Episode 120 - Hollywood, Broadway, and Beyond: A Deep Dive with Lorna Luft
In Part Two of her illuminating conversation with Hollywood Obsessed host Tony Miros, the fabulous Lorna Luft returns with more unforgettable stories from her life on stage and screen. Best known for her roles in “Grease 2” and “Where the Boys Are”, Lorna shares how her iconic Pink Lady jacket was taken by the studio after filming—but eventually found its way back to her. She reflects on playing Paulette, a high schooler who idolized Marilyn Monroe, and recalls a real-life childhood encounter with Monroe herself. She also opens up about a painful on-set experience when her hair was bleached for the role, damaging her scalp and causing her hair to fall out.
Lorna lovingly recounts her relationship with director and choreographer Pat Birch, whose legacy spans “Grease 2”, Broadway, and film. Birch has become like family to her—most recently teaching Lorna’s granddaughter the Hand Jive for a school performance. Lorna also talks about her lasting friendship with co-star Adrian Zmed and the deep bond the “Grease 2” cast still shares. Though the film initially struggled at the box office, she marvels at how it’s become a cult favorite and is proud to be part of something that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
The conversation also delves into her time filming “Where the Boys Are”, a chaotic but memorable shoot in Fort Lauderdale. Lorna fondly recalls her co-stars, the ever-changing script, and a laugh-out-loud story about the film’s misleading poster. She was eight months pregnant at the premiere, having rapidly lost weight for the role—a choice she now sees as unhealthy. Highlights from that period include constant laughter with actor Howard McGillin and recording a disco version of the title song with the Village People, which delighted songwriter Neil Sedaka.
Lorna reflects on the electric energy of Studio 54 and the freedom it offered in the pre-AIDS era, calling it a magical and innocent time. She also shares her complicated friendship with producer Allan Carr, praising his creative vision while acknowledging their falling-out over the infamous Snow White Oscars number. Wrapping up, she talks about her bestselling memoir “Me and My Shadows”, her battle with breast cancer, and her ongoing evolution as a performer. After a recent show at 54 Below with Broadway’s Andrea McArdle, she’s eager to do more—forever fueled by her passion for performing and her love for connecting with audiences.
Lorna Luft Official Website - http://www.lornaluftonline.com/
TICKETS - Cabaret:An Evening with Lorna Luft on May 25 at 7 pm - https://theeldredpreserve.com/entertainment/cabaret-an-evening-with-lorna-luft/
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Actress / Singer / Author / Producer
Lorna Luft
LORNA LUFT’s upbringing could hardly have been more star-struck. Born to the legendary Judy Garland and her film producer husband Sid Luft, Lorna had the entertainment business in her blood. And as if to confirm her status as showbiz royalty, the new baby girl’s godfather was one Francis Albert Sinatra.
She made her debut in the industry at the age of 11, singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in the 1963 Christmas edition of her mother’s television show. That episode also featured Lorna’s siblings, Liza Minnelli and Joey Luft, and by the following summer she was appearing in the family’s concert tour. Culminating in a month-long residence at New York’s Palace Theatre, it was the last time the 14-year-old Lorna would star on stage with her mother.
Lorna made her Broadway debut four years later in the show “Promises, Promises” written by Neil Simon, a musical version of the film classic The Apartment that was best known for the song “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” She returned to the stage in 1981 for an American tour of “They’re Playing Our Song” and made her big-screen debut in “Grease 2 “alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, the following year. By 1983 she was back on the New York stage, starring as Peppermint Patty in a production of “Snoopy: The Musical”. But it was not all light-hearted singing and dancing, as she also appeared opposite Farrah Fawcett in the tough drama “Extremities”.
Television guest appearances followed throughout the 80s, including a featured role in “Trapper John, M.D.,” before she returned to her stage root… Read More
