Liza Minnelli
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Liza Minnelli Turns 80! – Let’s Celebrate with Some Then & Now Photos

Yep, it’s official; Liza Minnelli, hits the big 8‑0 today (March 12, 2026). Born to actress/singer, Judy Garland, and director, Vincente Minnelli, she basically came out of the womb with glitter on her hands. Her very first screen appearance? As a baby in the final scene of her mother’s film, “In the Good Old Summertime” (1949). She was 3. And honestly, that feels about right for the kind of star she’s been ever since. 


Photos: Liza Minnelli, Then

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Judy Garland (1928 – 1969) holding her and film director Vincente Minnelii’s young daughter, Liza
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Judy Garland (1922 – 1969) with her toddler daughter Liza Minnelli on the set of the film ‘Words and Music,’ in 1948
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Liza Minnelli with father, Vincente Minnelli (1913 – 1986), aboard the Queen Elizabeth prior to sailing to meet up with her mother, Judy Garland (1922 – 1969), in 1951
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Lorna Luft, age 7, Joe Luft, age 5, Judy Garland (1922 – 1969), and Liza Minnelli, age 14, circa 1960.
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Liza Minnelli with mom, Judy Garland (1922 – 1969), circa 1960

Broadway Beginnings

Teen Liza moved to New York and threw herself into theatre and singing in nightclubs. By 17, she was already hitting the stage in “Best Foot Forward.” At 19, she won her first Tony Award for “Flora the Red Menace,” proving she could shine without leaning on her famous parents. Other Broadway highlights? “The Act” (1977), “The Rink” (1984), and taking over Julie Andrews’ role in “Victor/Victoria” (1997). That’s a resume that says “legend” in every font size.


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Liza Minnelli, circa 1970s
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Liza Minnelli, circa 1970s
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Liza Minnelli during an interview with David Frost (1972)
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Liza Minnelli accepts award onstage, circa 1970s
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Liza Minnelli arrives at the Mermaid Theatre in London to attend the opening night of ‘Breaking the Silence’ in 1985
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Liza Minnelli hugs Elizabeth Taylor at the 42nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (1985)

Film & TV Highlights

Minnelli’s first credited film role was in “Charlie Bubbles” (1967), but soon she was everywhere: “The Sterile Cuckoo” (1969), “Cabaret” (1972), “New York, New York” (1977), “Arthur” (1981), and “Stepping Out” (1991). On TV? She gave us “Liza with a Z” (1972), then popped up decades later in hit shows, “Arrested Development” (2003–2019) and “Drop Dead Diva” (2013). Every role, whether big or small, reminded the world why she’s Liza Minnelli. 


Photos: Liza Minnelli, Now

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Liza Minnelli at the Macy’s and American Express Passport Gala in 2003
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Liza Minnelli onstage at Macy’s and American Express Passport Gala (2003)
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Liza Minnelli arrives at the 2004 Nick at Nite TV Land Awards
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Liza Minnelli (and un-named guest) attend the Oscars in 2014
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Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli during the 94th Academy Awards in 2022
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Michael Feinstein and Liza Minnelli backstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2026
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Liza Minnelli speaks during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards (2026)

From baby star to Broadway queen to movie icon, Liza Minnelli has done it all; and we think she still sparkles like she’s 30, not 80. We won’t ever forget all the toe‑tapping tunes, epic performances, and all that jazz. Happy birthday, Liza!

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