The Wizard of Oz Star

Judy Garland | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 04, 2025

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Who is Judy Garland?

Judy Garland was a renowned American actress and singer, born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Known for her remarkable talent and ability to connect with audiences, Garland began her career in show business at a young age as part of a vaudeville act with her sisters. She signed a film contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) at just 13 years old, quickly gaining fame for her iconic role as Dorothy in the 1939 classic film, "The Wizard of Oz". Despite her public success, Garland's personal life was fraught with challenges, including struggles with her family relationships and substance abuse.

Garland faced tremendous pressure from the film industry, which contributed to her ongoing battles with addiction and mental health. Throughout her career, she became known not only for her enchanting voice but also for the emotional depth she brought to her performances. Her struggles often mirrored the roles she portrayed on screen, embodying a persistent search for happiness. Garland was married five times and had three children, including acclaimed actress Liza Minnelli. Despite her tragic end at the age of 47 due to an accidental overdose, Judy Garland's legacy endures through her timeless performances and the impact she had on entertainment.

Early Life and Education

Judy Garland was born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The youngest of three daughters, her upbringing was heavily influenced by her parents, who were both vaudeville performers. From a very young age, Garland demonstrated a passion for performing, making her theatrical debut at the tender age of two and a half. Her mother, Ethel, quickly recognized Garland's talent and ambitions, pushing her into the world of entertainment. This early introduction to show business provided Garland with a sense of belonging, something she craved during her turbulent childhood.

In 1926, the Gumm family relocated to California in hopes of advancing their careers. Garland and her sisters, who initially performed as the Gumm Sisters, found numerous opportunities in Hollywood. They became known as the Garland Sisters at the Chicago World's Fair in 1934, where she adopted the name Judy, shedding her childhood nickname. While the family sought to carve out successful careers in vaudeville and later film, young Judy faced the pressures of performance and the unforgiving expectations of the entertainment industry, setting the stage for her complicated relationship with fame and personal identity.

Career Breakthrough with MGM

Judy Garland's career breakthrough came at the tender age of 13 when she signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of the most powerful studios of the time. Despite her youth, Garland immediately became a recognizable figure in Hollywood. Her early films included “Pigskin Parade” (1936) and the beloved “Andy Hardy” series, where she frequently starred alongside her friend Mickey Rooney. However, the pressure from MGM was relentless; the studio not only scrutinized her appearance but also controlled her weight and prescribed her amphetamines to maintain her energy levels. This demanding environment foreshadowed the turbulent career and life that followed.

Garland's most iconic role came in 1939 with "The Wizard of Oz," where she portrayed the iconic Dorothy Gale. This film not only showcased her extraordinary singing abilities but also solidified her status as a Hollywood star. Garland’s performance of “Over the Rainbow” captivated audiences, earning her a special Academy Award for her contribution to the film. While she enjoyed immense success, pressure from MGM continued unabated, and the difficulties she faced behind the scenes, including substance abuse issues instigated by the studio's demands, would haunt her throughout her career. As such, Judy Garland became a symbol of both talent and the darker side of fame in Hollywood.

Struggles with Fame and Addiction

Judy Garland, known for her incredible talent as both an actress and singer, faced overwhelming struggles with fame from a young age. After signing a contract with MGM at just 13 years old, she quickly became a household name, particularly with her iconic role in "The Wizard of Oz." However, the pressures of constant work, coupled with intense scrutiny over her appearance and weight, took a significant toll on her mental health. To cope with the demands of her career, Garland was often prescribed amphetamines to boost her energy and sleeping pills to rest, leading her down a perilous path of addiction that would haunt her throughout her life.

As Garland's fame soared, her personal life unraveled. The demanding studio schedules left little room for her emotional well-being, and the reliance on pills escalated into a destructive cycle of dependency. MGM's relentless pursuit of perfection and approval left Garland feeling isolated and misunderstood. Her tumultuous relationships, including five marriages, further complicated her struggles, leaving her in search of love and validation amidst the chaos of her fame. Tragically, the very industry that celebrated her talent ultimately contributed to her decline, culminating in an accidental overdose that claimed her life in 1969, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with fans and artists alike.

Marriages and Relationships

Judy Garland's tumultuous personal life was marked by five marriages, each reflecting her struggles with love and stability. Her first marriage was to bandleader David Rose when she was just 19 years old. This marriage ended quickly, paving the way for her next significant relationship with director Vincent Minnelli. They wed in 1945 and welcomed their only child, Liza, the following year. However, the pressures of Garland's career and her ongoing emotional turmoil led to their separation, which was finalized in 1952. Despite moments of happiness, Garland's relationships were often fraught with conflict and emotional distress.

Garland's third marriage was to producer Sid Luft in 1952, which initially bolstered her career but faced challenges due to her struggles with substance abuse. This marriage produced two more children, Lorna and Joey, but ultimately ended in a bitter divorce in 1965. Soon after, Garland married actor Mark Herron, but this union lasted only a few months. Her final marriage was to bandleader Mickey Deans in March 1969. Tragically, just months later, Garland passed away, leaving behind a complicated legacy of love, loss, and a quest for happiness amid a backdrop of instability.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Judy Garland's personal life was marked by a series of tumultuous marriages and relationships. At just 19, she married bandleader David Rose, but the union was short-lived, dissolving in 1945. Shortly thereafter, on the set of "Meet Me in St. Louis," Garland met director Vincent Minnelli. They married in 1945 and welcomed their only child, Liza, in 1946. However, the marriage to Minnelli also faced challenges, and they officially divorced in 1952. Garland's struggles with mental health and substance abuse compounded the difficulties in her relationships, leading to a reputation for being difficult and unstable.

Following her marriage to Minnelli, Garland married producer Sid Luft in 1952; they had two children together, Lorna and Joey. Though Luft played a critical role in reviving her career, the marriage was fraught with conflict, culminating in a messy divorce in 1965. Shortly after, Garland wed actor Mark Herron, but this union ended in less than a year. Her final marriage was to club manager Mickey Deans in 1969, shortly before her tragic death. Despite the chaos in her personal life, Garland's three children have carried on her legacy, with both Liza and Lorna pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.

Net Worth and Earning: Career Earnings

Judy Garland's career spanned several decades, during which she became one of the most iconic figures in entertainment. Her early work with MGM in the late 1930s, particularly her role as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz," solidified her status as a star and significantly increased her earning potential. Initially, her salary at MGM was modest, but as her popularity grew, so did her earnings from film contracts and various performances. By the 1950s, Garland's successful Broadway return and her acclaimed concert performances contributed to her income, marking a notable resurgence in her career after her initial struggles with the studio system.

Throughout her life, Garland's income sources diversified, including film, stage performances, and music albums. While her financial situation fluctuated due to personal issues, including tumultuous marriages and issues with substance abuse, she continued to generate revenue from her talent. After her passing in 1969, her estate continued to generate income through residuals from her films, music sales, and shows celebrating her legacy. Today, Judy Garland is remembered as a beloved star, with a lasting impact on the entertainment industry that continues to be felt, making her life and career an enduring source of fascination and inspiration.