The iconic Judy Garland stands out as one of the greatest entertainers from the 20th century. Despite being a little girl at only 4 ’11, she possessed a remarkable and powerful voice, earning her the nickname “the little girl with the big voice.” Garland was a rare triple threat, showcasing her talents in singing, dancing, and acting alongside legends like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Her brilliance extended to earning Oscar nominations twice and leaving behind a remarkable legacy, including record-breaking concerts, a Grammy-winning gold album, and recordings of timeless songs that remain unmatched by anyone else.
Early Life
Born on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Judy Garland started her journey as Frances Ethel Gumm, the youngest of three girls. They formed a vaudeville act called “The Gumm Sisters” when Frances was just two years old. At 13, she got signed by MGM in 1935 and became Judy Garland. But the studio faced a challenge — she was too old to be a child star and too young for glamorous leading roles. The studio wasn’t sure how to use this young girl with an incredible voice. Judy’s path to stardom was just beginning!
Entry into the Entertainment Industry
In 1937, Judy Garland sang “You Made Me Love You” at Clark Gable’s birthday, and that’s when a new star was born. She teamed up with Mickey Rooney, a famous box office star, and they became lifelong friends. Together, they appeared in musicals like “Girl Crazy” and “Babes in Arms,” plus many Andy Hardy films. The big breakthrough happened in 1939 when Garland became super famous as Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz.” For her fantastic performance, she even got a special Oscar the next year, solidifying her place as a legendary star. Judy Garland’s journey to stardom was truly magical!
Breakthrough Role
A significant turning point in Garland’s career came with her collaboration with Mickey Rooney, a top box office star of the time. Together, they starred in a series of musicals, notably “Girl Crazy” and “Babes in Arms,” as well as several films in the popular Andy Hardy series. This partnership not only showcased Garland’s vocal prowess but also highlighted her ability to create on-screen magic with other talented performers.
The zenith of Judy Garland’s breakthrough came in 1939 with her portrayal of Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz.” This timeless classic not only defined Garland’s career but also solidified her status as a cultural icon. The gomovies film’s success, marked by a special juvenile Oscar awarded to Garland the following year, was a testament to her indelible mark on cinematic history.
Diverse Roles and James Stewart Performances
Judy Garland’s journey into the world of entertainment commenced during her childhood, performing alongside her two older sisters in a vaudeville group named “The Gumm Sisters.” As a teenager, she caught the eye of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), signing a deal that launched her into more than two dozen films, including iconic titles like The Wizard of Oz (1939), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), The Harvey Girls (1946), Easter Parade (1948), and Summer Stock (1950).
Throughout her career, Garland found herself frequently sharing the screen with the likes of Mickey Rooney and Gene Kelly, establishing captivating on-screen partnerships. Director and second husband Vincente Minnelli also became a regular collaborator in her cinematic endeavors.
While Garland’s film appearances became sporadic, her later career showcased two critically acclaimed performances. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in A Star Is Born (1954) and another for Best Supporting Actress in Judgment at Nuremberg (1961). Beyond the silver screen, Garland’s versatility shone in record-breaking concert performances, the release of eight studio albums, and the hosting of her Emmy-nominated television series, The Judy Garland Show (1963–1964).
However, Garland’s personal life was a battlefield from an early age. The challenges of early stardom took a toll on her physical and mental well-being, shaping her self-image under the constant scrutiny of film executives. These executives, driven by misguided perceptions of her physical appearance, manipulated her on-screen presentation, adding a layer of complexity to her already intricate life story.
Recognition and Awards
Judy Garland, a renowned actress, won numerous awards and honors throughout her four-decade career. She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture and received a second nomination for her role in A Star Is Born. Garland also received two nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress and a special Academy Juvenile Award in 1940. She also received three Emmy Award nominations for her role in The Judy Garland Show in 1964. Garland’s Broadway performance earned her a Tony Award. In the musical sphere, her live concert album Judy at Carnegie Hall earned her two Grammy Awards. Garland’s legacy continues to be celebrated with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and several recordings immortalized in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her enduring influence is further solidified with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and being featured on United States postage stamps twice.
