'Weak' Minnelli Released From Hospital

October 30, 2000 -- Oscar-winning actress Liza Minnelli is expected to be released from a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., hospital today, following extensive treatment for a potentially deadly disease.

Minnelli, 54, was rushed to a Fort Lauderdale hospital on Oct. 19, just three days after she had spent eight days in the intensive care unit allegedly receiving treatment for back and hip problems. Minnelli's doctor confirmed Oct. 23 that he had been treating her for viral encephalitis, a serious disease that can cause seizures, paralysis, and inflammation of the brain.

Cleveland Clinic Hospital's spokeswoman confirmed to Mr. Showbiz that Minnelli would be discharged at 3 p.m.

Minnelli's publicist, Michael Hartman, told The Associated Press that the performer is "still a little weak but feeling well enough to go home." He added, "She will spend the next few months recovering from home with attendants."

The actress-singer's estranged half-sister, Lorna Luft, is said to be waiting to help escort her home from the hospital.

On Oct. 8, paramedics were called after a chauffeur and a bodyguard discovered the actress suffering from what looked to be a possible stroke. Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Division Chief Stephen McInerny said the actress appeared to have paralysis on one side of her body, slurred speech, and drooping facial muscles — all conditions that can be caused by encephalitis.

Details on how Minnelli contracted the disease, which is primarily spread by mosquitoes carrying the virus, were not released. But Dr. Jim Cresanta of the Broward County Health Department Disease Prevention Unit told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that other causes can include viral infections such as herpes, measles, and chicken pox.

Minnelli, the daughter of late Hollywood legend Judy Garland and film director Vincente Minnelli, rose to fame in 1972, when she won the Best Actress Oscar for the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway hit Cabaret.