Garland, Judy (1922-1969), was an American singer and motion-picture actress. She won her greatest fame as Dorothy in the musical film The Wizard of Oz (1939). Her theme song, “Over the Rainbow,” came from this movie. She became known for her husky and trembling but sweet singing voice.
Garland was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, on June 10, 1922. Her real name was Frances Ethel Gumm. Her parents were vaudeville performers, and she made her stage debut at the age of 5. Garland made her motion-picture debut in 1936 in the short film Every Sunday and the feature-length film Pigskin Parade. In nine films during her juvenile period, Garland co-starred with Mickey Rooney, beginning with Thoroughbreds Don’t Cry (1937). Her other movies with him include the comedies Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938) and Andy Hardy Meets Debutante (1940).
Garland first became famous in the musical film Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937). She later starred in other musicals, several with Rooney, such as Babes in Arms (1939) and Strike Up the Band (1940). Her other musicals included For Me and My Gal (1942), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), The Harvey Girls (1946), and Easter Parade (1948).
Garland appeared in such dramatic films as The Clock (1945); A Star Is Born (1954), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award; Judgment at Nuremberg (1961); and A Child Is Waiting (1963). During the 1950’s and 1960’s, Garland drew large crowds at concerts. She struggled with drug problems during most of her career. Garland died from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills on June 22, 1969. She was the mother of the actress and singer Liza Minnelli.
See also Minnelli, Liza ; Minnelli, Vincente ; Wizard of Oz, The .
