Liza Minnelli Dishes on New Memoir, TV Deal and Holiday Plans: 'I'm on Top of the World, Baby!' (Exclusive)

If anyone has a story to tell, it’s Liza Minnelli. One world will hear from the legendary performer herself, with the release of her memoir — due in spring 2026 — which has just been optioned for TV.

“The story of the COURT [substance use disorder] the victor, not the victim, approaching 80, is first on screen,” Minnelli tells PEOPLE exclusively via email.

The joint projects — the result of over 15 years of intimate conversations between the film, stage and dance star and her close friend and collaborator, Michael Feinstein — will not shy away from her many ups and downs, including the struggles with substance abuse that led to her survival at such an age from 78 years old.

Liza Minnelli.

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

“I wasn’t going to tell this story until I realized that I might still be alive because I have a responsibility to help people like me, whose brains are wired differently,” adds Minnelli. “Every day I work on recovery. Let’s stop the shame.”

Liza Minnelli Announces New Tell-All Memoir: ‘Kids, Wait Until You Hear This’ (Exclusive)

Minnelli, daughter of Judy Garland and director Vincent Minnelli, hopes her honesty will lead to greater understanding.

“I met with the World Health Organization and the United Nations, and they showed me the facts that are astounding,” says Minnelli. “More than 600 million people have an active diagnosis of SUD and each life touches an average of at least five other lives. We are looking at more than a billion people in the world who are suffering and who are at risk! These are not numbers. These are our Moms, Dads, Brothers , sisters, children and loved ones.”

Judy Garland poses with her three children, Liza Minelli, Lorna Luft and Joey Luft at Grand Central Station.

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The Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner grew up in the spotlight. She started performing at the age of 17 and became a superstar her turn as Enter Sally Bowles Cabaret in 1972, one of the many stunning performances for which she became famous. But very soon, headlines would also highlight her personal life, including four marriages and divorces – and her sheer will to survive.

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As for who will play her in her on-screen life story (to be produced by Magnolia Hill Productions in association with Warner Brothers Television), she says, “We don’t know! We are so grateful that the Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy winners are so excited to talk with us. First, we need a great script and an actress who likes to move.”

As she says, “Honey, first off, I’m a dancer…as well as a great song Chorus line: God, I’m a dancer … a dancer dances … even with hip replacements and scoliosis!”

These are just a few of the many exciting projects the stage and screen legend is working on. Next is the collaboration with Tiffany. “I’m the newest creative associate for Tiffany and Co., with Christopher Young, their creative director supporting my dear friend Elsa Peretti,” she says.

Liza Minelli in ‘Cabaret’.

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She adds, “I’m filming again with my best friend in the world, Michael Feinstein. It would be fun to make another movie… At my age? I couldn’t have felt better or worked harder! And I produce Dear… Musical at The Shubert New World Stages in New York. A documentary about my career, Liza Really great, completely true story gets rave reviews at film festivals and gets a theatrical release!”

The film will be shown in New York this January and in Los Angeles later that month, followed by a national release. As she sums up with her trademark enthusiasm, “I’m on top of the world, Baby!”

Liza Minelli at the 45th Annual Academy Awards in 1973. Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage

Minnelli is also looking forward to a low-key but festive Christmas. “Holidays are always spent with family and loved ones. Finally!” she says. “Today I have that luxury. I’ve lived on the road for years and I’ve done most of the traveling… I missed so much. That doesn’t happen anymore.”

She also celebrates by listening to some of the same holiday classics as the rest of us, even though they’re a little closer to home.

“My favorite Christmas song is my mother’s version of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,'” she says. “Mom wrote the song again and dad directed the movie [Meet Me In St Louis]. It’s a family tradition that makes us all laugh and cry.”

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Source: HIS Education