Challenges Faced by Judy Garland: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Judy Garland's life and career.

Judy Garland was a celebrated American actress, singer, and vaudevillian, renowned for her powerful voice and emotional performances. She gained international stardom as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939) and maintained a successful career spanning film, stage, and music. Garland released eight studio albums and had numerous recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. She was the youngest and first female recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Posthumously, she received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was recognized as one of the greatest female screen legends by the American Film Institute.

Sections (6)

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

November 16, 1935: Father Hospitalized

On November 16, 1935, 13-year-old Judy Garland learned that her father had been hospitalized with meningitis.

July 1947: Suicide Attempt and Treatment

In July 1947, during the filming of "The Pirate", Judy Garland suffered a nervous breakdown and attempted suicide by cutting her wrist. She spent two weeks in treatment at the Austen Riggs Center.

May 1948: The Pirate Film Release

In May 1948, "The Pirate" was released. It was the first film starring Judy Garland since "The Wizard of Oz" that did not make a profit.

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July 18, 1948: Suspension from The Barkleys of Broadway

On July 18, 1948, Judy Garland was suspended by MGM after missing several shooting days for "The Barkleys of Broadway" due to health issues and was replaced by Ginger Rogers.

May 10, 1949: Firing from Annie Get Your Gun

On May 10, 1949, Judy Garland was fired from the film "Annie Get Your Gun" due to her behavior and health issues. She was replaced by Betty Hutton.

June 17, 1950: Suspension from Royal Wedding

On June 17, 1950, Judy Garland was suspended from "Royal Wedding" after failing to report to the set, and was subsequently replaced by Jane Powell.

1956: General Electric Theater special

In 1956, Judy Garland had only one additional special broadcast, which was a live concert edition of General Electric Theater before disagreements between the Lufts and CBS arose over the format of upcoming specials.

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November 1959: Hospitalized with Hepatitis

In November 1959, Judy Garland was hospitalized after being diagnosed with acute hepatitis.

January 1960: Release from Hospital

In January 1960, Judy Garland was released from the hospital after being treated for acute hepatitis. Doctors told her that she had five years or less to live and that she would likely never sing again, leading to a period of relief followed by recovery and a return to the stage.

September 29, 1963: Debut of weekly series

On September 29, 1963, Judy Garland's weekly series, "The Judy Garland Show", debuted. Despite critical acclaim, the show was canceled in 1964 after only one season due to various factors, including competition with "Bonanza" on NBC.

1963: Divorce from Sidney Luft

In 1963, Judy Garland sued Sidney Luft for divorce, citing mental cruelty and alleging physical abuse.

1964: Australian Tour

In 1964, Judy Garland's tour of Australia ended badly after a performance in Melbourne where she was booed and heckled by the audience, leading her to flee the stage.

1964: Cancellation of The Judy Garland Show

In 1964, The Judy Garland Show was canceled after only one season and 26 episodes, despite receiving critical praise and four Emmy Award nominations.

1966: Financial Difficulties and New Agents

By the fall of 1966, Judy Garland had parted ways with agents Freddie Fields and David Begelman, whose mismanagement and embezzlement of her earnings resulted in significant debts to the IRS and personal creditors.

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, though she was later dismissed from the film.

July 1967: Final U.S. Appearances at 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. She earned a significant sum from her share of the profits, but federal tax agents seized most of her earnings on closing night.