Judy Garland's Three Children: Where Are Liza Minnelli, Lorna, And Joey Luft Now?
Few Hollywood family sagas captivate the world quite like that of Judy Garland and her children. The star of *The Wizard of Oz* left behind a monumental legacy, and her three children—Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft—have navigated their own lives under the immense shadow of their mother's fame, talent, and struggles. As of late
The lives of Judy Garland's kids are a fascinating study in celebrity lineage, spanning from the dazzling heights of an EGOT winner to the quiet, protective efforts of the family's youngest son. They are the living embodiment of one of the 20th century's greatest performers, and their stories, both on and off the stage, remain a central part of the Garland narrative.
The Complete Biography and Profile of Judy Garland's Children
Judy Garland was married five times, but her three children were born from her second and third marriages to director Vincente Minnelli and producer Sid Luft. Each child has forged a unique path, though all remain inextricably linked to the Garland/Minnelli dynasty.
- Liza May Minnelli
- Born: March 12, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025)
- Father: Vincente Minnelli (Director, Garland's second husband)
- Career Highlights: An EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), best known for her Academy Award-winning role as Sally Bowles in *Cabaret* (1972). She is a legendary Broadway and concert performer.
- Current Status: Keeps a low profile due to health, but remains a beloved icon.
- Lorna Luft
- Born: November 21, 1952 (Age 72 in 2025)
- Father: Sidney "Sid" Luft (Producer, Garland's third husband)
- Career Highlights: Successful singer, actress, and author. She began performing on *The Judy Garland Show* and is known for her memoir, *Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir*. She is a prominent advocate for her mother's legacy.
- Current Status: Actively performing in concert and attending industry events.
- Joseph "Joey" Wiley Luft
- Born: March 29, 1955 (Age 70 in 2025)
- Father: Sidney "Sid" Luft (Producer, Garland's third husband)
- Career Highlights: Has worked as a photographer and actor, but largely avoided the intense spotlight of his mother and sisters. He has been instrumental in preserving the family's archives.
- Current Status: Remains the most private sibling, participating primarily in family-approved legacy events.
Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft: Their Latest Activities and 2025 Updates
The narrative that Judy Garland's children live entirely in the past is a myth. Their recent activities, particularly in late 2024 and 2025, prove they are still major figures in the entertainment world and dedicated custodians of the Garland name.
Liza Minnelli’s Memoir and Honors (2024-2025)
Liza Minnelli, the eldest child and an icon in her own right, has had a resurgence of public interest, despite her reduced public appearances due to health concerns. In a major announcement in mid-2024, it was reported that Minnelli had finally agreed to release a tell-all memoir, a project she had previously resisted. This book is highly anticipated as it promises to offer her definitive perspective on her life, career, and complex relationship with her mother. Furthermore, her standing as a living legend was reaffirmed when she was scheduled to present the 2025 ICON Award to Janet Jackson, having received the Lifetime Achievement Award herself in 2024.
The year 2024 also saw the premiere of the documentary, *Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story*, at the Tribeca Film Festival, which celebrates her six-decade career and indomitable spirit. Her half-sister, Lorna Luft, has provided consistent, positive updates, assuring fans that Liza is "doing great" and staying connected, even while maintaining a low profile.
Lorna Luft’s Active Performance and Legacy Work
Lorna Luft is arguably the most publicly active of the three siblings in perpetuating the Garland legacy. A successful singer and stage actress, Luft continues to perform in high-profile venues. In December 2024, she was scheduled for a special appearance at 54 Below in New York City alongside Andrea McArdle, a testament to her enduring presence on the Broadway and cabaret scene. Her commitment to her family's history is evident in her frequent interviews, such as a recent one where she discussed the cultural impact of her mother's work and how Judy Garland "would've loved" the new *Wicked* film, which is a prequel to *The Wizard of Oz*.
Luft’s work is a powerful continuation of the family's artistic tradition, and she is often seen at industry events, including the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards, showing her deep connection to the theatrical community.
Joey Luft’s Role as the Family’s Private Guardian
Joey Luft, Judy Garland’s only son, has consistently preferred a life out of the intense glare of the Hollywood spotlight. Unlike his sisters, his career has been more behind-the-scenes, though he has worked as an actor and photographer. His primary public role in recent years has been as a quiet, protective figure for his mother's memory and estate.
In 2024, Joey was a special guest at the "A Very 'Judy' Birthday Party" at the Hollywood Heritage Museum, where he represented the family alongside his niece, Vanessa O'Neill. These appearances are rare but significant, confirming his dedication to honoring his mother's legacy on a personal, familial level, often focusing on the archives and the authenticity of her story. His grounded presence is a vital counterpoint to the high-wattage careers of his sisters.
The Enduring Legacy: How The Children Protect the Garland Name
The life of Frances Ethel Gumm, the woman the world knew as Judy Garland, was marked by extraordinary talent and profound personal struggles. Her children have taken on the monumental task of preserving her artistic legacy while being fiercely protective of her personal reputation.
Preserving the Artifacts and Archives
The siblings, particularly Joey Luft, have been actively involved in managing the family archives. This includes ensuring the authenticity of artifacts, such as the famous *Ruby Slippers* from *The Wizard of Oz*. Lorna Luft's memoir, *Me and My Shadows*, which was later adapted into a successful miniseries, offered a candid but loving look at their mother, challenging many of the sensationalized narratives that have persisted since Garland’s untimely death in 1969.
The Fathers: Vincente Minnelli and Sid Luft
A key aspect of their story is the influence of their fathers. Liza's father, Vincente Minnelli, was an acclaimed director of classic Hollywood musicals like *Meet Me in St. Louis* (which starred Garland) and *An American in Paris*. His sophisticated, artistic influence shaped Liza into the versatile, Tony Award-winning performer she became. Lorna and Joey's father, Sid Luft, was a producer who married Garland during one of her most tumultuous periods. He managed her career during her legendary concerts at The Palace Theatre and her comeback in *A Star Is Born*, providing a more rugged, business-savvy influence on his children.
The complex tapestry of their lives, woven from the threads of Hollywood royalty, Broadway excellence, and personal resilience, ensures that the name of Judy Garland—and the stories of Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft—will continue to fascinate and inspire for generations to come.
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