 |
Judy GarlandAmerican film actress (<The Wizard of Oz>), mother of Liza Minnelli
Date of Birth: 10.06.1922
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Judy Garland, born as Frances Ethel Gumm, was born on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Her parents were traveling actors, so she was exposed to the stage from a young age. She made her debut at the age of 2.5, singing "Jingle Bells" with her older sisters Mary and Dorothy in a Christmas show. The trio became known as the "Gumm Sisters" and toured the country performing vaudeville acts. Despite their talent, their attempts to achieve fame were unsuccessful, except for their mother, who believed in their abilities. She actively promoted them in the film industry, and her persistence paid off.
In 1934, Mrs. Ethel Gumm brought her daughters to Hollywood producer Arthur Freed. While the trio's performance seemed ordinary to him, one sister, Frances, captured his heart. The phrase "garland of flowers" came to his mind, and he suggested that Frances change her name to Judy Garland. Soon after, she was introduced to Louis B. Mayer, the head of MGM, and he offered her a long-term contract without an audition, making her the only actress in the company's history to be employed without proving her suitability.
Rise to Stardom
In 1936, Judy made her film debut in "Every Sunday," and within a year, she gained her first taste of fame. Her performance of the song "You Made Me Love You" in the film "Broadway Melody of 1938" showcased not only her vocal talent but also her acting skills. Garland's popularity continued to grow, especially when she started working alongside young actor Mickey Rooney. Together, they starred in nine films, becoming Hollywood's most beautiful young couple. However, Judy Garland's true fame was yet to come.
Her career skyrocketed after the release of the musical film "The Wizard of Oz" in 1939. Directed by Victor Fleming and based on L. Frank Baum's popular story, the film initially wanted another young actress, Shirley Temple, for the lead role. However, Fleming insisted on casting Garland, and it turned out to be the right choice. "The Wizard of Oz" was a tremendous success, and Garland's rendition of "Over the Rainbow" became one of the most iconic songs in cinema history. At just 16 years old, she had already made her mark in the industry.
Despite the challenges that came with fame at such a young age, Judy Garland managed to navigate through this difficult period. She transformed from a sweet girl into one of Hollywood's most beautiful actresses. Men began to court her, and she eventually accepted a proposal from musician David Rose. They married in July 1941, and Judy discovered she was pregnant. However, both her husband and mother strongly opposed having a child, and the studio warned her that her contract would be terminated if she gave birth. Sadly, Judy had to terminate the pregnancy, and two years later, her marriage to Rose ended. The actress was devastated.
Love, Challenges, and Triumphs
Judy found solace in the arms of director Vincente Minnelli, whom she met while filming "Meet Me in St. Louis" in 1944. Unlike her previous husband, Minnelli was intelligent, serious, and nine years older than Garland. They married in 1945, and a year later, she gave birth to their daughter Liza. Vincente Minnelli not only gave Garland the child she longed for but also directed her in several successful films. Following the success of "Meet Me in St. Louis" and her enchanting rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," they collaborated on movies such as "The Clock" (1945), "Ziegfeld Follies" (1945), and "The Pirate" (1948). These films revived Garland's career, reminding audiences of her incredible talent and magnificent voice.
However, the late 1940s brought difficult times for Judy Garland. Her popularity declined, and producers no longer offered her roles. In 1951, her marriage to Vincente Minnelli ended. Garland turned to alcohol and drugs to cope, which ultimately led to addiction. Her daughter Liza had to take care of her, often hiding pills and calling doctors for help. Despite her struggles, Garland managed to overcome her addiction and return to a normal life. In 1952, she married producer Sidney Luft, with whom she had a daughter named Lorna and a son named Joey. In 1954, Garland proved that she was far from finished by delivering a remarkable performance as Esther Blodgett in the musical drama "A Star Is Born." She won a Golden Globe and received an Oscar nomination for her role.
Late Years and Legacy
In 1961, Garland starred in the legal drama "Judgment at Nuremberg," which is now considered one of the greatest legal films in history. Although she had a small role as Irene Wallner, she received another Oscar nomination for her performance. Her last film was "I Could Go On Singing" in 1963.
Judy Garland was married twice more, but neither Mark Herron nor Mickey Deans could make her truly happy. It was perhaps an attempt to escape loneliness rather than true love. On June 22, 1969, Garland was found dead in her London apartment, which she shared with Deans. The cause of death was a barbiturate overdose, but it remains unclear whether it was accidental or intentional.
Judy Garland is best remembered for her musical numbers. Five of her songs are on the AFI's list of the "100 greatest songs in American cinema history," with "Over the Rainbow" ranking first. Sadly, she did not live to see her daughter Liza Minnelli's triumph. Liza became a great actress and achieved fame through the musical "Cabaret," released in 1971. It is a poignant and symbolic continuation of Garland's legacy.
