Christopher Walken took a trip down memory lane during a recent interview with Andy Cohen at SiriusXM’s Town Hall. The legendary actor recounted attending Liza Minnelli’s Sweet 16 birthday party in 1962, where he had the extraordinary opportunity to meet her mother, Judy Garland.
At the time, Walken and Minnelli were fresh off their Off-Broadway musical Best Foot Forward, where they first connected as upcoming entertainers. Walken, who was 19 at the time, recalled how Minnelli’s talent was already evident at 16. He described the celebration hosted by Garland as a significant moment in his early years that left a lasting impression.
Christopher Walken says Judy Garland was ‘good-looking’
Walken acknowledged how gorgeous Garland looked at the party, adding that she was also a talented dancer. Most fans will agree as she remains one of Hollywood’s brightest stars thanks to her powerful voice and mesmerizing screen presence.
As Minnelli turned 16, Garland was already a household name and was beloved for her timeless performances in films like Meet Me in St. Louis and Easter Parade. Sadly, she died less than a decade later from an accidental barbiturate overdose at 47.
Liza Minnelli praised Christopher Walken for being a true musical actor
In an interview from 2014, Minnelli spoke warmly about Walken’s natural gift for musical performances. She remarked that his passion for dancing also shines through whenever he gets the chance to perform on screen. Minnelli herself is no rookie when it comes to stage performances, and she had multiple accolades, including her non-competitive EGOT status, to prove it.
Walken has often credited musical theater as the foundation of his career, explaining that it shaped his journey as an actor. His versatility is evident in projects where he showcased his singing and dancing skills, including Pennies from Heaven, Romance & Cigarettes, and Hairspray.