Born: June 10, 1922 – Died: June 22, 1969
Judy Garland was a beacon of the Golden Age of Hollywood, captivating audiences with her vibrant voice and emotional depth. Born Frances Ethel Gumm in Minnesota, she was the youngest child of Ethel Marian and Francis Avent Gumm, both vaudevillians. Judy stood out as the shining star among her talented siblings, hinting at the legend she would become.
Early Life and Career
Garland's childhood revolved around the stage, nurtured by her parents' entertainment background. She honed her craft in the family act before setting off solo. Her schooling took a backseat as she pursued her passion for performance. By 1935, she had scored a contract with MGM, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.
Her professional debut was as a member of the "Gumm Sisters," but her breakthrough came with "The Wizard of Oz" in 1939. Portraying Dorothy swept her from up-and-coming actress to international stardom. Garland's trophy case included multiple awards, with an Academy Juvenile Award for her early work and a Golden Globe for "A Star Is Born."
Off-screen, Garland's life was rich and complex. She married five times and had three children, including Liza Minnelli. Her personal struggles were as public as her career, with financial woes and health issues making headlines. Yet, her philanthropic work and friendships, such as with President Kennedy, showed her multifaceted personality.
Garland's legacy is undeniable. She was more than an actress; she was an icon whose emotional performances and resilience made her stand out in Hollywood's history.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | The Cat in the Hat (TV Movie) | Additional voices (voice, uncredited) |
| 1963 | I Could Go on Singing | Jenny Bowman |
| 1963 | A Child Is Waiting | Jean Hansen |
| 1962 | Gay Purr-ee | Mewsette (voice) |
| 1961 | Judgment at Nuremberg | Irene Hoffman |
| 1960 | Pepe | Vocalist on Radio (singing voice) |
| 1954 | A Star Is Born | Vicki Lester |
| 1950 | Summer Stock | Jane Falbury |
| 1949 | In the Good Old Summertime | Veronica Fisher |
| 1948 | Words and Music | Judy Garland |
| 1948 | Easter Parade | Hannah Brown |
| 1948 | The Pirate | Manuela |
| 1946 | Till the Clouds Roll By | Marilyn Miller |
| 1946 | The Harvey Girls | Susan Bradley |
| 1945 | Ziegfeld Follies | The Star ('A Great Lady Has An Interview') |
| 1945 | The Clock | Alice Maybery |
| 1944 | Meet Me in St. Louis | Esther Smith |
| 1943 | Girl Crazy | Ginger Gray |
| 1943 | Thousands Cheer | Judy Garland |
| 1943 | Presenting Lily Mars | Lily Mars |
| 1942 | For Me and My Gal | Jo Hayden |
| 1941 | Babes on Broadway | Penny Morris |
| 1941 | Life Begins for Andy Hardy | Betsy Booth |
| 1941 | Ziegfeld Girl | Susan Gallagher |
| 1940 | Little Nellie Kelly | Nellie Kelly | Little Nellie Kelly |
| 1940 | Strike Up the Band | Mary Holden |
| 1940 | Andy Hardy Meets Debutante | Betsy Booth |
| 1940 | If I Forget You (Short) | Judy Garland |
| 1939 | Babes in Arms | Patsy Barton |
| 1939 | The Wizard of Oz | Dorothy Gale |
| 1938 | Listen, Darling | 'Pinkie' Wingate |
| 1938 | Love Finds Andy Hardy | Betsy |
| 1938 | Everybody Sing | Judy Bellaire |
| 1937 | Thoroughbreds Don't Cry | Cricket West |
| 1937 | Broadway Melody of 1938 | Betty Clayton |
| 1936 | Every Sunday (Short) | Judy |
| 1936 | Pigskin Parade | Sairy Dodd |
| 1930 | The Wedding of Jack and Jill (Short) | Frances Gumm - One of the Three Gumm Sisters (as Frances Gumm) |
| 1930 | A Holiday in Storyland (Short) | Frances Gumm - One of the Three Gumm Sisters (uncredited) |
| 1929 | The Big Revue (Short) | Frances Gumm (uncredited) |