Minnelli's mother, Hollywood legend Judy Garland

Liza Minnelli is one of the few performers to hold the so-called triple crown of show business winning an Academy Award, three Tonys and an Emmy.

But she's had a roller-coaster life, battling career and health ups and downs.

In 1984, her 20-year addiction to alcohol, Valium - which had originally been prescribed for recurrent back problems - and what she called "party drugs" began to take their toll.

She checked herself into the Betty Ford Clinic in California for detoxification, counselling and rehabilitation.

In 1997 she completed a troubled run in the Broadway adaptation of Blake Edwards's film, Victor/Victoria.

There's also something of a rift between Minnelli and her sister, Lorna Luft.

Last Sunday an all-star tribute to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of their mother, Judy Garland, was held at the London Palladium. Luft was there - Minnelli didn't attend.