Liza Minnelli on Interview: “I Made My Own Lane”

For her fourth Interview cover, Liza Minnelli got together with her old friend and fellow musical talent Michael Feinstein, at her home in West Hollywood, to discuss memories of her famous childhood.

Here are a few excerpts:

On her childhood: The most glamorous was my father, and the most challenging was my mother. [Laughs] I bounced back and forth because they were divorced, but I loved them both so much. My mother was fascinating because she knew so many fascinating people who would come over. And my father used to let me go to the set and watch him direct. I’d go to the dance room where they choreographed stuff and learn it. I’d watch people like Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly.

On her famous parents Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli: My father knew me so well. He knew what to bring me and what I would love. I remember he designed all the clothes for Radio City Music Hall, and I got five costumes every Christmas—a ballerina, or the costume from “Shall We Dance” from The King and I. One time the costume was a very attractive green bug. It had a little hat and the antennae on top. With those costumes, he put magic and romance into my life. … My mother was strict, and it depended on what mood she was in or whether she was working too hard and they were pushing her too much. Or whether she didn’t like who she was married to at the time. Stuff like that. Every kid goes through that. But my father, he treated me like a princess. … But I loved my mom. She was funny.

On being an EGOT: Each one is equally important for different reasons. I never thought I’d win that Oscar. I was sure Diana Ross was going to get it [for Lady Sings the Blues]. One lasting gift is that when I won, my father was sitting next to me, and he screamed so loud in my ear I had tinnitus that never went away.

On her legacy: I made my own lane. I worked and still work as hard as anyone can, and I love each person who supported me and cares about me for me. I love performing. I still take dance lessons, and when I sing to people in the theater, I’m not giving a performance—I’m sharing my love with each individual person. I’m asking, “This is how I feel. How ’bout you?” My work is real.