Vincente Minnelli

Vincente Minnelli ( ; born Lester Anthony Minnelli; February 28, 1903 – July 25, 1986) was an American stage director and film director. From a career spanning over half a century, he is best known for his sophisticated innovation and artistry in musical films. As of 2026, six of his films have been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. Born in Chicago, Minnelli made his stage debut as an actor in a production of East Lynne, staged by the Minnelli Brothers' Tent Theater (co-founded by his father and paternal uncle). After he graduated from high school, Minnelli began his theatrical career as a costume designer for the Balaban and Katz theater chain. In 1932,…