Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Judy Garland

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Judy Garland made an impact.

Judy Garland was a celebrated American actress and singer, famous for her powerful voice and emotional performances. She achieved international stardom as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939), solidifying her place as a Hollywood icon. Garland's talents spanned acting, singing, and vaudeville, showcasing her versatility and endearing her to audiences worldwide. She remains a significant figure in entertainment history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1929: Film Debut in The Big Revue

In 1929, The Gumm Sisters made their film debut in a short subject called "The Big Revue," performing a song-and-dance number.

1930: Appearances in Vitaphone Shorts

In 1930, The Gumm Sisters appeared in two Vitaphone shorts: "A Holiday in Storyland," which featured Judy Garland's first on-screen solo, and "The Wedding of Jack and Jill". They also appeared together in "Bubbles".

1934: Performance at the Oriental Theater

In 1934, The Gumm Sisters performed in Chicago at the Oriental Theater with George Jessel, who encouraged them to change their name after the audience laughed at "Gumm".

September 1935: MGM Audition and Contract

In September 1935, Louis B. Mayer asked Burton Lane to watch The Garland Sisters' vaudeville act. Shortly after, Judy Garland had an impromptu audition at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and was immediately signed to a contract.

1935: Final Appearance as The Gumm Sisters

In 1935, The Gumm Sisters made their final on-screen appearance together in an MGM Technicolor short entitled "La Fiesta de Santa Barbara".

1936: Cast Opposite Deanna Durbin

In 1936, Judy Garland was cast opposite Deanna Durbin in the musical short "Every Sunday".

1937: Start of 'Innocent Years'

In 1937, Joan E. Dowlin marked the beginning of Judy Garland's 'innocent years', noting the vibrancy and exuberance in her voice.

1937: First Appearance with Mickey Rooney

In 1937, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney first appeared together in "Thoroughbreds Don't Cry" as supporting characters.

1937: Attention of Studio Executives

In 1937, Judy Garland came to the attention of studio executives when she sang a special arrangement of "You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want to Do It)" to Clark Gable at a birthday party.

October 13, 1938: Shooting of The Wizard of Oz Commenced

On October 13, 1938, shooting commenced for "The Wizard of Oz", starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale.

1938: Broadway Melody of 1938

In 1938, Judy Garland performed "You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want to Do It)" in the all-star extravaganza "Broadway Melody of 1938", singing to a photograph of Clark Gable.

1938: Love Finds Andy Hardy

In 1938, Judy Garland was cast in "Love Finds Andy Hardy" as the girl-next-door to Mickey Rooney's character, Andy Hardy.

1938: Cast as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz

In 1938, Judy Garland, at sixteen, was cast as Dorothy Gale in "The Wizard of Oz", a film based on L. Frank Baum's children's book.

March 16, 1939: The Wizard of Oz Filming Completed

On March 16, 1939, the filming of "The Wizard of Oz" was completed, after commencing on October 13, 1938. It had a final cost of more than $2 million.

1939: The Wizard of Oz Film Release

In 1939, "The Wizard of Oz" was released, featuring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale singing "Over the Rainbow," which became her signature song.

1939: Babes in Arms

In 1939, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney teamed as lead characters for the first time in "Babes in Arms".

1939: Academy Juvenile Award

In 1939, Judy Garland received her only Academy Award, an Academy Juvenile Award, for her performances in 1939, including "The Wizard of Oz" and "Babes in Arms."

1939: The Wizard of Oz

In 1939, Judy Garland starred as Dorothy Gale in "The Wizard of Oz," a role that propelled her to international fame and cemented her status as a Hollywood legend.

1940: Andy Hardy Meets Debutante

In 1940, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney appeared in "Andy Hardy Meets Debutante", continuing their successful partnership.

1940: Films Released in 1940

In 1940, Judy Garland starred in three films: "Andy Hardy Meets Debutante", "Strike Up the Band", and "Little Nellie Kelly", where she played her first adult role.

1941: Life Begins for Andy Hardy

In 1941, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney appeared in "Life Begins for Andy Hardy", as part of their series of films together.

1942: For Me and My Gal

In 1942, Judy Garland performed with Gene Kelly in his first screen appearance in "For Me and My Gal."

1943: Glamor Treatment in Presenting Lily Mars

In 1943, Judy Garland received the "glamor treatment" in "Presenting Lily Mars", being dressed in "grown-up" gowns and with her hair styled fashionably.

April 1944: Escorted General Benjamin O. Davis Sr.

In April 1944, Judy Garland escorted Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the first black general, to a reception honoring him.

1944: Starring in Meet Me in St. Louis

In 1944, Judy Garland starred in "Meet Me in St. Louis", adding to her list of musical film credits at MGM.

1944: Successful film 'Meet Me in St. Louis'

In 1944, Judy Garland starred in one of her most successful MGM films, 'Meet Me in St. Louis'. In the movie, she introduced three standards, "The Trolley Song", "The Boy Next Door" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". The film gave her the opportunity to be the attractive leading lady and her appearance was refined by make-up artist Dorothy Ponedel.

1945: End of 'Innocent Years'

In 1945, Joan E. Dowlin marked the end of Judy Garland's 'innocent years', a period during which her voice was vibrant and her musical expression exuberant.

1945: Starring in 'The Clock'

In 1945, Judy Garland starred in 'The Clock', her first straight dramatic film with Robert Walker. The film was critically praised.

1946: Starring in 'The Harvey Girls'

In 1946, Judy Garland starred in 'The Harvey Girls', where she introduced the Academy Award-winning song "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe".

September 1947: Joined Committee for the First Amendment

In September 1947, Judy Garland joined the Committee for the First Amendment in support of the Hollywood Ten during the HUAC hearings.

October 26, 1947: Participated in Hollywood Fights Back Radio Broadcast

On October 26, 1947, Judy Garland participated in the all-star radio broadcast, "Hollywood Fights Back," during which she advocated for free conscience and civil liberties.

May 1948: Release of 'The Pirate'

In May 1948, 'The Pirate' was released, becoming the first film starring Judy Garland since 'The Wizard of Oz' that did not make a profit. She co-starred for the first and only time with Fred Astaire in 'Easter Parade', which was Hollywood's highest-grossing musical.

July 18, 1948: Suspension from MGM

On July 18, 1948, Judy Garland was suspended by MGM after missing several shooting days due to a combination of prescription drugs, alcohol, and migraine headaches. She was replaced by Ginger Rogers in 'The Barkleys of Broadway'.

1948: Starring in Easter Parade

In 1948, Judy Garland starred in "Easter Parade", a part of her successful run in MGM musicals.

1948: Appearance in 'Words and Music'

In 1948, after her suspension, Judy Garland performed two songs in 'Words and Music', marking her last appearance with Mickey Rooney.

May 10, 1949: Firing from 'Annie Get Your Gun'

On May 10, 1949, Judy Garland was fired from 'Annie Get Your Gun' due to her behavior, lack of effort, and health issues. She was replaced by Betty Hutton.

1949: Starring in 'In the Good Old Summertime'

In 1949, Judy Garland starred in 'In the Good Old Summertime' with Van Johnson, replacing a pregnant June Allyson. Her daughter Liza made her film debut at the age of two and a half at the end of the film.

June 17, 1950: Suspension from 'Royal Wedding'

On June 17, 1950, Judy Garland's contract was suspended after failing to report to the set of 'Royal Wedding' on multiple occasions. She was replaced by Jane Powell.

September 1950: Departure from MGM

In September 1950, Judy Garland and MGM parted company after 15 years.

1950: Starring in Summer Stock

In 1950, Judy Garland starred in "Summer Stock", continuing her career as one of MGM's most bankable stars.

October 1951: Engagement at the Palace Theatre

In October 1951, Judy Garland's engagement at the Palace Theatre in Manhattan exceeded all previous records. She was honored with a Special Tony Award for her contribution to the revival of vaudeville.

1951: Concert tour of Britain and Ireland

In 1951, Judy Garland began a four-month concert tour of Britain and Ireland, playing to sold-out audiences. The successful concert tour was the first of her many comebacks.

March 17, 1954: Principal photography wrapped on 'A Star Is Born'

On March 17, 1954, the principal photography wrapped on the movie 'A Star Is Born', starring Judy Garland. Production delays led to cost overruns and angry confrontations with Warner Bros. head Jack L. Warner.

September 29, 1954: A Star Is Born Premiere

On September 29, 1954, a TV special was filmed in Hollywood at the Pantages Theatre premiere of "A Star Is Born", where George Jessel discussed the origin of the name "Garland".

1954: Appearance in 'A Star Is Born'

In 1954, Judy Garland appeared with James Mason in the Warner Bros. film 'A Star Is Born'.

1954: A Star Is Born

In 1954, Judy Garland starred in "A Star Is Born" which was a critically acclaimed performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination.

1954: Nomination for Academy Award for Best Actress

In 1954, Judy Garland was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'A Star Is Born' but did not win.

1955: First Television Special

In 1955, Judy Garland appeared in her first television special, the debut episode of Ford Star Jubilee, which was the first full-scale color broadcast ever on CBS.

1956: Second Television Special

In 1956, Judy Garland broadcast a live concert edition of General Electric Theater.

1956: Performances at the New Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas

In 1956, Judy Garland performed for four weeks at the New Frontier Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, becoming the highest-paid entertainer to work in Las Vegas.

1960: Signed Autobiography Contract

In 1960, Judy Garland signed a contract with Random House to write her autobiography, "The Judy Garland Story," in collaboration with Fred F. Finklehoffe. She received a US$35,000 advance.

April 23, 1961: Carnegie Hall Concert

On April 23, 1961, Judy Garland's concert appearance at Carnegie Hall was a significant event, hailed as "the greatest night in show business history." The recording of the concert, "Judy at Carnegie Hall," achieved gold certification and topped the Billboard charts for 13 weeks, ultimately winning four Grammy Awards.

1961: Settlement with CBS and New Specials

In 1961, Judy Garland and CBS settled contract disputes, leading to new negotiated specials.

1961: Judy at Carnegie Hall

In 1961, Judy Garland released her live album, "Judy at Carnegie Hall", which won two Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making her the first woman to receive the honor.

1961: Oscar nomination for 'Judgment at Nuremberg'

In 1961, Judy Garland starred in 'Judgment at Nuremberg' and received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

February 25, 1962: The Judy Garland Show Airs

On February 25, 1962, "The Judy Garland Show" aired on CBS, featuring Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin as guests.

1962: Voice Acting in 'Gay Purr-ee'

In 1962, Judy Garland voiced a role in the animated feature 'Gay Purr-ee'.

August 28, 1963: Participation in March on Washington

On August 28, 1963, Judy Garland participated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, advocating for civil and economic rights of African Americans.

September 16, 1963: Press Conference on 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing

On September 16, 1963, Judy Garland, along with Liza Minnelli and others, held a press conference to protest the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and requested funds for the victims' families.

September 29, 1963: Debut of Weekly Series

On September 29, 1963, "The Judy Garland Show" weekly series debuted, receiving critical acclaim but lasting only one season due to various factors.

1963: Jessel on Garland's Television Show

In 1963, George Jessel appeared as a guest on Judy Garland's television show, where he offered a later explanation for the origin of the name "Garland", though its veracity was questioned.

1963: The Judy Garland Show

In 1963, Judy Garland hosted her own Emmy-nominated television series, "The Judy Garland Show".

1963: Starring in 'A Child Is Waiting' and 'I Could Go On Singing'

In 1963, Judy Garland starred in 'A Child Is Waiting' with Burt Lancaster. Her final film role was in 'I Could Go On Singing' with Dirk Bogarde.

November 1964: Return to the London Palladium

In November 1964, Judy Garland returned to the London Palladium, performing with her daughter Liza Minnelli.

1964: The Judy Garland Show

In 1964, Judy Garland's Emmy-nominated television series, "The Judy Garland Show", aired.

1964: Australian Tour

In 1964, Judy Garland's tour of Australia ended badly; while initial Sydney concerts were successful, a delayed and poorly received performance in Melbourne led to negative press.

1964: Cancellation of The Judy Garland Show

In 1964, despite critical praise and Emmy nominations, "The Judy Garland Show" was canceled after 26 episodes due to competition and other factors.

1966: Parted Ways with Fields and Begelman

By the fall of 1966, Judy Garland had parted ways with agents Freddie Fields and David Begelman due to mismanagement of her finances and embezzlement of her earnings.

1966: Hollywood Palace Guest Appearance Ended

In 1966, problems with Judy Garland's behavior ended her Hollywood Palace guest appearances.

February 1967: Cast in Valley of the Dolls

In February 1967, Judy Garland was cast as Helen Lawson in "Valley of the Dolls" by 20th Century Fox, but faced mistreatment and was ultimately dismissed from the film.

July 1967: Last U.S. Appearances at New York's Palace Theatre

In July 1967, Judy Garland made one of her last U.S. appearances at New York's Palace Theatre, performing with her children Lorna and Joey Luft.

March 1969: Last Concert Appearance and Marriage to Mickey Deans

In March 1969, Judy Garland made her last concert appearance in Copenhagen and married Mickey Deans in London.

1969: Garland's Death and Legacy

By 1969, the year of her death, Judy Garland had appeared in over 35 films and established herself as one of the greats of entertainment, with a lasting reputation.

1999: Garland Identified as a Chameleon

In 1999, Peter Lennon writing for The Guardian, identified Judy Garland as a "chameleon" due to her ability to alternate between comedic, musical and dramatic roles.

2006: Release of 'The Definitive Collection – Judy Garland'

In 2006, the tribute album 'The Definitive Collection – Judy Garland' was released, highlighting Garland's natural phrasing, elegant delivery, mature pathos, and powerful dramatic dynamics.

2012: Garland as a Template

In 2012, Strassler described Judy Garland as more than an icon and comparable to Charlie Chaplin and Lucille Ball. She created a template that powers try to replicate.