Liza Minnelli diagnosed with alcoholism, viral encephalitis, and more. Liza started having an alcohol and prescription drugs problem after her mother, Judy Garland, died in 1969.
Over the years, Minnelli has faced several health issues, including viral encephalitis, struggles with alcohol, a jawbone injury, and wrist injuries. Despite once being in a very serious condition, she's managed to recover and keep going.
It has been speculated that Judy Garland herself may have had scoliosis, but it is well known that Liza Minnelli has scoliosis. She has mentioned in interviews that her scoliosis forced her to move on stage in ways that didn't affect her breathing or cause her pain. “ Major. Always.
“There were highs and lows for sure, but I can say I was very happy. If people choose to believe that or not, it's up to them, but I know I was happy.”
Now at 77, Liza Minnelli Confirms the Rumors About Judy Garland
What did Liza Minnelli think of Judy?
A young Minnelli runs into Garland's arms. The actress described her mother as "funny, very funny, clear, incredibly intelligent," "protective and very strict" and "in the moment." And when Garland was feeling down, a five-year-old Minnelli would tickle her to get her spirits up.
Minnelli won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance, along with a Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award, and also Sant Jordi Award and David di Donatello Award for Best Foreign Actress. Following the success of Cabaret, Bob Fosse and Minnelli teamed for Liza with a 'Z'.
Liza has been to rehab for substance abuse and drugs five times since 1992 and has attended Alcoholics Anonymous. Her latest stint was in 2015, but she has been sober ever since. Liza's problems with drugs and alcohol began with the pressure to maintain personal appearance in Hollywood.
Liza Minnelli's wealth has shown a consistent upward trajectory over the years. In 2023, her estimated net worth stands at $60 million, marking a steady increase from $55 million in 2022, $50 million in 2021, $45 million in 2020, $40 million in 2019, and $35 million in 2018.
In 1938, when Garland was sixteen, she was cast as the young Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939), a film based on the 1900 children's book by L. Frank Baum. In the film, she sang the song with which she would be constantly identified afterward, "Over the Rainbow".
Liza Minnelli has broken her back after an accident with her dogs. The Oscar winner was at home with her pets when one of the canines excitedly jumped at the star causing her to fall and incur the serious injury. Liza landed awkwardly and has been in a lot of pain, with doctors confirming she has broken her lower back.
According to Distractify, Liza Minnelli was diagnosed with a disease called encephalitis in October 2000. This disease, which is also known as an inflammation of the brain, can cause movement disorders, seizures, and sensitivity to light and sound. As a result, she was advised to use a wheelchair.
Liza's alcoholism and addiction to prescription drugs reportedly began around the late 1960s and lasted on and off throughout her life so far. She was diagnosed with viral encephalitis in 2000 and seemed to recover a couple of years later, although it's never been confirmed if she made a full recovery.
Their friendship spanned the majority of his career and extended after Halston was ousted from his own design company in 1984. Up until his death in 1990, Halston designed stage costumes for Minnelli.
I miscarried weeks after our December 1979 wedding, and I miscarried again twice more. Fuel, if you will, to the trouble already beginning to burn inside me." Minnelli has been open about her struggles with infertility; she experienced three miscarriages throughout the course of their marriage, which ended in 1992.
On a professional level, it was a lot more complicated; Garland was proud but jealous of her daughter. In “Judy Garland: The Secret Life of an American Legend” (Hyperion), David Shipman quotes Minnelli recalling an early joint appearance in London.
Liza Minnelli, winner of four Tony Awards, an Oscar, a special “Legends” Grammy, two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy, is one of the entertainment world's consummate performers.
She owed thousands in back taxes to the IRS and had a lien placed on her home in Brentwood, California. Garland also had problems with alcohol and drug abuse, and died June 22, 1969, in London of what was reportedly a barbiturate overdose.
Minnelli has been working with filmmaker and director Bruce David Klein for about two years and has given her blessing to share the story of her life on the big screen. The film is titled LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story and is set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in June 2024.
