Forthcoming project will focus on actor’s substance use disorder battle: “It is now time to remove shame and stigma,” star says
Liza Minnelli‘s upcoming memoir has been optioned, which Minnelli approved to help end the stigma around substance use disorder. On Tuesday, Magnolia Hill Productions announced that it had optioned the forthcoming book — which details the star’s battle with substance abuse — through Warner Bros. Television.
“I can’t wait to share my story with the world,” Minnelli told Deadline. “My belief was always, ‘Tell it when I’m gone!’ SUD [Substance Use Disorder] isn’t about willpower or strength. It is about the wiring of our brains.”
“It is about how genetics impact our lives and the lives of those we love, and it is now time to remove shame and stigma,” she added. “I’m grateful to experience longevity by working on recovery every day of my life.”
The book, and working television series, will focus on Minnelli’s triumphs and struggles in Hollywood, along with the substance use issues she faced throughout her life. Minnelli told Deadline that she “would not trust this story with anyone” except Sam Haskell of Magnolia Hills Production to lead the project.
“I am beyond excited to work with Sam Haskell of Magnolia Hill Productions and Warner Bros. Television on bringing my story to life in this special way,” Minnelli said. “Sam has been a dear friend and an invaluable part of my professional life, and I couldn’t think of a more fitting collaborator for this incredibly personal project.”
Investigative journalists Josh Getlin and Heidi Evans collaborated on the Minnelli autobiography, building on interviews with her creative partner Michael Feinstein. It’s set to release through Grand Central Publishing in Spring 2026.
“I wasn’t going to tell this story, until I realized, maybe I’m still alive because I have a responsibility to help people like me, whose brains are wired differently,” Minnelli told People over email. “I work on recovery every day. Let’s stop the shame.”
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