In the glittering world of show business, few names shine as brightly as Liza Minnelli. The daughter of Hollywood royalty Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, Liza carved out her own legendary career on stage and screen. Now, as the 78-year-old icon prepares to release her long-awaited memoir, the question on everyone’s lips is: who will play Liza in the inevitable biopic?
The Memoir: A Life in the Spotlight
Minnelli’s upcoming book, set for release in 2026, promises a no-holds-barred account of her remarkable life. From her early days in the shadow of her famous parents to her own meteoric rise to stardom, the memoir is expected to delve into the triumphs and challenges that have defined her career.
“We need a great script and an actress who loves to move,” Minnelli shared in an email to People magazine. “Honey, first, I’m a dancer … like the great line in Chorus Line: God, I’m a dancer … a dancer dances … even with replaced hips and scoliosis!”
A Role of a Lifetime
Portraying Liza Minnelli on screen is a daunting task for any actress, but it’s also the kind of role that can lead to awards glory. Just ask Renée Zellweger, who won an Oscar for her turn as Minnelli’s mother in the 2019 biopic Judy. With such high stakes, it’s no wonder that Minnelli hinted at a star-studded line-up of contenders.
“We’re very grateful that Academy award, Emmy, Tony and Grammy winners are so excited to talk with us.”
Lady Gaga: The Frontrunner
While Minnelli played coy about naming names, one actress seems poised to take on the challenge: Lady Gaga. The multi-hyphenate talent has already proven her acting chops in films like A Star Is Born and House of Gucci, and her musical prowess makes her a natural fit for the role.
Gaga’s connection to Minnelli goes beyond mere admiration. In 2022, she personally requested that Minnelli present the Best Picture award alongside her at the Oscars. Though the appearance was marred by controversy—Minnelli later claimed it was “sabotaged”—Gaga’s public declaration of fandom only fueled speculation about her potential casting.
Challenges and Opportunities
Bringing Minnelli’s story to the screen won’t be without its challenges. The biopic will likely focus on the star’s later years, a period marked by health struggles and personal upheaval. At 38, Gaga is significantly younger than the septuagenarian Minnelli, which could necessitate the use of prosthetics or digital aging techniques.
Yet the opportunity to celebrate Minnelli’s legacy is one that any actress would relish. As Minnelli herself noted, the film will be “the story of an SUD (substance use disorder) victor not victim, who happens to be closing in on age 80,” a perspective rarely seen on screen.
An Icon’s Legacy
Regardless of who ultimately steps into Liza Minnelli’s dancing shoes, one thing is certain: the biopic will be a celebration of an icon whose influence spans generations. From her early days as a Broadway baby to her unforgettable turns in films like Cabaret and New York, New York, Minnelli’s career is a testament to the power of talent, resilience, and sheer force of personality.
As the race to bring her story to the screen heats up, fans eagerly await the chance to see Liza Minnelli’s extraordinary life given the Hollywood treatment. And if Lady Gaga does indeed secure the role? It could be the performance of a lifetime, one that cements her status as a true entertainment icon in her own right.
