Pia Zadora: A Lifetime Of Stardom And Unforgettable Moments

At the tender age of 7, Pia Zadora made her stage debut alongside the iconic actress Tallulah Bankhead in a touring production of Midgie Purvis. Reflecting on that experience, Pia, now 69, shares a memorable story with Closer. “We were in her dressing room, and there’s this bottle [of bourbon],” she recalls with a laugh. “She says, ‘Try it. See how it feels.’ And I’ve been drinking ever since!” It’s moments like these that have shaped her colorful career and unforgettable personality.

Pia’s journey in the entertainment world hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Her adult career took a dramatic turn when she won a Golden Globe as New Star of the Year and simultaneously received a Razzie for Worst New Star for her performance in 1981’s Butterfly. But let’s be honest—Pia’s not one to let critics get the best of her. She embraced her role as a vivacious performer, delivering hilarious moments in iconic comedies like Hairspray and Naked Gun 33 1/3. Beyond acting, she’s also found success as a nightclub sensation, even touring with legends like Jackie Mason and Frank Sinatra. Talk about a varied résumé!

Early Beginnings: How It All Started

So, Pia, how did you first break into the world of performing arts?

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“Well, my mom was this Polish Mama Rose type who wasn’t exactly thrilled with my dad. She wanted to make her mark in the world, so she used me as her ticket to stardom. To help me come out of my shell, she took me to a doctor who suggested I take children’s courses at the Academy of Dramatic Arts. That’s where Burgess Meredith discovered me and asked me to costar in a stage play with Tallulah Bankhead. Next thing I knew, I was on the road with one of the biggest names in theater. Crazy, right?”

A Night to Remember: Winning the Golden Globe

When you won the Golden Globe in 1982, it caught a lot of people off guard. What do you remember about that night?

“Let me tell you, I never expected to win. I didn’t even want to go to the ceremony because I was up against heavyweights like Kathleen Turner and Elizabeth McGovern. But here I am, and Timothy Hutton hands me the award. Nobody knew who I was—it was chaos! I remember Sally Field looking like someone had just thrown a bomb in her face. It was wild, but hey, I took it in stride.”

Working with Legends: Orson Welles and Beyond

One of your co-stars in Butterfly was the legendary Orson Welles. What was he like behind the scenes?

“Oh, Orson was a character, no doubt about it. He’d ask me to remind him to water his marijuana plants, and then he’d spill his vodka all over the place. He had this larger-than-life personality that you couldn’t help but admire, even if it was a little chaotic.”

The Controversy of Pickfair: A House Full of Memories

In 1988, you and your late husband bought Pickfair, the historic estate once owned by Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. Critics weren’t exactly thrilled when you demolished it to build a new house. Any regrets?

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“Listen, I never wanted Pickfair. My husband, Meshulam Riklis, wanted to leave me this grand legacy, but my kids—Kady, a singer, and Kristofer, a lawyer—swore there were ghosts. And let’s not forget the termites! I wouldn’t tent it because I didn’t want the chemicals around. So someone suggested tearing it down. It was my house, and frankly, I don’t care what people think. But honestly, it never felt like home. Too much marble, too many Picassos. [Giggles]”

Close Friends and Lifelong Bonds

Is it true that you and comedian Joan Rivers were very close?

“Joan was my best friend—such a sweet and funny woman. I’d appear on her show, and I was opening for her at Caesars Palace the night her husband, Edgar Rosenberg, tragically took his own life. Everything just froze. I don’t know how she managed to hold it together. She went through with the show and completely fell apart afterward. It felt like she suspected something was wrong. I miss her so much.”

Touring with Sinatra: A Career Highlight

How did you end up touring with Frank Sinatra?

“Frank came to see Jackie Mason in Miami, and I was his opening act. After the show, I got a dozen roses with a note that read, ‘You knocked ’em dead. From the guy with the blue eyes.’ Later, when Liza Minnelli got sick, Frank’s team invited me to step in. That was the beginning of another incredible chapter in my career. Frank was a tough guy, but he had a big heart.”

A Unique Friendship: Pia and Meshulam

You and your ex-husband, Meshulam, divorced in 1993 but remained close friends until his passing. What was that relationship like?

“Meshulam was a special person. He spoke at both of my next weddings and even called my current husband, Michael, his ‘husband-in-law.’ When our house flooded, he invited us to move back to Pickfair and gave us the master bedroom during our construction. He’d always say I was the only one he ever truly loved. When he passed away, he left me an elaborate diamond-studded key to Pickfair as a keepsake. It meant a lot to me.”

Love at First Call: Meeting Michael

Is it true that you met your current husband, Michael, a police detective, after reporting a stalking incident?

“Absolutely. I called the police, and we ended up talking on the phone for two years before we even met in person. When we finally did meet, it was like we’d known each other forever. The funny thing is, when he first read my police report, he thought, ‘Some idiot named their kid “Pia Zadora.”’ But here we are, soulmates.”

Staying Vibrant: Pia’s Secret

You’re still as perky and vibrant as ever. What’s your secret?

“It’s just who I am. I have less pressure now and can finally relax and take care of myself. Life’s about balance, and I’ve found mine.”

Fans Still Recognize Her

Do you still get recognized by fans?

“Oh, absolutely. Recently, I was at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, and I wasn’t in the mood to be recognized. A guy approached me and said, ‘Aren’t you Pia Zadora?’ I joked, ‘Are you kidding? I hate her!’ He bolted so fast. [Laughs]”

Words of Wisdom: Advice for Her Younger Self

If you could go back in time and tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

“I’d tell her, ‘Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be OK. Just keep learning and growing. Focus on the good stuff and don’t take life too seriously.’ It’s advice I try to live by every day.”

Exciting Plans Ahead

You have some upcoming appearances. What can fans expect?

“I’m thrilled to be performing at the Hollywood Show on October 6 and 7, and on November 6, I’ll be doing a cabaret in Palm Springs. [Tickets available at oscarspalmsprings.com.] I’ll be doing a Q&A, showing some clips, and singing a few songs. And if all goes well, my drag queen friend, who does an amazing Liza Minnelli, might join me. It’s going to be a blast to get back on stage and reconnect with everyone.”