Lorna Luft facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lorna Luft
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Luft in 2025
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| Born | November 21, 1952 Santa Monica, California, U.S.
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| Alma mater | HB Studio |
| Occupation | Actress, singer, author |
| Years active | 1963–present |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | |
| Relatives | Liza Minnelli (half-sister) |
Lorna Luft, born on November 21, 1952, is an American actress and singer. She is the daughter of the famous singer and actress Judy Garland and her father, Sidney Luft. Lorna is also the half-sister of another well-known performer, Liza Minnelli. She began her career at a young age, following in her family's footsteps, and has since become a talented artist in her own right.
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Early Life and Family
Lorna Luft was born in Santa Monica, California. Growing up, she attended University High School in Los Angeles and was part of the school choir. She also studied theater at HB Studio in New York City, preparing for a career in entertainment. Being the daughter of Judy Garland, Lorna was introduced to the world of show business very early on.
Lorna's Career Journey
Starting on Stage and TV
Lorna made her first appearance in show business when she was just 11 years old. She sang "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" on her mother's TV show, The Judy Garland Show, in 1963. Her siblings, Liza Minnelli and Joey Luft, also appeared on the show. Her mother even sang a special song called "Lorna" to her on the show in 1964.
Lorna soon joined her family for a summer concert tour. A big moment was when she performed with her mother at the famous Palace Theatre on Broadway in 1967. Lorna was 14 at the time, and the show was recorded live as Judy Garland at Home at the Palace.
She made her Broadway debut in 1971 in the musical Promises, Promises. Later, in 1981, she performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, which was a dream come true for her. Lorna also starred in the national tour of They're Playing Our Song and played Paulette Rebchuck in the movie Grease 2 in 1982.
In the 1980s, Lorna appeared on TV shows like Trapper John, M.D. and Murder, She Wrote. She also played Miss Adelaide in the musical Guys and Dolls during its national and worldwide tours from 1992 to 1994.
In 1995, Lorna released a special version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". It was a "virtual duet" with her mother, Judy Garland, combining new footage of Lorna with old footage of Judy singing to a young Lorna.
From 2006 to 2007, Lorna performed in the U.K. premiere of Irving Berlin's musical White Christmas, based on the popular film. She continued to perform this role in later years.
In 2007, Lorna released her album Lorna Luft: Songs My Mother Taught Me. This album celebrated her mother's music and was produced by Barry Manilow and her husband, Colin R. Freeman. She also performed in The Wizard Of Oz stage show in England, playing the role of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Lorna's Film Roles
Lorna has appeared in several films, including Grease 2 (1982), Where the Boys Are '84 (1984), 54 (1998), and My Giant (1998). She also had a small appearance with her brother Joey in the 1963 film I Could Go On Singing.
As an Author
Lorna is also an author. In 1998, she wrote a book called Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir. This book shared stories about her life and family. In 2001, her book was turned into an Emmy-winning TV miniseries called Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows.
She also co-authored the 2018 book A Star Is Born: Judy Garland and the Film That Got Away. This book gives a detailed look at the making of the classic film.
Personal Life and Health
Lorna Luft cares deeply about helping others. She often takes part in events for children's charities and organizations that support people with AIDS, like the annual Los Angeles AIDS Walk.
Lorna has two children, a son named Jesse and a daughter named Vanessa, and four grandchildren. She lives in Palm Springs, California, with her second husband, Colin Freeman, who is a composer and arranger.
In 2012, Lorna was diagnosed with breast cancer. She completed her treatment in 2013. In 2015, the cancer returned, and she had surgery. In March 2018, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor but successfully underwent surgery to remove it later that month.
Published Works
- Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir (1998)
- A Star Is Born: Judy Garland and the Film That Got Away (2018)
See also
In Spanish: Lorna Luft para niños
