Judy Garland (1922–69,) originally Frances Ethel Gumm, was an American actress and singer who starred in films, musicals, and on the concert stage. Celebrated for her exceptional talents and vulnerabilities, she was one of the most enduringly popular Hollywood icons of the 20th century.
Born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Garland made stage appearances in vaudeville with her parents and partnered with her two sisters in the ‘Gumm Sisters Kiddie Act’ that led to a film contract. She became a child film star in Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937) and appeared in several successful film musicals, among them The Wizard of Oz (1939,) Meet Me in St Louis (1944,) and Easter Parade (1948.)
Personal appearances confirmed the emotional power of her voice, and in A Star Born (1954,) she gave an impressive dramatic performance. Despite emotional and medical difficulties and a reputation for fickleness, she achieved the status of a legendary performer and actress.
Garland’s life ended tragically and prematurely because of drink- and drug-abuse. She was married five times; her daughters Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft have also become actresses and singers.
The Renée Zellweger-starrer biopic Judy was released in 2019.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Judy Garland
There have been times when I have deliberately tried to take my life… I think I must have been crying for some attention.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Attention
I was born at the age of twelve on a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lot.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Actors, Acting
I can live without money, but I cannot live without love.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Love
For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Love, Feelings, Kiss
I try to bring the audience’s own drama – tears and laughter they know about – to them.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Audiences
How strange when an illusion dies, it’s as though you’ve lost a child.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Illusion
We cast away priceless time in dreams, born of imagination, fed upon illusion, and put to death by reality.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Illusion
If my daughter, Liza, wants to become an actress, I’ll do everything to help her.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Assistance, Help, Aid
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.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Wishes, Romance, Applause
If I’m such a legend, then why am I so lonely? Let me tell you, legends are all very well if you’ve got somebody around who loves you.
—Judy Garland
Topics: Fame
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