37 Facts About Judy Garland Spouses

Judy Garland's First Husband: David Rose

Judy Garland's journey through marriage began with David Rose, a composer and pianist. Their relationship was marked by secrecy and challenges.

1. Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, started performing with her sisters in vaudeville.
2. David Rose, significantly older than Judy, proposed to her when she turned 18.
3. Despite Rose's marital status, they eloped in 1941, keeping their relationship secret.
4. Their marriage faced media scrutiny and disapproval from Rose's first wife.
5. The marriage was short-lived, ending in 1944.

Vincente Minnelli: The Director Husband

In 1945, Judy married Vincente Minnelli, a renowned film director. This marriage brought both professional collaboration and personal challenges.

6. Vincente Minnelli directed Judy in several films, including "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944).
7. Their marriage produced a daughter, Liza Minnelli, who would become a star in her own right.
8. Despite their deep emotional connection, both struggled with personal demons.
9. They remained married for nearly a decade, divorcing in 1951.
10. Minnelli's influence helped cement Judy's status as a Hollywood star.

Sidney Luft: The Manager Husband

Judy's third marriage was to Sidney Luft, a talent manager and producer. This relationship was marked by both professional highs and personal lows.

11. Sidney Luft married Judy in 1952, playing a crucial role in managing her career.
12. Luft helped Judy secure roles in critically acclaimed films like "A Star is Born" (1954).
13. Their relationship was marred by Luft's controlling behavior and Judy's addiction struggles.
14. Despite these challenges, they stayed together until their divorce in 1965.
15. Luft's management decisions were both beneficial and detrimental to Judy's career.

Mark Herron: The Brief Marriage

In 1965, Judy married Mark Herron, an actor and playwright. Their marriage was short but significant.

16. Mark Herron and Judy's marriage lasted only five months.
17. Herron's homosexuality played a significant role in their relationship's breakdown.
18. Despite their brief marriage, Herron remained a close friend to Judy until her death.
19. Herron's openness about his sexuality was a departure from the secrecy of the era.
20. He continued to support Judy through her struggles with addiction.

Mickey Deans: The Final Husband

Judy's last marriage was to Mickey Deans, a disk jockey. Their relationship was intense and passionate, ending tragically.

21. Judy began dating Mickey Deans in December 1968.
22. They got engaged in January 1969 and married on March 15, 1969.
23. Deans was significantly younger than Judy, but they shared a deep emotional connection.
24. Their relationship was marked by turmoil, especially with Judy's daughter, Liza Minnelli.
25. Deans provided emotional support during Judy's final years.

Judy Garland's Struggles and Legacy

Throughout her life, Judy faced numerous personal challenges, but her legacy remains profound.

26. Judy struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout her life.
27. Her marriages often intersected with these struggles, as her partners tried to help her.
28. Despite her personal challenges, Judy continued to perform and create art.
29. Judy's performances in films like "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) continue to inspire.
30. She became an icon for the LGBTQ+ community due to her vulnerability and resilience.

Judy Garland's Impact on Family and Fans

Judy's influence extended beyond her career, impacting her family and fans deeply.

31. Judy's daughters, Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft, pursued successful entertainment careers.
32. Her close friendship with Frank Sinatra highlighted the camaraderie among Hollywood stars.
33. Judy's live performances were legendary, captivating audiences worldwide.
34. She cherished her fans' support, often singing for people rather than fame.
35. Judy's final performance was in the film "I Could Go on Singing" (1963).

Judy Garland's Final Years and Death

Judy's final years were marked by significant personal struggles, leading to her tragic death.

36. Judy died on June 22, 1969, from an overdose of barbiturates.
37. Her funeral was paid for by her daughter Liza Minnelli, with James Mason delivering a touching eulogy.

Judy Garland's Marriages: A Complex Tapestry

Judy Garland's five marriages paint a vivid picture of her tumultuous personal life. Each husband brought unique challenges and influences, from David Rose's secretive proposal to Mickey Deans' support during her final years. Vincente Minnelli helped shape her career, while Sidney Luft managed her finances and roles. Mark Herron, though briefly married to Garland, remained a close friend. These relationships were intertwined with her struggles with addiction and mental health, yet she continued to shine on stage and screen. Garland's legacy endures, not just through her iconic performances but also through her daughters, Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft, who carry on her artistic spirit. Despite the personal battles, Garland's resilience and talent left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring her place as one of the greatest performers of all time.