In a rare public appearance, Hollywood icon Liza Minnelli was spotted returning to her Beverly Hills residence last Thursday evening after spending a night out with close friends. Celebrating a couple of weeks following her 78th birthday, the “Cabaret” star showcased her spirit and glamour.
Photographed looking cheerful, Minnelli, who has lately maintained a low public profile due to health challenges, was seen exiting a Cadillac sedan, assisted by friends into her wheelchair, as reported by The DailyMail.
Despite requiring the use of a wheelchair in recent years and ongoing health concerns, Minnelli’s outing was a breath of fresh air for fans. It was her first public sighting since being photographed last June, signaling a welcome return to social activities.
When asked about her plans for celebrating her 78th birthday in March, Minnelli replied it would be “fabulous,” of course. Shortly before the milestone, the star revealed her birthday agenda to PEOPLE through an email.
“A party is being thrown in my honor by dear friends [pianist] Michael Feinstein and Terrence Flannery,” she shared. “There will be food, fabulous music and I am told to expect a wonderful surprise and my only clue is Elsa Peretti!” Minnelli, known for her affection for the modern creations of the Italian jeweler—who was also a friend of Halston—anticipates the celebration eagerly.
The daughter of legendary actress Judy Garland and film director Vincente Minnelli, Liza has forged a remarkable career in the performing arts. She made a striking Broadway debut in “Flora the Red Menace” in 1965, earning a Tony Award at a young age. Her film career peaked with her Oscar-winning performance as Sally Bowles in the 1972 movie “Cabaret,” directed by Bob Fosse. Besides acting, Minnelli has enjoyed a successful music career, characterized by her dynamic cabaret-style performances.
Over the years, she has amassed a collection of prestigious awards, including four Tony Awards, an Academy Award, a special “Legends” Grammy, and two Golden Globe Awards. Despite her professional success, Liza’s personal life has been marked by challenges, including multiple marriages and divorces, struggles with addiction, and serious health issues like encephalitis. Throughout these trials, she has remained a resilient and influential figure in the entertainment industry, known for her ability to reinvent herself and inspire generations of performers.
“I am so grateful for all the good wishes and all the love that comes my way. Not only on my birthday, but always,” Minnelli said. “I wish I knew how to act my age. But kids guess what, I have never been this damn old! Just keep going baby, that’s the secret!”
Adding to the celebration of her life and career, Minnelli divulged her involvement in new projects, including returning to music recording and an upcoming brand collaboration, details of which remain undisclosed at this time.
She announced, “I am recording music again!” adding, “And I’m involved in an exciting brand collaboration that will be announced soon.” Her publicist, Victoria Varela, commented to People, “It’s very exciting news but not something we can reveal yet.”