History of Liza Minnelli in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
March 3, 1967: Marriage to Peter Allen
On March 3, 1967, Liza Minnelli married Peter Allen.
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.
April 9, 1970: Separation from Peter Allen
On April 9, 1970, Liza Minnelli and Peter Allen agreed to a trial separation.
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.
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.
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: 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."
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.
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.
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: Advice to Adam Ant
In 1981, Liza Minnelli advised Adam Ant on what to wear when he was presented to Queen Elizabeth II.
1981: Starred in Arthur
In 1981, Liza Minnelli starred in Arthur, which was a big hit.
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.
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: Grammy Legend Award
In 1990, Liza Minnelli received a Grammy Legend Award.
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.
January 1992: Divorce from Mark Gero
In January 1992, Liza Minnelli divorced Mark Gero.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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: 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 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.
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 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.
2024: Memoir Announcement
In 2024, Liza Minnelli announced her plans to release a memoir in 2026.
2024: Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story Documentary
In 2024, a documentary about Liza Minnelli's life, titled Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, was released.
2026: Memoir Publication
In 2026, Liza Minnelli is scheduled to publish her memoir.
