Judy Garland

Biography

Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was an American actress and singer who became one of the most beloved performers in history. She was the youngest of three daughters of vaudevillian parents, Frank and Ethel Gumm, who operated a movie theater that featured vaudeville acts. Garland made her stage debut at the age of two, joining her older sisters to sing "Jingle Bells." The family later moved to California in 1926. By 1934, Frances adopted the name "Judy Garland."

Career Beginnings and Stardom

In 1935, at the age of 13, Garland signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). After several smaller roles, her breakthrough came with the role of Dorothy Gale in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), which earned her an Academy Juvenile Award. The song "Over the Rainbow" from the film became her signature song. Her career at MGM flourished with a series of successful musicals, many co-starring Mickey Rooney, such as "Babes in Arms" (1939) and "Girl Crazy" (1943). Other major films from this period include "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944), "The Harvey Girls" (1946), and "Easter Parade" (1948).

Post-MGM Career

After leaving MGM in 1950, Garland achieved renewed success with a series of critically acclaimed concert appearances. Her 1961 live album, "Judy at Carnegie Hall," won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. She returned to film with a powerful dramatic performance in "A Star Is Born" (1954), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She received another Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Judgment at Nuremberg" (1961). She also starred in her own television series, "The Judy Garland Show," from 1963 to 1964.

Personal Life and Struggles

Garland's life was marked by personal struggles, including a lifelong battle with drug addiction that began in her teenage years at MGM, where she was given amphetamines and barbiturates to keep up with demanding filming schedules. She was married five times and had three children: Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft. Her marriages were often tumultuous, and she faced significant financial difficulties throughout her life. Garland's struggles with mental health and substance abuse were widely publicized.

Later Years and Legacy

In her later years, Garland's health declined, but she continued to perform. She died in London on June 22, 1969, at the age of 47 from an accidental barbiturate overdose. Despite her personal challenges, Judy Garland's talent and emotional performances have left a lasting legacy. She is remembered for her powerful contralto voice and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. The American Film Institute ranked her eighth among the greatest female screen legends of classic Hollywood cinema. She remains a beloved cultural icon, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.