Judy Garland

Judy Garland (born Frances Ethel Gumm; June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969) was an American actress, singer, and dancer. Renowned for her versatility and emotional depth, Garland is considered one of the greatest performers in the history of entertainment. She achieved international stardom as an actress in both musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist, and on the concert stage.

Early Life

Judy Garland was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to vaudevillians Frank and Ethel Gumm. She was the youngest of three sisters, all of whom performed as the Gumm Sisters. Garland's early exposure to the entertainment industry came through her family's vaudeville acts, where she began performing at the age of two and a half.

Career

Breakthrough and MGM Years

Garland's breakthrough came when she signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1935. Her first notable film was Pigskin Parade (1936), but it was her role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939) that catapulted her to stardom. The film featured her signature song, "Over the Rainbow", which became an enduring classic.

During her years at MGM, Garland starred in a series of successful films, including Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), The Harvey Girls (1946), and Easter Parade (1948). Her performances were characterized by her powerful singing voice and her ability to convey deep emotion.

Later Career and Concert Performances

After leaving MGM in 1950, Garland faced personal and professional challenges but made a successful comeback with her concert performances. Her 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall is often cited as "the greatest night in show business history" and resulted in a Grammy-winning live album.

Garland also returned to film with A Star is Born (1954), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Despite ongoing struggles with health and personal issues, she continued to perform in concerts and television appearances throughout the 1960s.

Personal Life

Garland's personal life was marked by a series of marriages and struggles with addiction. She was married five times and had three children, including Liza Minnelli, who also became a renowned performer. Garland's battles with substance abuse and financial difficulties were well-documented, and she often spoke candidly about her challenges.

Death and Legacy

Judy Garland died of an accidental barbiturate overdose on June 22, 1969, in London, England. Her death was widely mourned, and she remains a beloved figure in popular culture. Garland's legacy endures through her films, recordings, and the influence she had on future generations of performers.

Also see

• The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)
• Liza Minnelli
• A Star is Born (1954 film)
• Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
• Over the Rainbow