Liza Meets Lipton

Host James Lipton of Bravo's "Inside the Actors Studio" sits down with Liza Minnelli for a special two-hour journey into her public career, personal struggles, and very private relationships - including intimate memories of her infamous mother Judy Garland. The announcement was made today by Frances Berwick, Senior Vice President, Programming and Production, Bravo. The episode airs Sunday, February 5, 2006 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

"We are proud to offer this engaging episode of 'Inside the Actors Studio' with Liza, which provides a fun alternative to the traditional Super Bowl Sunday programming," said Berwick.

The daughter of famous singer and actress Judy Garland and her second husband, Vincente Minnelli, Liza was born into the entertainment limelight and special scrutiny due to her mother's roller coaster tabloid life. In candid moments in her interview with James Lipton, Minnelli discusses her close relationship with her mother:

"It was a responsibility. I didn't become a kid until I was in my 30s. She would always say, 'What would I do without you?' But you know even when times were bad, at least I always felt like I was there for her. And she always made me feel like I could make things better for her."

Performing with her iconic mother:
"When I went on to that stage, I was with Judy Garland. My mother was no where in sight."

Overcoming a tough childhood:
"My mother taught me that you can rewrite memories. What the hell...you're the one who has to live with them! So rewrite them."

Although she first graced the silver screen as a bit part in her mother's movie "In the Good Old Summertime" when she was just three years old, she didn't break into the business as a force to be reckoned with until the age of 16 at her off-Broadway debut. From then on, musical theater would be her greatest passion. She received Tony Awards for her performances in "Flora the Red Menace" and "The Act," and received a Tony nomination for her role in "The Rink."

Not one to be satisfied with only conquering one aspect of the entertainment world, Minnelli also appeared regularly in film. She received her first Academy Award nomination for "The Sterile Cuckoo" in 1969, but solidified her place in film history with her lead role in the film/musical "Cabaret." Arguably her most recognized performance, her role as Sally Bowles won her the leading actress statuette at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards in 1972.

Minnelli's career has spanned decades, and garnered her critical acclaim and awards including Golden Globes, Oscars, Emmys and Grammys. Still a pivotal performer today, she most recently appeared as a series regular in the critically acclaimed sitcom "Arrested Development."

"Inside the Actors Studio," which is now seen in 125 countries, was launched in April 1994 with Academy Award-winning actor and longtime Actors Studio President, Paul Newman. Originally filmed at the Actors Studio Drama School at New School University, "Inside the Actors Studio" continues its 12th season at Pace University where major actors and directors will discuss their craft and share the secrets of their artistic achievements.

Bravo is a program service of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBC Universal one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Bravo has been a NBC Cable Network since December 2002 and was the first television service dedicated to film and the performing arts when it launched in December 1980. For more information visit www.bravotv.com.