Liza Minnelli to release candid memoir for 80th birthday: first excerpts
Fame, addiction, marriages, and scandals
On March 12, on her 80th birthday, Liza Minnelli will release her memoir Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, scheduled for March 10, 2026. The book is based on over a decade of conversations with the actress’s close friend, pianist Michael Feinstein. Excerpts were published exclusively by People magazine.
For a long time, Minnelli refused to write an autobiography, saying that «everything can only be told after my death». But on the eve of her milestone birthday, she decided to speak openly – about growing up in the shadow of a legend, destructive addictions, high-profile romances, and the pain she had to learn to live with.
Childhood Next to a Legend – and a Rival
The daughter of Hollywood icon Judy Garland and director Vincent Minnelli, Liza grew up amid tours, hotels, and constant relocations – attending 22 different schools during her education.
By the age of 13, she says, she was practically caring for her mother, who struggled with addiction: calling doctors, monitoring medications, and taking on responsibilities that would challenge even adults.
«I lost count of the times I called doctors, pleading, ‘I’m a child! Please prescribe something for Mom!’».
A turning point came with their joint performance at London’s Palladium. Initially, Judy supported her daughter, but the warmer the audience received Liza, the colder the backstage atmosphere became. Minnelli realized that her mother was no longer happy about her success.
«After the first song, I heard: ‘Yes, baby! Show them!’ After the second, another ‘Yes!’ but quieter. By the third song, her enthusiasm had faded. I heard her whisper to the producer, ‘Harold, get her off my damn stage!’».
It was then that Liza understood: she was stepping onto the stage not as «Judy Garland’s daughter», but as an independent artist – the point of no return in their relationship had been reached.
Fame, Loss, and Addiction
On June 22, 1969, Judy Garland died of an accidental overdose. For Liza, it was a personal catastrophe. Stress and grief led to the use of tranquilizers, which eventually became her own addiction.
Minnelli gained worldwide fame for her role as Sally Bowles in the film Cabaret, for which she won an Oscar in 1973. She herself could hardly believe her victory:
«Damn, I didn’t even write a thank-you speech».
But the triumph was followed by years on the edge – concerts, nightlife, drugs, emotional rollercoasters. The actress admits that she lived for a long time «in a fog» – amid pills, alcohol, and cocaine. Several rehab stints and a stern talk with Elizabeth Taylor marked a turning point:
«This disease will kill you if you don’t stop».
Today, Minnelli has been sober for eleven years:
«When champagne is offered to me, I thank them and set the glass on the table. And there’s no turning back».
Marriages, Loss, and Control
In her book, she speaks candidly about her marriage to singer Peter Allen, who confessed his homosexuality to her, as well as about affairs with Martin Scorsese and other famous men.
A particularly significant relationship was her marriage to producer David Gest in 2002. Minnelli admits that she was not sober at the time and later found herself in toxic dynamics, experiencing strict control and isolation. The marriage ended in a public divorce.
One of the most painful topics remains her inability to become a mother – she experienced miscarriages and stillbirths, and, in her words, never fully came to terms with this loss:
«The inability to become a mother is a tragedy I have never reconciled with».
Oscar Controversy – 2022
Minnelli recalls the 2022 Oscars ceremony, where she presented an award alongside Lady Gaga. According to her account, she was effectively given an ultimatum backstage – either appear on stage in a wheelchair or not at all. The decision was explained as a matter of age and safety, but the actress felt humiliated.
She says that Lady Gaga insisted she would not go on stage if Minnelli was not in the chair. When Liza stumbled due to the awkward position, Gaga said: «I’ll help you». Minnelli perceived this as a publicity move.
After the ceremony, Gaga visited her dressing room to ensure everything was okay. Minnelli emphasizes that she chose to maintain dignity and politeness: «In moments of intense stress, you must remain kind. That’s what my mom and dad taught me».
Lady Gaga did not publicly comment on the situation.
«My Coda»
Symbolically, the film CODA won that evening. Minnelli calls her book her «Coda» – the final musical chord: «Writing my memoirs is my coda, my truth. There is always a rainbow – you just have to know where to look».
The memoir promises not merely a story about fame, but an honest account of pain, rivalry, destruction, and the strength to start anew – even after decades on the stage.
Photo: Instagram @officiallizaminnelli
