She has not only faced various health challenges over the years but has bravely battled addiction. One eye-opening diagnosis came to light after a stage accident.
This daughter of a famous star first captured the public’s attention with her role in the iconic sequel, “Grease 2.” She’s faced numerous trials over the years, yet her passion for performing has never waned. Today, at 71, she embraces her roles as a mother, wife, and grandmother, embodying resilience both on and off the stage.
Adrian Zmed and the actress on the set of “Grease 2,” 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Following in the footsteps of her famous parents—actress and singer Judy Garland and film producer Sidney Luft—the celebrity embarked on a career as an actress and singer.
An undated photo of Judy Garland, the actress and Sidney Luft on the set of “A Star Is Born” | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her early days in show business, she recalled a cherished memory: her industry debut on “The Judy Garland Show” in 1963, at just 11 years old.
“Being able to sing with her [mother] and being able to watch her work as not just my mom” were treasured moments, according to her. Although many of her most beloved memories with her mother are private, the star finds joy in knowing that people still appreciate the show.
“A lot of people watch the show [at Christmas] and I think it’s lovely,” the child star said, adding, “I’m very, very grateful.” While her legacy added undeniable luster to her career, the journey into show business brought its own set of challenges.
Finding her identity amid her mother’s towering legacy was a struggle, and only in recent years has she felt a true sense of inner peace.
The actress and Judy Garland on “The Judy Garland Show” on January 24, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
She explained, “You’ve got to go through the journey. You gotta fall down. You gotta get up and you gotta march to the beat of your own drum. But you gotta find the drum first. Once you find it, then you’re OK.”
Her mother’s sudden passing in London on June 22, 1969, at just 47 years old, cast a long shadow over her life. Garland’s tragic death, attributed to an incautious over-dosage of barbiturates, occurred while her then 16-year-old daughter was thousands of miles away in California with her father.
(L-R) Liza Minnelli, the actress, and Joey Luft pictured at a reception on January 1, 1968 | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on this painful loss, she once said, “I’ve learned to cope with it over time, but I’m reminded every day that she’s gone.” Making peace with her mother’s legacy was a journey all its own.
“I couldn’t go into a library and check out a book called “How to be a Legend’s Child,” the star reflected. Striving to carve her own path, she often questioned, “Am I only ever going to get compared to my mom?”
The actress and Judy Garland during “Judy Garland Performance” on July 31, 1967, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“I was trying to make my own footsteps,” she shared, describing how she once “ran away” from a legacy that was “part fiction and part reality.”
Her journey included everything from singing backup for Blondie to raising her two children. By her 50s, she paused to reflect, asking herself, “What am I going to say to my children?”
The actress, Judy Garland, and Joey Luft photographed in palace dressing room on July 31, 1967 | Source: Getty Images
The Hollywood star’s journey has often been challenging. Despite a stint on “Trapper John, M.D.” and touring as a singer, her career never fully flourished.
In the ’70s, she fell into cocaine addiction, a struggle she shared with her first husband, Jake Hooker, whom she married in 1977.
They had two daughters, Jesse and Vanessa Hooker, before divorcing in 1993, years after she overcame her addiction with help from the Betty Ford Center.
Jake Hooker and the actress on their wedding day on February 14, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
In 1996, Lorna Luft found new stability in her marriage to music director Colin Freeman, feeling more in control of her life than ever before.
However, her journey took another challenging turn in 2012 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After completing chemotherapy in 2013, she faced a recurrence in 2015, which disrupted her tour.
Lorna Luft poses at The Olivier Awards on April 12, 2015, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Her highly-acclaimed UK production, “Judy – The Songbook of Judy Garland,” had to end early so she could return to the US for urgent treatment and surgery. Guided by her medical team, Lorna made the difficult choice to prioritize her health.
In 2018, her health battles took yet another unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. She was rushed to the hospital by her husband Colin after collapsing backstage during a sold-out show in London.
Lorna Luft visits SiriusXM Studios on December 11, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Her representative, Victoria Varela, later confirmed the diagnosis and shared that Colin had noticed signs of concern, including Lorna forgetting lyrics and parts of her monologue. This initial scare led to the discovery of a brain tumor.
Following her hospitalization, Lorna reassured fans on Instagram, sharing that she felt good each day. After her first performance since treatment aboard The Grand Princess, she expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “Everything with me is moving ahead, and I am getting stronger and better every day.”
Lorna’s enduring passion for performing remains as strong as ever. Recently, she shared her excitement on Instagram about her upcoming show. “In #March, I’m coming back to my home away from home at Crazy Coqs to “March Into Spring,” penned the singer.
In September 2024, Lorna also marked a special personal milestone on Instagram, celebrating her 28th wedding anniversary with Colin. She posted a throwback wedding photo, expressing, “I wish for everyone to have a love and a partner in their life, to be as happy together, as Colin and I are to this day.”
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Lorna’s joy in her family is clear, especially as a proud grandmother of four. In May 2021, she shared a photo with two of her grandkids, both beaming for the camera.
When another grandchild joined the family in March 2022, the proud grandmother expressed heartfelt excitement over her growing family.
Most recently, in October 2024, she celebrated her grandson Luke’s eighth birthday, sharing a warm tribute, “We cannot believe that you are four years old twice!!!!!! We love you to the moon and back!”
Through her unwavering determination and enduring love for both family and career, Lorna Luft continues to inspire with her strength and passion. As she faces each new chapter, she remains a cherished icon, sharing her life, talent, and heart with fans and loved ones alike.
