My Liza memories began when I met my dear friend Bryant Duffy who at that time looked like Liza. Bryant had the classic Liza haircut: short and dark with points!! Bryant also had the bone structure of a younger, more fit Liza (before her days at Promises!!). Bryant's nickname instantly became Liza as he is a bit of a diva himself and a veteran of the stage!! Bryant also has the same problem that Liza has had for years (not the drugs & booze!). People like to call him Bryan with an N not Bryant with a T! Cuz Bryan with an N goes nnnn not tttt!!! Coincidence or what???
My next very fond memory of Liza was her hilarious role on Arrested Development, Lucille 2. Lucille 2 was frenemies with Lucille Bluth and started dating Lucille's son Buster after meeting him at the Daytime Desi Awards. Buster forgot to wear his glasses that fateful day and only knew Lucille 2 as a "brownish area...with points!" As Buster's mother Lucille stated, "he doesn't even know what she looks like!" Oh, and Lucille 2 also had severe vertigo! Liza was fabulous in this role and stated on Inside the Actors Studio that she even did her own stunts!
Liza's next big appearance was at the 2008 Tony Awards where she won a Tony for her special concert Liza's at the Palace. Liza came out during the opening medley singing with her signature vibrato (described by one onlooker as the car that wouldn't turn over!). Liza stayed on stage for the finale sharing the space with the cast from Hair!! Doubly fabulous!!
Liza launched a clothing line on HSN called of course, the Liza Collection!! Liza was interviewed about the collection and she stated that "clothes are our dance partners in life." As she dangles a pair of her black jazz pants Liza says, "Wanna dance?" The line includes jewelry, scarves, and various fashion pieces such as her sequins cami & jacket combo and her silk blouse with side tie. Liza's HSN appearance is classic Liza as she instructs the models how to pose and work the clothes. It's all available on Youtube for your viewing pleasure, but do remember that "fashion is passion!"
Liza made a fantastic appearance on Kathy Griffin's D List show. Liza provided acting coaching for Kathy's guest spot on Law & Order: SVU. As Liza states, "It's not the how, but the why." Liza gives Kathy her infectious & loud laugh and gets caught smoking with no ashtray in sight! In the end, Liza is a true professional and helps Kathy get prepared. Liza has also done some crazy interviews on Oprah, Larry King, and Joy Behar just to name a few. She delivers humor on her life as only Liza can do!!
So as you can see, my love affair with Liza has lasted for many years. Liza has proven to be a survivor as life throws it's punches! She has had both a hip replacement & knee surgery, but still dances! She survived growing up with the roller coaster life that was Judy Garland. She even survived that ridiculous wedding to David Guest! I can't wait until October 29th when Bryant and I will go see Liza in concert! Here's to you Liza with a Z!!!!
