Liza Minnelli Bares All in New Memoir

The iconic Broadway star reflects on her tumultuous life and career in "Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!"

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:48pm

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Liza Minnelli, the Oscar-winning star of "Cabaret" and a fixture of Broadway and Hollywood, has released a new memoir titled "Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!" In the book, Minnelli opens up about her complicated relationship with her mother Judy Garland, her many marriages and relationships, her battles with addiction, and her recent resurgence in popularity thanks to a role on "Arrested Development." The memoir provides a candid and unfiltered look at the life of one of musical theater's most powerful and enduring stars.

Why it matters

Minnelli's memoir offers a rare, first-hand account of growing up in the spotlight as the daughter of two of Hollywood's biggest names. Her story sheds light on the challenges of fame, addiction, and navigating personal relationships in the public eye. The book also provides insight into Minnelli's resilience and determination to forge her own path, even in the face of intense scrutiny and criticism.

The details

In the memoir, Minnelli recounts several standout moments from her life, including the night as a child when she accidentally kicked her mother Judy Garland in the head, leading to a screaming fit that left young Liza confused and frightened. She also details her tumultuous marriages, including to gay husband Peter Allen and the abusive producer David Gest. Minnelli opens up about her lifelong struggles with addiction, which she traces back to inheriting the disease from her mother. The book also covers her unexpected career resurgence in the 2000s thanks to a role on the hit show "Arrested Development."

  • Minnelli was born 80 years ago in 1946.
  • She won the Oscar for Best Actress for "Cabaret" in 1972.
  • Minnelli first met Ron Howard, who later cast her in "Arrested Development", when she was a child in the 1960s.
  • Minnelli relapsed and collapsed on the streets of New York shortly before being cast in "Arrested Development" in the 2000s.
  • Minnelli's memoir "Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!" was published in 2026.

The players

Liza Minnelli

An iconic Broadway and Hollywood star, known for her roles in films like "Cabaret" and her appearances on stage. She is the daughter of legendary actress Judy Garland and director Vincent Minnelli.

Judy Garland

Minnelli's mother, a renowned actress and singer who starred in classic films like "The Wizard of Oz." Garland struggled with addiction issues that impacted Minnelli's childhood.

Ron Howard

An actor and director who first met Minnelli as a child when he starred in the film "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," directed by Minnelli's father. Howard later cast Minnelli in a role on his show "Arrested Development" in the 2000s.

David Gest

Minnelli's late husband, whom she describes as an abuser and con man in her memoir.

Lady Gaga

The pop superstar who appeared alongside Minnelli at the 2022 Oscars, an experience that left Minnelli feeling overshadowed and upset.

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What they’re saying

“I feel she cast a shadow over my present career that I'm still fighting to overcome. I can forgive this. But I will never forget it. Nobody who was there has ever apologized to me for what happened that night.”

— Liza Minnelli (Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!)

“For me and millions of others, addiction is a disease. Something in your blood that you can't control, a disaster burned into your DNA... After all these years, I finally understand. I've been waging a war my whole adult life with what we now call SUD, substance use disorder... I got it from Mama and she got it from her family.”

— Liza Minnelli (Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!)

What’s next

Minnelli is expected to promote her memoir with a book tour and media appearances in the coming months.

The takeaway

Minnelli's memoir provides a raw and honest look at the triumphs and tribulations of one of Broadway's most legendary performers. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the immense challenges that come with fame, and the resilience required to overcome personal struggles in the public eye.