Judy Garland is remembered as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, with a career spanning decades and a legacy that continues to influence entertainment today. Beyond her achievements on screen and stage, Judy’s personal life, particularly her children, offers a fascinating glimpse into how her legacy extended into her family. Her three children—Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft—each carry a unique story of life in the shadow of an extraordinary mother.

A Star Mother and Her Family

Judy Garland was born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Standing at 4 feet 11 inches (1.51 m), she rose to fame with her unforgettable role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Despite her fame, her personal life was often tumultuous, including financial struggles and five marriages. From these marriages came her three children, each with a different father: Liza Minnelli with Vincente Minnelli, and Lorna and Joey Luft with Sidney Luft.

The children grew up amid Hollywood glamour and personal challenges, navigating a world of fame, scrutiny, and high expectations. Yet each of them carved a path that reflects their mother’s influence in unique ways.

Liza Minnelli: The Star Daughter

Liza May Minnelli, born March 12, 1946, in Hollywood, California, is perhaps the most well-known of Judy Garland’s children. She was just two years old when her parents divorced, but the connection to her mother remained strong. Liza followed in Judy’s footsteps, becoming an acclaimed actress and singer. She is 79 years old as of 2025 and has had a career marked by legendary performances on stage and screen, including her Oscar-winning role in Cabaret.

Physically, Liza inherited her mother’s expressive features and petite frame, standing around 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 m). Over the years, she has maintained a strong public presence and remains active on social media, connecting with fans and sharing glimpses of her life. With an estimated net worth of around $50 million, Liza has not only honored her mother’s legacy but also established her own in the world of entertainment. Despite her fame, she does not have children of her own but has numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Lorna Luft: The Performer and Author

Born on November 21, 1952, Lorna Luft is Judy Garland’s second daughter. She grew up in Santa Monica, California, experiencing both the glamour and challenges of being part of a legendary family. Lorna pursued a career in performance, much like her mother and sister, with notable roles in theater, television, and music. She is also an accomplished author, sharing intimate stories of her mother in her memoir Me and My Shadows.

Now 72 years old, Lorna has two children and continues to maintain a public presence, often appearing at events celebrating her mother’s life and legacy. Her physical appearance, including her tall stature and strong stage presence, reflects her confidence and dedication to her craft. Lorna has managed to build a career that honors Judy Garland while also establishing her own identity, balancing family life and professional pursuits.

Joey Luft: The Private Son

Joey Luft, born March 29, 1955, is Judy Garland’s only son. He has chosen a more private life compared to his sisters but has occasionally stepped into the public eye to honor his mother’s memory. Growing up in a household shaped by fame, Joey navigated both the privileges and pressures of being Judy Garland’s son.

Now around 70 years old, Joey has focused on preserving his mother’s legacy rather than pursuing a high-profile career. His contributions to keeping Judy Garland’s history alive, though quieter, are no less significant. Unlike Liza and Lorna, Joey maintains a more private lifestyle, limiting his social media presence and public appearances, which allows him to live a life outside the constant spotlight.

Childhood in the Spotlight

The lives of Judy Garland’s children were marked by early exposure to fame. They witnessed both the highs of Hollywood success and the struggles of a mother battling personal challenges, including addiction and financial instability. This environment shaped their perspectives on life, career, and family.

Despite the difficulties, each child developed resilience and creativity. Liza embraced the spotlight fully, carving a path in entertainment. Lorna balanced performance with writing and family, while Joey opted for a quieter path, showing that the impact of a famous parent can lead to different life choices.

Carrying the Garland Legacy

Judy Garland’s influence on her children is undeniable. Liza Minnelli has become an icon in her own right, carrying forward her mother’s musical and acting prowess. Lorna Luft contributes through performances and writings that preserve her mother’s story for new generations. Joey Luft, though less public, plays a crucial role in maintaining family history and supporting projects related to Judy’s legacy.

Their collective contributions ensure that Judy Garland’s influence endures, not just through her films and performances but through her children’s dedication to storytelling, performance, and remembrance.

Family and Personal Lives Today

Today, the Garland family continues to reflect the impact of Judy’s life and career. Liza Minnelli remains a celebrated performer, actively engaging with fans and sharing her experiences. Lorna Luft participates in tributes, writes, and performs to honor her mother. Joey Luft, though private, participates selectively in events and interviews that celebrate Judy Garland.

The family’s net worth collectively reflects decades of performance and careful management of Judy Garland’s legacy. Liza, for instance, has an estimated net worth of $50 million, while Lorna has also achieved financial stability through her career. Joey’s contributions, though less financially visible, emphasize cultural and historical preservation.

Physical Appearance and Public Persona

The children have inherited physical traits from Judy Garland. Liza, with her expressive eyes and petite frame, often reminds fans of her mother. Lorna exhibits her mother’s confidence and stage presence, while Joey shares subtler resemblances that reflect the family’s lineage. Together, they offer a living connection to Judy Garland’s enduring charm and artistry.

Social Media and Public Engagement

Liza Minnelli actively uses social media to share personal moments, celebrate anniversaries, and honor her mother’s legacy. Lorna Luft also engages with the public, attending events and participating in interviews that highlight Judy Garland’s life. Joey Luft maintains a low profile, preferring private engagements and personal reflection. These differences in public engagement demonstrate how each child interprets and honors their heritage in unique ways.

Conclusion

Judy Garland’s children—Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft—offer a remarkable story of family, resilience, and legacy. Each has navigated the complexities of growing up with a legendary parent, balancing personal identity with public expectation. Liza shines as an entertainment icon, Lorna preserves history through performance and writing, and Joey maintains the family’s private legacy. Together, they continue to honor Judy Garland’s memory, ensuring that her influence remains vivid for generations to come.

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Through their lives, we see the profound impact of a mother’s artistry and the diverse ways children interpret and carry forward a legendary legacy. Their stories are a testament to strength, creativity, and the enduring power of family.