Sammy Gonzales hails from Northern New Mexico, and once thought of becoming a forensic doctor. He was 19 and working at a funeral home, doing the hair and make-up for the newly departed. 

Amid the crushed velvet and formaldehyde, he came to the conclusion that he was destined for show business instead.

His life in the business expanded as he traveled with Debbie Reynolds, doing her hair and catering to her every whim. He was her stylist for These Old Broads, as well as for her appearances on Will and Grace. He had the distinct pleasure of accompanying her to the Oscars, Emmys and to Europe.

But, his heart belongs to Liza. When he steps on the La Cage stage, the effect is uncanny. He studied every move, every gesture of Minnelli and has perfected every nuance, every twitch of her nose or lift of her eyebrow.

Old habits die hard, though, and Sammy is still so much in demand for his beauty-making talents that he works days at his first trade--although now all his customers are alive and well.

Sammy Gonzales: Liza Minnelli