Liza Minnelli's Memoir: A Heady Brew of Gossip, Glamour, and Defiance
Liza Minnelli, the iconic performer, has released a new memoir titled Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, which provides a brutally candid look into her life. As she turns 80 this month, Minnelli recounts a journey marked by childhood trauma, addiction, and Hollywood stardom, with ferocious dressings-down for figures like Lady Gaga and David Gest.
A Childhood Shadowed by Judy Garland's Struggles
Minnelli's early life was deeply influenced by her mother, Judy Garland, who faced depression and addiction from a young age. By six, Minnelli witnessed Garland's first suicide attempt, and by 13, she became her mother's caretaker, describing how Garland robbed her of her childhood, much as the MGM studio system had done to Garland. This dysfunctional upbringing set the stage for Minnelli's own battles with substance abuse later in life.
Rapid Ascent and Addiction in Show Business
Breaking free at 16, Minnelli moved to New York to pursue a career in singing and acting. She humorously notes being the original nepo baby, thanks to her parentage, but addiction was also in her DNA. In her 20s, she became hooked on Valium, diet pills, cocaine, and alcohol, leading to multiple rehab interventions orchestrated by her sister Lorna as her career faltered.
Collaborative Writing and Cohesive Narrative
The memoir, written with journalists Josh Getlin and Heidi Evans and based on conversations with friend Michael Feinstein, surprisingly maintains a cohesive and spry tone. It goes beyond a typical fame story, delving into Minnelli's struggle to overcome childhood trauma and step out of her mother's shadow, capturing her unique voice that blends showbiz charm with vital energy.
Inside Scoop on Hollywood Feuds and Relationships
Minnelli doesn't shy away from gossip, offering insights into stars like Frank Sinatra and a scathing account of her experience with Lady Gaga at the 2022 Oscars. She claims Gaga insisted she use a wheelchair, leading to confusion onstage, which Minnelli views as sabotage. Her love life is equally dramatic, with revelations about her four marriages, including finding her first husband, Peter Allen, in bed with another man and a disastrous union with David Gest, whom she calls a clown.
Career Highs and Vulnerable Low Points
The book celebrates Minnelli's successes, such as her role in Cabaret, record-breaking runs at Carnegie Hall, and collaborations with the Pet Shop Boys. However, it's her vulnerability that elevates the memoir, as she shares low moments like collapsing from substance abuse in New York streets. With characteristic breeziness, Minnelli concludes that she has no regrets, calling it a life well lived.
