Liza Minnelli Reveals Struggles with Addiction and Oscar Night Disappointment
Liza Minnelli, the celebrated actress and singer, is opening up about her life, career and personal demons in a new autobiography, I, Liza, released on March 10, 2026. The book details a life marked by both dazzling success and profound hardship, including battles with addiction, complex family dynamics, and a recent upsetting experience at the 2022 Academy Awards.
A Hollywood Childhood
Minnelli reflects on a childhood surrounded by Hollywood royalty, with playmates like Mia Farrow and Candice Bergen. Her parents, Vincente Minnelli and Judy Garland, were both prominent figures in the film industry. She recalls a childhood filled with music and a community that, despite its glamour, also experienced tragedy, and instability. Minnelli notes her mother often confided in her, treating her “like a psychoanalyst” even at a young age.
Career Highs and Personal Lows
The actress credits her role in Cabaret (1972) as a turning point in her career, earning her an Academy Award. However, she also details the struggles that followed, including battles with drugs and alcohol. Minnelli candidly describes a period where she felt she was mirroring her mother’s struggles with addiction, and the challenges of maintaining her career during these difficult times. She acknowledges a pattern of “ups and downs” throughout her life.
A Troubling Night at the Oscars
Minnelli recounts a deeply upsetting experience at the 2022 Academy Awards, where she was asked to use a wheelchair during a tribute to Cabaret. She alleges that she was told it was due to her age, and that Lady Gaga insisted she use the wheelchair or Gaga would not appear on stage with her. Minnelli felt humiliated and subjected to a memory test, stating, “I was treated very badly on one of the most important evenings of my life.” She emphasizes that even as she can forgive, she will never forget the incident.
Relationships and Personal Life
The autobiography also delves into Minnelli’s four marriages, revealing that one husband was gay, and another was a thief. She also recounts a brief engagement to Peter Sellers, describing his struggles with schizophrenia and how his shifting personas created instability in their relationship.
Looking Forward
Minnelli expresses hope that her story will inspire others struggling with addiction to seek facilitate. She acknowledges her age but maintains a positive outlook, stating, “I still feel like the same Liza.” The book is intended to be a brutally honest account of her life, offering insights into the complexities of fame, family, and personal battles.