Who was Judy Garland? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Frances Ethel Gumm, Frances Gumm

Died At Age: 47

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: David Rose, Mark Herron, Mickey Deans, Sidney Luft, Vincente Minnelli

father: Francis Avent Gumm

mother: Ethel Marion Milne

siblings: Dorothy Virginia Gumm, Mary Jane Gumm

children: Joey Luft, Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft

Born Country: United States

Actresses American Women

Height: 4'11" (150 cm), 4'11" Females

Died on: June 22, 1969

place of death: Cadogan Lane, London, England

Notable Alumni: Hollywood High School

Ancestry: French American, Irish American, British American

Cause of Death: Drug Overdose

U.S. State: Minnesota

More Facts

education: Hollywood High School

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Judy Garland's favorite song to perform was "Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz."
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Judy Garland's mentor in the film industry was Mickey Rooney.
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Childhood & Early Life

She was born Frances Ethel Gumm to Ethel Marion (Milne) and Francis Avent Gumm, on June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The youngest of three girls, she was introduced to the entertainment industry early on by her parents who were vaudeville performers. Before her third birthday, Frances was added to the Gumm sisters’ dance act.

Ethel eventually pulled her from the group. The mother and daughter toured the country, and the young girl entertained audiences as a solo act.

The Gumm family moved to California where all three girls were enrolled in acting and performance classes.

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Career

In 1935, Louis B. Mayer of MGM signed Frances Gumm. She then changed her name to Judy Garland.

After some initial struggles her film career finally took-off with the girl-next-door character in ‘Pigskin Parade’, in 1936.

1937, saw the release of two movies, ‘Broadway Melody of 1938’ and ‘Thoroughbreds Don’t Cry’ featuring the aspiring actress. MGM continued to seek out musicals for Judy’s voice.

Judy Garland performed in ‘Everybody Sing’ and ‘Listen, Darling’ in 1938, as well as in her first Andy Hardy movie ‘Love Finds Andy Hardy’. She continued to make several Andy Hardy movies.

In 1939, ‘Babes in Arms’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ opened. The latter propelled Judy’s career to new heights and her performance was lauded by fans and critics alike.

Despite the war overseas, the dedicated performer continued her work. Three movies ‘Andy Hardy Meets Debutante’, ‘Strike Up the Band’, and ‘Little Nellie Kelly’ were released in 1940.

In 1941, also three movies ‘Ziegfeld Girl’, ‘Life Begins for Andy Hardy’, and ‘Babes on Broadway’ premiered in theatres nationwide.

As the war intensified, film production slowed down due to scarcity of personnel. The only movie where Judy performed in 1942, was ‘Me and My Gal’. The following year her movie ‘Presenting Lily Mars’ and ‘Girl Crazy’ entertained the audiences.

In 1944, her movie ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ was released which was followed by the premiere of ‘The Clock’, a year later.

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After the war Production increased and in the year 1946, three movies featuring Judy, ‘The Harvey Girls’, ‘Zeigfeld Follies’, and ‘Till the Clouds Roll By’, reached American audiences.

‘The Pirate’ and ‘Easter Parade’ debuted in 1948. ‘Easter Parade’ teamed Judy Garland with Fred Astaire for the first time.

‘In the Good Old Summertime’ in 1949, and ‘Summer Stock’ the following year were the last two movies she made with MGM. She lost her contract with MGM after the release of ‘Summer Stock’, owing to her behavioral disorders resulting from drug addiction.

‘A Star Is Born’ in 1954, marked her return to film. Her performance earned her Academy recognition.

From 1959 until her death, Judy began performing on stage. She performed a one-woman show on Broadway and created award-winning concerts globally.

‘Judgment at Nuremberg’ was released in 1961. The film brought Judy Garland more critical acclaim.

‘The Judy Garland Show’ aired on television in 1961. This marked her debut into television programming.

She performed as a voice actor in the 1962 film ‘Gay Purr-ee’. Judy’s last films, ‘Child Is Waiting’ and ‘I Could Go on Singing’, premiered the following year.

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Major Works

The 1939 movie ‘The Wizard of Oz’ starring Judy was a huge financial success and it grossed over $3,000,000. The movie received several Academy nominations including Best Picture, Best Song, Best Score, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography.

The 1954 movie ‘A Star Is Born’ was another blockbuster featuring Judy. The movie grossed $6,000,000. The film garnered several nods from the film community including Best Costume, Best Art Direction, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Song, and Best Score.

Awards & Achievements

Judy Garland received a special Oscar in 1940, for ‘Best Performance by a Juvenile Actor’ in ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

In 1962, she was presented with the ‘Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the ‘Golden Globe Awards’.

The Grammys honored her in 1999, with its ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.

Personal Life & Legacy

From the early years, Judy Garland was under pressure to keep her energy up and her weight down. Amphetamines were provided to help her cope but eventually caused her addiction to pills. Her addiction plagued her throughout her life.

She was married four times and had several affairs. She had one daughter, Liza, with husband Vicente Minnelli. With husband, Sidney Luft, she had a son, Joey, and a daughter, Lorna.

The actress died in a London hotel room on June 10, 1969. She was 47 years old

Facts About Judy Garland

Judy Garland's real name was Frances Ethel Gumm.

She was known for her incredible singing voice, but she was also a talented actress and dancer, earning her a Juvenile Academy Award.

Despite her fame and success, Judy Garland struggled with personal issues throughout her life, including addiction and mental health challenges.

1997	Lifetime Achievement Award	Winner
1962	Best Album Cover (Other Than Classical)	Winner
1962	Best Engineering Contribution - Popular Recording	Winner
1962	Best Solo Vocal Performance, Female	Winner
1962	Album of the Year (Other Than Classical)	Winner

Judy Garland Biography

You wanted to know

Where did Judy Garland perform her last concert?

What role did Judy Garland play in the film The Wizard of Oz?

What was Judy Garland's favorite song to perform?

Who was Judy Garland's mentor in the film industry?

What was Judy Garland's reaction to winning an Academy Juvenile Award?