Judy Garland is a name that resonates deeply in the history of Hollywood, a star whose light shone brightly but whose life was marked by profound personal suffering. Born Frances Ethel Gumm, Garland captivated audiences with her powerful performances in classics like The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, and A Star is Born. Yet, beneath her extraordinary talent lay a life marked by addiction, exploitation, and the unbearable pressures of fame. June 22 marks the anniversary of Garland’s untimely passing, a poignant reminder of both her indelible legacy and the dark side of Hollywood’s golden era.

A Troubled Childhood: The Early Years of Judy Garland

Garland’s journey to stardom began in a chaotic and often unsettling childhood. Born in 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, she was thrust into show business at a young age by her mother, who was determined to make her a star. Garland’s father was reportedly involved in a scandal, leading the family to move to California. This upheaval added to an already strained family dynamic, with Garland’s mother pushing her relentlessly, sometimes with little regard for her well-being.

By age three, Garland was performing in theaters and vaudeville shows alongside her sisters. Instead of enjoying the carefree days of childhood, she bore the weight of her family’s ambitions, a pressure that would only intensify as she entered Hollywood. Her mother’s fierce drive for fame set the stage for a life of extraordinary achievements—and extraordinary heartbreak.

The MGM Contract: A Turning Point and the Start of Addiction

At just 13 years old, Garland signed a contract with MGM Studios. This opportunity, which should have been a dream come true, quickly turned into a nightmare. MGM’s tight schedules and demanding expectations took their toll on Garland’s young body and mind. Studio executives, including her own mother, pushed her to take stimulants to maintain energy on set and sedatives to ensure she could sleep at night.

During the filming of The Wizard of Oz, executives gave Garland amphetamines to keep her alert and energized, only to follow up with sleeping pills after long hours of filming. By the age of 15, Garland was caught in a brutal cycle of substance dependence, a habit formed out of the necessity to survive Hollywood’s grueling demands. This period marked the beginning of a lifelong battle with addiction, initiated and enabled by those who were supposed to protect her.

An Industry of Unattainable Standards and Constant Criticism

Throughout her teenage years, Garland faced a constant barrage of critiques regarding her appearance. Unlike the traditional Hollywood starlets of the time, Garland was often ridiculed for not fitting the studio’s beauty standards. Executives nicknamed her “the hunchback,” imposing restrictive diets and denying her basic comforts like a milkshake, fearing it would affect her appearance on camera. These harsh restrictions damaged Garland’s self-esteem and led her to adopt extreme dieting practices.

The constant scrutiny left Garland with lasting insecurities. She began to see herself through the distorted lens of Hollywood’s critiques, reinforcing her reliance on substances to cope with the overwhelming pressure. This internalized criticism not only affected her self-worth but also drove her deeper into dependency, creating a vicious cycle of self-doubt and addiction that would haunt her for the rest of her life.

Rising Stardom and Psychological Decline

The Wizard of Oz launched Garland into stardom, making her one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Following its success, she starred in hits like Meet Me in St. Louis and Easter Parade, further solidifying her place in Hollywood’s elite. But behind the scenes, Garland’s mental health began to unravel. The substance dependence required to sustain her image and career had eroded her stability, leading to severe bouts of anxiety and depression.

As her health declined, Garland’s reliability on set became increasingly inconsistent. She often missed filming days, and MGM responded by suspending her multiple times. In 1950, after 15 years with the studio, MGM terminated her contract, a devastating blow that left her adrift. Garland had dedicated her life to Hollywood, only to be discarded when she became too difficult to manage—a cruel reflection of the industry’s lack of compassion.

Exploitation and Abuse: A Dark Reality of Hollywood

Garland’s life was marred by exploitation, both personally and professionally. In addition to the grueling demands placed on her, she endured harassment from powerful men within the industry. MGM co-founder Louis B. Mayer reportedly harassed her during her teenage years, making unwanted advances and frequently belittling her in front of cast and crew. These experiences left Garland feeling isolated and vulnerable in an industry that treated her more like a product than a person.

The abuse extended into her relationships. Her second husband, Sid Luft, disclosed in his memoir that Garland faced inappropriate advances from male co-stars, who would harass her even during filming. Her third husband, Luft, was also reportedly abusive, mirroring the exploitation she faced in Hollywood. Her story is a sobering reminder of the abuse of power in the entertainment industry and the toll it took on vulnerable young women like Garland.

A Tumultuous Love Life: Searching for Stability Amid Chaos

Garland’s love life reflected the turbulence of her career. She married five times, each relationship bringing its own set of challenges. Her first marriage to musician David Rose ended in divorce, partly due to MGM’s pressure on Garland to have an abortion to avoid scandal. This decision weighed heavily on her, leaving a lasting emotional scar.

Her third marriage, to Sid Luft, was perhaps her most tumultuous. While Luft managed her career and helped her land significant roles, including her comeback in A Star is Born, he was also reportedly controlling and abusive. Her fifth marriage, to Mickey Deans, offered little stability, as he exploited her fragile state for financial gain. These failed relationships mirrored her struggles in Hollywood—moments of joy overshadowed by manipulation and disappointment.

Financial Hardships and an Enduring Legacy

Despite her fame and success, Garland faced severe financial difficulties later in life. Poor financial management and exploitation left her nearly bankrupt. When she passed away in 1969 at just 47 years old, her estate was worth only $40,000. Her daughters, including actress Liza Minnelli, had to rely on family friends to cover her debts, a tragic outcome for one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.

Despite these hardships, Garland’s legacy endures. Her daughter Liza Minnelli reflected on her mother’s resilience, noting that Garland believed happiness would come only after the curtain closed on her struggles. Her career, while tragic, remains an inspiring testament to her talent, strength, and indomitable spirit. Garland’s legacy is one of both exceptional talent and an enduring cautionary tale about the sacrifices demanded by fame.

Conclusion: Judy Garland’s Legacy and the Price of Stardom

Judy Garland’s life serves as both a celebration of an extraordinary talent and a stark reminder of fame’s heavy cost. Behind her captivating performances and stunning voice lay a life marked by exploitation, heartbreak, and relentless pressure. Hollywood’s unyielding demands took a young, talented girl and left her with addiction and emotional scars that ultimately claimed her life.

Garland’s story highlights the need for compassion and change within an industry that often prioritizes profit over well-being. Her resilience and spirit continue to inspire artists and audiences worldwide. While Judy Garland may have endured unimaginable hardship, her legacy lives on through her timeless work, reminding us of her brilliance, strength, and the painful cost she paid for her art. Remembering her today honors both her remarkable contributions and the sacrifices she made in pursuit of her dreams.