5 Reasons To Celebrate Liza Minnelli On Her 70th Birthday

The daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli turns 70 on March 12 and we want to celebrate right alongside her! There is just so much to love and admire about Liza. Here's a short list:

1. She's truly a legend.

There probably isn't a house big enough for all her awards, which include an Academy Award for Best Actress (1972, Cabaret), two Golden Globes, two Tony Awards, one Emmy and a Grammy Legend Award, as well as many others. In 2002, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame.

When Liza sings, the windows in our hearts rattle.

2. There is "Cabaret" and then there is everything else.

3. She's extremely open about her frailties, hoping to help others.

Minnelli has spoken openly about her substance abuse problems.

4. She was a gay activist before we knew what to call them.

In a 2006 interview, Minnelli said that she was the person who told Elizabeth Taylor about HIV/AIDS while talking about their mutual friend, Rock Hudson. She has dedicated a great deal of her time and money to amFar (the Foundation for AIDS Research,) which was co-founded by Taylor. In 1994, she recorded Kander and Ebb's "The Day After That" and donated the proceeds to AIDS research -- and then performed the song in front of thousands in Central Park at the 25th anniversary of Stonewall.

5. She's got a sense of humor.

As witnessed by her much talked about cameo appearance in Sex and the City 2 (2010) singing "Single Ladies." She's a larger than life icon!