Judy Garland

Judy Garland

The World's Greatest Entertainer

Judy Garland was an iconic American actress and singer. She began performing as a child in vaudeville with her sisters before achieving fame with MGM.

Garland's breakout role was Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), featuring her iconic performance of "Over the Rainbow." She became a beloved star through films like "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944) and "A Star Is Born" (1954).

Despite her immense talent, Garland faced personal struggles, including addiction and mental health issues. She married five times and had three children, including Liza Minnelli.

Related

Babes on Broadway - 1941

Judy Garland (1922 – 1969)

Biography, Career and all her Movies

Early Life:

Frances Ethel Gumm, known to the world as Judy Garland, was born on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. She was the youngest daughter of Ethel Marion and Francis Avent Gumm, who were both vaudevillians. Judy began her career at a very young age, performing with her sisters in a vaudeville act called "The Gumm Sisters." In 1934, the family moved to California to pursue more opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Career Beginnings:

Garland's break came when she signed a contract with MGM at the age of 13. Studio executives changed her name from Frances Gumm to Judy Garland, a decision made to create a more appealing stage name. Her early career involved numerous small roles in movies and radio performances, but her breakthrough came with the role of Dorothy Gale in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). The film was a massive success, and her performance of "Over the Rainbow" became iconic.

Rise to Stardom:

Following "The Wizard of Oz," Garland became one of MGM's most bankable stars. She starred in a string of successful musicals throughout the 1940s, including "Babes in Arms" (1939), "Strike Up the Band" (1940), "Ziegfeld Girl" (1941), and "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944), where she performed the beloved song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

Personal Struggles:

Despite her professional success, Garland's personal life was fraught with difficulties. She was subjected to extreme pressure from the studio, which led to a dependency on prescription medications to maintain her weight and energy levels. Her struggles with addiction and mental health issues were well-documented and often exacerbated by her tumultuous personal relationships.

Later Career:

In the 1950s, Garland's career faced setbacks due to her erratic behavior and health issues, leading to her departure from MGM. However, she made a significant comeback with the 1954 musical "A Star Is Born," earning an Academy Award nomination for her performance. Throughout the 1960s, she focused on concert performances, becoming a celebrated live performer with acclaimed shows at venues like Carnegie Hall.

Marriages and Children:

Garland was married five times. Her first marriage to composer David Rose ended in divorce, as did her second marriage to director Vincente Minnelli, with whom she had her daughter, Liza Minnelli. She had two more children, Lorna and Joey Luft, with her third husband, producer Sidney Luft. Her marriages to actor Mark Herron and musician Mickey Deans were also marked by instability.

Death:

Judy Garland passed away on June 22, 1969, at the age of 47 from an accidental overdose of barbiturates. Her death marked the end of an era for the golden age of Hollywood musicals. She was initially buried in Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York, but her remains were moved to Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles in 2017.

Legacy:

Judy Garland's legacy endures through her extensive body of work, her memorable performances, and her influence on future generations of performers. She remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, remembered for her extraordinary talent and her indomitable spirit despite the challenges she faced.

The Tragic Life of Judy Garland:

The Unforgettable Talent of Judy Garland:

Judy Garland's acting style was distinctive and multi-faceted, marked by her exceptional talent, emotional depth, and versatile performances.

Emotional Authenticity

Judy Garland was renowned for her ability to convey deep, genuine emotion. Her performances were marked by an authenticity that resonated with audiences, whether she was portraying joy, sorrow, love, or despair. This emotional honesty made her characters relatable and compelling, allowing viewers to connect with her on a personal level.

Versatility

Garland's acting style showcased her incredible versatility. She effortlessly transitioned between genres, from musicals and comedies to dramas. This adaptability allowed her to play a wide range of characters, from the innocent and hopeful Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" to the troubled and complex Vicki Lester in "A Star Is Born."

Musicality

As one of the greatest musical talents of her time, Garland's singing ability was seamlessly integrated into her acting. Her musical performances were not just about showcasing her vocal skills but also about advancing the narrative and deepening the emotional impact of the story. Songs like "Over the Rainbow" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" were delivered with such depth and feeling that they became defining moments in her films.

Expressive Face and Body Language

Garland had a highly expressive face, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions with subtlety and nuance. Her large, expressive eyes were particularly effective in communicating vulnerability, hope, and longing. In addition to her facial expressions, her body language was dynamic and often mirrored the emotional journey of her characters, adding an extra layer of depth to her performances.

Timing and Comedy

Garland had excellent comedic timing, which was evident in her roles in films like "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "The Harvey Girls." She could deliver a punchline with perfect timing and physical comedy with natural ease. Her ability to switch from comedy to drama within the same performance made her a standout in the industry.

Naturalism

Despite the often fantastical settings of her films, Garland's acting was grounded in naturalism. She brought a sense of realism to her roles, avoiding over-the-top theatrics in favor of more subdued and believable portrayals. This approach made her characters feel real and accessible, enhancing the overall impact of her films.

Resilience and Vulnerability

Garland's personal struggles often mirrored the resilience and vulnerability she brought to her roles. Her performances were infused with a sense of perseverance and strength, even when playing characters facing significant challenges. This duality of vulnerability and resilience became a hallmark of her acting style, making her performances both poignant and inspiring.

Connection with Co-stars

Garland had a unique ability to create chemistry with her co-stars, whether in romantic pairings, friendships, or family dynamics. Her interactions felt genuine and spontaneous, contributing to the overall believability of her films. This connection was particularly evident in her collaborations with Mickey Rooney, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly.

Passion and Dedication

Garland's passion for her craft was evident in every performance. She approached each role with dedication and intensity, often pushing herself to deliver the best possible performance despite personal and professional challenges. This commitment to her art resulted in performances that were both powerful and enduring.

In summary, Judy Garland's acting style was characterized by her emotional depth, versatility, musicality, expressive face and body language, comedic timing, naturalism, resilience, and the ability to connect with her co-stars. Her passion and dedication to her craft made her one of the most beloved and enduring stars of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Personal Quotes:

• "I’ve never looked through a keyhole without finding someone was looking back."
• "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

• "I can live without money, but I cannot live without love."
• "If I am a legend, then why am I so lonely?"

• "I was born at the age of twelve on an MGM lot."
• "For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul."

• "In the silence of night I have often wished for just a few words of love from one man, rather than the applause of thousands of people."
• "I've always taken ‘The Wizard of Oz’ very seriously, you know. I believe in the idea of the rainbow. And I’ve spent my entire life trying to get over it."

• "We cast away priceless time in dreams, born of imagination, fed upon illusion, and put to death by reality."
• "It's lonely and cold on the top... lonely and cold."

• "There have been times when I have deliberately tried to take my life... I think I must have been crying for some attention."

• "How strange when an illusion dies. It’s as though you’ve lost a child."

What Others said about Judy Garland:

• Fred Astaire:

"Judy Garland was the greatest entertainer who ever lived. She was truly a wonderful person and we all miss her terribly."

• Frank Sinatra:

"The rest of us will be forgotten – never Judy."

• Mickey Rooney:

"She had the most beautiful voice of any singer in show business. I don’t think there’s any question about that."

• Liza Minnelli (Judy's daughter):

"She was a wonderful mother. We’d lay in bed and she’d tell me stories. She was the best storyteller in the world. And she would make up stories, and she would sing songs. It was just... magic."

• Lorna Luft (Judy's daughter):

"My mother wasn’t just a star, she was a supernova. Her talent was so brilliant and powerful that it burned up everything in its path."

• George Cukor (Director of "A Star Is Born"):

"No one had her intensity or her vitality. She had an instinct for music and comedy and an unfailing ability to wring the last ounce of emotion out of a song."

• Vincent Minnelli (Director and ex-husband):

"She was the true essence of the word ‘star.’ She had a gift, and she used it with every part of her being."

• Roger Ebert (Film critic):

"Judy Garland is a performer of such energy, such depth of feeling, such long and subtle takes, that she draws us in completely."

• Gene Kelly (Actor and dancer):

"She was the greatest entertainer who ever lived."

• Barbra Streisand:

"She was and will always be an American treasure."

• Bette Midler:

"Judy Garland is perhaps the greatest star to come out of Hollywood. A star not just in the sense of being a movie star but a star in the true sense of the word."

• Time Magazine (Obituary, 1969):

"A singer of breathtaking gifts, an actress of immense sensitivity and a performer of incandescent charm."

• Ava Gardner:

"She was the most talented person I have ever known. And one of the nicest."

Awards and Recognition:

Academy Awards (Oscars)

• Nominations:

Best Actress in a Leading Role:

A Star Is Born (1954)

Best Supporting Actress:

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
 

• Special Awards:

Juvenile Award:

The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Awarded for her outstanding performance as a screen juvenile.

Golden Globe Awards

• Wins:

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical:

A Star Is Born (1954)

• Nominations:

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama:

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

Grammy Awards

• Wins:

Album of the Year:

Judy at Carnegie Hall (1961)

• Nominations:

Best Solo Vocal Performance, Female:

Judy at Carnegie Hall (1961)

Tony Awards

• Nominations:

Special Tony Award:

In 1952, Garland received a special Tony Award for her contributions to the entertainment industry.

Emmy Awards

• Nominations:

Outstanding Single Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:

The Judy Garland Show (1963)

• Wins:

N/A: Garland received nominations but did not win an Emmy during her career.

Other Awards and Honors

• Cecil B. DeMille Award:

Received in 1962 for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.

• David di Donatello Awards:

Best Foreign Actress:

• A Star Is Born (1954)

• Photoplay Awards:

Most Popular Female Star:

• Awarded in 1940

• Young Hollywood Hall of Fame:

Inducted for her achievements as a child star.

Posthumous Honors

• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award:

Received in 1997 for her contributions to the recording industry.

• Hollywood Walk of Fame:

Garland has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1715 Vine Street, recognizing her achievements in film.

• Kennedy Center Honors:

Posthumously awarded in 1997 for her lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.

Special Mentions

• Golden Apple Awards:

Most Cooperative Actress: Awarded in 1940

Most Cooperative Actress: Awarded in 1944

• National Board of Review:

Best Acting:

• A Star Is Born (1954)

• Screen Actors Guild Awards:

Life Achievement Award: Posthumously honored for her career achievements and humanitarian contributions.

Movies Starring Judy Garland:

1936

• "Pigskin Parade"Synopsis: Garland plays a small role in this musical comedy about a college football team that discovers a hidden talent and works to make it to the big game.

1937

• "Broadway Melody of 1938"

Synopsis: Garland has a supporting role in this musical that follows the lives and loves of several Broadway performers.

• "Thoroughbreds Don't Cry"

Synopsis: A young girl (Garland) helps a British jockey, who faces a tough situation, navigate his new life in America.

1938

• "Everybody Sing"

Synopsis: Garland stars as a rebellious teenager with a passion for singing who disrupts her high-society family’s expectations.

• "Love Finds Andy Hardy"

Synopsis: Garland plays Betsy Booth, a young girl who helps the main character, Andy Hardy, through his romantic troubles.

1939

• "The Wizard of Oz"

Synopsis: Garland stars as Dorothy Gale, a Kansas farm girl who is sweptaway to the magical land of Oz where she embarks on a journey to meet the Wizard.

• "Babes in Arms"

Synopsis: Two young aspiring performers (Garland and Mickey Rooney) put on a show to prove their talent and save their families from financial ruin.

1940

• "Andy Hardy Meets Debutante"

Synopsis: Andy Hardy (Mickey Rooney) dreams of dating a glamorous debutante, while Betsy Booth (Garland) supports him through his pursuit.

• "Strike Up the Band"

Synopsis: A high school band led by Mickey Rooney's character teams up with Garland's character to win a national competition.

1941

• "Ziegfeld Girl"

Synopsis: Garland stars as one of three young women who become showgirls in the famous Ziegfeld Follies, each facing personal and professional challenges.

• "Life Begins for Andy Hardy"

Synopsis: Garland reprises her role as Betsy Booth, helping Andy Hardy navigate his first steps into adulthood.

• "Babes on Broadway"

Synopsis: Garland and Rooney play young hopefuls trying to stage a Broadway show to raise money for charity.

1942

• "For Me and My Gal"

Synopsis: Garland stars alongside Gene Kelly in his film debut as a vaudeville duo aiming to make it big while dealing with the challenges of World War I.

1943

• "Presenting Lily Mars"

Synopsis: Garland plays a small-town girl with big Broadway dreams who persistently pursues her goal despite numerous setbacks.

• "Girl Crazy"

Synopsis: Garland and Rooney team up again in this musical comedy about a playboy sent to a Western college, where he helps put on a show.

1944

• "Meet Me in St. Louis"

Synopsis: Garland stars in this beloved musical about a family living in St. Louis during the 1904 World's Fair, featuring the iconic song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

1945

• "The Clock"

Synopsis: Garland plays a young woman who meets a soldier on a 48-hour leave in New York City, leading to a whirlwind romance.

1946

• "The Harvey Girls"

Synopsis: Garland stars as a young woman who travels west to become a waitress for the Harvey House restaurant chain, facing challenges and finding love along the way.

1948

• "Easter Parade"

Synopsis: Garland stars alongside Fred Astaire in this musical about a nightclub performer who teams up with a new dance partner to make a comeback.

• "The Pirate"

Synopsis: Garland and Gene Kelly star in this musical about a woman who dreams of being swept away by a dashing pirate.

1949

• "In the Good Old Summertime"

Synopsis: Garland stars with Van Johnson in this musical adaptation of "The Shop Around the Corner," set in a music store.

1950

• "Summer Stock"

Synopsis: Garland and Gene Kelly star in this musical about a rural woman who allows her barn to be used for a summer theater production.

1954

• "A Star Is Born"

Synopsis: Garland stars in this musical drama about an aspiring singer who falls in love with an aging, alcoholic actor, showcasing her dramatic and musical talents.

1961

• "Judgment at Nuremberg"

Synopsis: Garland plays a supporting role in this courtroom drama about the post-World War II Nuremberg Trials, earning an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

1963

• "I Could Go On Singing"

Synopsis: Garland stars as a successful singer who reconnects with an old flame and faces personal and professional challenges.