissal of Gest's Lawsuit

In September 2006, David Gest's lawsuit against Liza Minnelli was dismissed for lack of triable issue of fact.

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 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: 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.

April 2007: Divorce from David Gest Finalized

In April 2007, Liza Minnelli's divorce from David Gest was finalized.

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 2009: Australian Idol Appearance

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

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".

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: 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.