The Tragic Real-life Story Of Liza Minnelli

There are the biggest, trendiest stars of the pop culture world, and then, there's Liza Minnelli. She's instantly recognizable with her trademark black hair and pixie cut, and somehow, it only adds to the illusion that she's a timeless creature from some other world. Even when she was young — and starring in things like "Cabaret" — she was one of those stars who always seemed to have been plucked from another time ... one where the world was still in black and white, and the stage lights were always turned down low.

Broadway star Liza Minnelli and fashion designer Halston were a regular sight together in the New York City nightclub scene in the 1970s and '80s. The two were pretty much inseparable, making regular appearances at all the top hotspots of the day, especially the infamous Studio 54. Their friendship was deep and close, a match made in heaven, and according to Vanity Fair, they got along instantly. The singer, dancer, and actress was enamored of the designs Halston made for her. "His clothes danced with you," she said. "We were joined at the hip from then on."

Over the decades, there have been murderous incidents involving musicians, per Spin. Both Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. were killed in shootings that could have been tied to organized crime. Musicians have also been killed by people who were ostensibly fans of theirs. John Lennon was one of those. So was Christina Grimmie (per CNN). Both of them were gunned down. Selena Quintanilla was another, killed by a woman who was the head of her fan club. Marvin Gaye died at the hands of his father.

Actress and singer Liza Minnelli has a long and wildly successful career that stands on its own apart from those of her very famous parents. Minnelli is the daughter of actress and singer Judy Garland and film director Vincent Minnelli. Per Mental Floss, when she won the 1973 Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in "Cabaret" she became the first and only Oscar winner whose parents have both won Oscars.

Liza Minnelli is known for her powerful singing voice and work in musicals. She has made countless TV and movie appearances and has received multiple awards throughout her career. Additionally, Minnelli has released a few music albums with pop and singer-songwriter songs. She did one surprising project, though, when she was featured on an album from My Chemical Romance — an alternative rock band that popularized punk and emo songs.