Legendary '60s Icon, EGOT Winner and 'Cabaret' Star, Turns 80

Liza Minnellihas been a household name for generations, starting her legendary career in the ’60s, and as the daughter of a movie icon. She celebrates her 80th birthday today, having been born in 1946 in Los Angeles, California.

Before venturing into her own fame, Minnelli was already in the spotlight as the daughter of multiple award-winning actor and singer Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli. Her career began after moving to New York City in the early ’60s, where she got her start in an off-Broadway revival of Best Foot Forward.

Minnelli soon became a Broadway icon when leading the musical Flora the Red Menace in 1965, which earned her her first Tony Award for Best Actress. She would receive her second Tony in 1978 for her role as Michelle Craig in the Martin Scorsese-directed musical The Act. In 1978 and 2009, she was also awarded special honorary Tony Awards.

Broadway ended up being only a fraction of her long-lasting career when Minnelli switched gears to become an actor. In 1969, she starred in the comedy-drama The Sterile Cuckoo alongside Wendell Burton and Tim McIntire. Her outstanding performance led her to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, but it wasn’t until 1972 that Mannelli became a big-screen icon.

Related: 1967 Classic Became a Chart-Topping No.1 Hit 59 Years Ago

She gained international recognition portraying Sally Bowles in the Bob Fosse choreographed music drama Cabaret. The film ended up winning eight Oscars at the 45th Academy Awards, with Minnelli winning for Best Actress. It’s even been preserved by the Library of Congress for its cultural and historical significance. Minnelli’s acting career continued with popular films like Lucky Lady, New York, New York, Arthur, Rent-a-Cop, and Stepping Out.

While having appeared on The Judy Garland Show with her mother, Minnelli also appeared in many TV series as herself throughout her career. She even had a main role in Arrested Development as Lucille Austero. What earned her her first Emmy was the concert film made for TV, Liza with a Z, which was awarded for Outstanding Single Program – Variety and Popular Music.

Minnelli became a defining voice of her generation and performed with greats like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr, and was known for hits like  “New York, New York”, “Cabaret”, and “Maybe This Time.” Her astounding music career on Broadway and released albums led her to be awarded an honorary Grammy in 1990. It allowed Minnelli to officially become one of the few to claim EGOT status.

The icon is still active, having released a documentary film in 2024 titled Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and making public appearances.