35 Facts About Judy Garland Death

Judy Garland's Early Life and Career

Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm, was a legendary actress and singer. Her life was filled with both triumphs and tragedies.

1. Judy Garland was born on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
2. She began performing at the age of two, joining her sisters in a vaudeville act called "The Gumm Sisters."
3. Garland signed with MGM at just 13 years old, quickly becoming one of Hollywood's brightest stars.
4. Her role as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) remains one of her most iconic performances.

Struggles with Addiction

Despite her success, Garland's life was marred by personal struggles, particularly with addiction.

5. Garland's addiction issues began during her time at MGM, where she was given amphetamines to keep up with the grueling work schedule.
6. She also took barbiturates to help her sleep, creating a dangerous cycle of dependency.
7. Her addiction led to multiple stints in rehab throughout her life.
8. Garland's substance abuse issues contributed to her erratic behavior and professional difficulties.

Marriages and Family Life

Garland's personal life was tumultuous, marked by multiple marriages and family struggles.

9. She was married five times, with each marriage ending in divorce.
10. Her first marriage was to composer David Rose in 1941, which lasted only three years.
11. Garland's second husband was director Vincente Minnelli, with whom she had her daughter Liza Minnelli.
12. She had two more children, Lorna and Joey Luft, with her third husband, Sid Luft.
13. Her fourth marriage to actor Mark Herron lasted only a few months.
14. Garland's final marriage was to nightclub manager Mickey Deans, whom she married just three months before her death.

Financial Troubles

Despite her fame, Garland faced significant financial difficulties throughout her life.

15. Garland earned millions during her career but struggled with financial mismanagement.
16. She declared bankruptcy in 1950, citing debts of over $500,000.
17. Her financial woes were exacerbated by her lavish lifestyle and legal battles with ex-husbands.
18. Garland often performed in nightclubs and on television to make ends meet.

Judy Garland's Death

Garland's life came to a tragic end on June 22, 1969, in London.

19. She was found dead in the bathroom of her rented home in Chelsea, London.
20. The cause of death was an accidental overdose of barbiturates.
21. Garland was just 47 years old at the time of her death.
22. Her death was ruled accidental, with no evidence of foul play or suicide.
23. Garland's body was flown back to the United States for burial.

Legacy and Impact

Despite her tragic end, Garland's legacy continues to influence the entertainment industry.

24. Garland received a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
25. She was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for her recordings of "Over the Rainbow" and "The Trolley Song."
26. Garland's life story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films.
27. Actress Renée Zellweger won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Garland in the 2019 film "Judy."
28. Garland's influence can be seen in the careers of many contemporary performers.

Public Reaction and Tributes

Garland's death shocked the world, leading to an outpouring of grief and tributes.

29. Thousands of fans attended her funeral in New York City.
30. Celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Mickey Rooney paid tribute to Garland's talent and legacy.
31. Garland's funeral was held at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel in Manhattan.
32. She was buried in Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York.
33. In 2017, Garland's remains were moved to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Judy Garland's Enduring Influence

Garland's impact on popular culture remains strong, even decades after her death.

34. Her rendition of "Over the Rainbow" is considered one of the greatest songs in film history.
35. Garland's life and career continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans.

Judy Garland's Legacy

Judy Garland's death on June 22, 1969, marked the end of an era. Her passing at 47 shocked the world, leaving fans heartbroken. Despite her struggles with addiction and personal demons, Garland's talent and charisma remain unmatched. Her role as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" immortalized her in Hollywood history. Garland's voice, acting, and resilience continue to inspire new generations. Her life, filled with highs and lows, serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by child stars. Though her death was tragic, her legacy endures through her films, music, and the indelible mark she left on the entertainment industry. Remembering Judy Garland means celebrating her contributions and acknowledging the challenges she overcame. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of talent and the human spirit.