EGOT-winning performer Liza Minnelli is entering 2026 with multiple projects on the horizon.
In March, she will celebrate her 80th birthday and release a new memoir, “Kids, Wait till You Hear This!,” co-written with longtime collaborator Michael Feinstein.
She is also working on a mini-series chronicling her life and career with her producing partner, Emmy winner Sam Haskell, and Magnolia Hill Productions/Warner Brothers. Haskell is known for producing several of Dolly Parton’s acclaimed holiday specials, many of which continue to air seasonally and stream year-round.
“On Stage” host Frank DiLella spoke with Minnelli to discuss the holidays, her career and what’s ahead in the new year.
DILELLA: Liza — happy holidays! How are you spending the holiday season this year?
MINNELLI: Oh, sweetheart. I’m savoring it. Wrapped in warmth. Memories twinkling like footlights — music coming through the air and surrounded by beautiful and closest friends. Through it all we have candles glowing, records spinning, laughter echoing. And I always take a quiet moment to say — “it’s been quite a ride!” That’s where the magic is.
DILELLA: Do you have a holiday tradition — something you’ve held onto no matter where you are in the world — that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit?
MINNELLI: Mama (Judy Garland) started a family tradition for all of us watching “The Wizard of Oz.” And it’s so important that you know our new family tradition. My best friend in the world — Michael Feinstein and I have become producers — we partnered with my darling former agent — and now head of the company for Magnolia Hill at Warner Brothers — Sam Haskell. Michael is developing the music for all of Sam’s films at Warner Brothers. And Sam has the most amazing schedule of holiday programming — starting with his gorgeous remake of “The Waltons.”
DILELLA: Is there a holiday song that never fails to move you — whether it’s one you love listening to, or one that brings back a very specific memory?
MINNELLI: Without question honey, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Mama. Frank, that song doesn’t just play — it embraces you, darling. Michael’s rendition of “The Christmas Song” is another one I just adore.
DILELLA: Judy Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is one of the greatest holiday songs ever recorded. Take me back — where were you when you first heard your mom sing it?
MINNELLI: I can’t remember a Christmas when Mom didn’t sing it. It was her song — it was written for her. At home — especially during Christmas parties — she had to sing it — just to get people to go home. I was a little girl — one of my earliest Christmas memories — was Mom at the piano with Roger Edens caressing the ivories while Mama made a sound that made me know I wanted to be a dancer. That song was just one example of my mother singing and showing the world every year just how magical she really was.
DILELLA: Your memoir, “Kids, Wait till You Hear This!”, comes out in 2026 — and your life and career have been nothing short of extraordinary. What was it like to sit down and revisit those remarkable chapters — both the triumphs and the challenges — with fresh eyes?
MINNELLI: Honey, it was like opening a glittery Tiffany blue box of memories. Bruises, love letters, standing ovations — you laugh — you cry and you say “well — would you look at that? I lived!” Revisiting those moments was the best experience. Whenever I get to spend time with my beloved Michael Feinstein it’s a dream come true. He helped me relive everything from my one-of-a-kind childhood with Mama and Papa to my most glorious victories — to my toughest downfalls with a gentle loving hand. High notes and low notes. Baby, that’s what it’s all about. They say “cats have 9 lives” — well I’m closing in on 80 years — and I’ve been knocked down a lot more than 9 times. One thing I want to tell your audience — no matter how many times I get knocked down — I get back up even if I’m crawling.
DILELLA: Was there a particular moment or period in your life that surprised you emotionally when you revisited it on the page?
MINNELLI: Yes — realizing how joy carried me through the storms. Something that I’ve always said — that you will read in the book is that sympathy is my mother’s business. I bring people joy. Joy isn’t always light and fluffy, darling. Joy is a survival skill. When you find out that 2 people are in love — can’t be together because of their “wiring” — you have to hold onto the joy and friendship that brought you together. I’ve been married too many times. And I had to examine each one. And with one terrible exception my husbands were all wonderful guys. I didn’t get the happily ever after that movies make you hope for — and still I’m happy and I don’t have any regrets.
DILELLA: If you could step back into one moment from your past — just for a day — which moment would you choose, and what makes it so meaningful to you?
MINNELLI: I wouldn’t take any one damn single day. But I’ll tell you a moment that happens before every show I have ever done and every one I hope to do. That breath before the curtain goes up — heart racing — lights blazing. The audience holding its breath with you — that electricity — that’s life!
DILELLA: Your career has touched generations of performers and audiences. When you think about your legacy, what do you hope people feel when they hear the name “Liza Minnelli”?
MINNELLI: I hope they feel permission to feel bold and tender. The freedom to show up with mascara running and heart wide open.
DILELLA: I understand you’re collaborating with producer Sam Haskell / Magnolia Hill Productions on a filmed version of your life and career story. What excites you most about seeing your journey told on screen?
MINNELLI: We talked about Sam earlier in this interview. He’s an absolute doll and we’ve been dear friends for decades. Together we’re working on some glorious surprises — from my life story based on my memoir to other properties that we’re bringing to the screen.
DILELLA: And have you given any thought — just for fun — to who you’d love to see portray you?
MINNELLI: Someone fearless. Someone with fire in their belly and vulnerability in their eyes. It’s not about copying me — it’s about feeling me — and whoever she is — she’s got to be able to dance. You can’t lie when you dance. You either do it or you don’t. She doesn’t have to be a great singer because I’m not — and she can’t have a fat ass — and she’s got to know how to shake it. Now understand — I love a fat ass — but if we’re being true to my story — when I was dancing and high kicking, I couldn’t have a fat ass because my scoliosis would’ve been exaggerated. I looked like an inverted camel. I gave up so many hot fudge sundaes — and now I don’t have to do that anymore.
DILELLA: Looking ahead to 2026… do you have a New Year’s resolution, or perhaps a New Year’s wish?
MINNELLI: I keep one of my resolutions every single year — to never be a victim. For people who have SUDs (substance use disorder) like I have — it’s so important that we always give ourselves grace and remind ourselves that we are survivors and victors. My wish — more kindness, more laughter and more moments where we say — “darling, wasn’t that marvelous?”
For more on Liza Minnelli, Sam Haskell’s holiday programming and “The Liza Minnelli” story, visit .
Featured holiday programming includes:
- “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors”
- “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love”
- “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” (Netflix)
- “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas” (Amazon)
→ Continue reading at Spectrum News NY1
