Liza Minnelli's Memoir Exposes Wedding Kiss That Doomed Marriage to David Gest
In an exclusive revelation from her newly released memoir, legendary entertainer Liza Minnelli has disclosed that a single, horrifying kiss from David Gest on their wedding day convinced her their marriage was doomed from the start. The book, published to coincide with her 80th birthday, offers a candid and often startling look into her tumultuous love life, career highs, and personal struggles.
A Shark-Like Kiss That Signaled Disaster
Minnelli describes the moment David Gest French kissed her for the cameras during their 2002 wedding ceremony as grotesque and degrading. She recalls being bent over in his arms, enduring what felt like an eternity of an "appalling kiss" that was flashed around the world. "That kiss went on forever," she writes. "I was shocked and felt degraded. This marriage was over before it even began." She likens the experience to "a shark mangling a piece of meat," noting that Gest kissed her too soon, forcing her to suffer through two prolonged kisses. This display, she asserts, was a limp and grotesque attempt at masculinity that left her feeling betrayed and humiliated.
Reflecting on the sixteen-month marriage, Minnelli expresses bewilderment at her own decisions, asking, "What in god's name was I thinking?" She contrasts this union with her earlier marriages, where genuine love endured post-divorce, describing the split from Gest as nasty and brutal. The celebrity-filled wedding, which featured Michael Jackson as best man and guests like Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor, now stands as a bizarre footnote in her storied life.
Defying Critics and Embracing Age
Despite public perceptions of frailty, particularly after her 2022 Oscar appearance in a wheelchair, Minnelli insists she is "very much alive and kicking." She attributes that night's issues to last-minute changes and emphasizes her current vitality, engaging in light dance rehearsals and weekly physical therapy with her choreographer, BP Major. "After eight decades in the spotlight, I can honestly say I have found sweet peace," she declares, adding that while her Fosse kicks may not be as high, she feels like the same old Liza.
Minnelli also addresses concerns about her health and appearance, revealing that she has slimmed down and feels great in her clothes, yet faces criticism regardless. "You just can't win!" she exclaims, embracing her age as a blessing. "I've made my peace with Liza 2026. I've come to accept a new reality at this stage of my life." She continues to lead a busy life, participating in fundraisers, a documentary about her career, and exploring new acting and recording projects.
Overcoming Addiction and Personal Turmoil
The memoir delves into darker chapters, including Minnelli's struggles with addiction, which began after her mother Judy Garland's death. Prescribed valium for grief, she developed a full-blown addiction, inheriting a burden she could have done without. By 2015, facing financial debts and substance abuse issues reminiscent of her mother's later years, she entered rehab in Malibu with a renewed commitment. "This time it was for real," she writes, celebrating eleven years of sobriety. She credits her doctor, Dr. Lawrence D. Piro, and her healthcare team for helping her cut down on medication and achieve a healthier life.
Other personal revelations include the heartbreaking discovery of her first husband Peter Allen in bed with another man, which left her feeling fragile and afraid, though they remained married for seven more years. Minnelli's career accolades, including an Academy Award for Cabaret, four Tony Awards, and a Grammy Legend Award, underscore her resilience amidst personal challenges.
A Show Woman's Final Curtain Call
Ever the performer, Minnelli concludes her memoir with a playful nod to her iconic role, writing, "I'll see you at the Cabaret, old chum. All my love, Liza." The book, titled *Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!*, offers an unfiltered glimpse into the life of a showbiz icon who has weathered storms and emerged with hard-won wisdom and peace.
