Early Life and Education of Judy Garland: A Complete Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Judy Garland. A timeline of key moments.
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.
June 10, 1922: Judy Garland Born
On June 10, 1922, Judy Garland, originally named Frances Ethel Gumm, was born. She would become a celebrated American actress, singer, and vaudevillian.
June 1926: Relocation to Lancaster, California
In June 1926, Judy Garland's family relocated to Lancaster, California, due to rumors about her father. Her father bought a theater, and her mother focused on getting her daughters into motion pictures.
1928: Enrolled in Dance School
In 1928, The Gumm Sisters, including Judy Garland, enrolled in a dance school run by Ethel Meglin and appeared in the annual Christmas show.
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".
1934: Possible Origin of the Name Garland
In 1934, the name "Garland" may have originated from Carole Lombard's character Lily Garland in the film "Twentieth Century", or from drama critic Robert Garland. This was around the time the Gumm Sisters were looking for a more appealing name.
1934: Name Change to Garland Sisters
In late 1934, The Gumm Sisters changed their name to The Garland Sisters. Frances also changed her name to "Judy" around this time, inspired by a Hoagy Carmichael song.
August 1935: Group Disbanded
In August 1935, The Garland Sisters broke up when Mary Jane "Suzanne" Garland married musician Lee Kahn in Reno, Nevada.
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.
November 16, 1935: Father's Hospitalization
On November 16, 1935, while preparing for a radio performance, 13-year-old Judy Garland learned that her father had been hospitalized with meningitis and his condition had worsened.
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: 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: 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.
1940: Relationship with Artie Shaw
In early 1940, Judy Garland experienced her first serious adult romance with bandleader Artie Shaw, but was devastated when he eloped with Lana Turner.
July 27, 1941: Marriage to David Rose
On July 27, 1941, Judy Garland, at 19 years old, married David Rose after a period of disapproval from MGM. They moved into a house in Bel Air, Los Angeles.
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."
January 1943: Trial Separation from David Rose
In January 1943, Judy Garland and David Rose agreed to a trial separation, signaling the end of their marriage.
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: Divorce from David Rose
In 1944, Judy Garland divorced David Rose, ending their marriage after a period of separation and disapproval from MGM.
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.
June 15, 1945: Marriage to Vincente Minnelli
On June 15, 1945, Judy Garland married Vincente Minnelli, the director of 'Meet Me in St. Louis', after developing a relationship during filming.
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.
1945: Brief affair with Orson Welles
In early 1945, Judy Garland ended a brief affair with actor and film director Orson Welles, who was married to Rita Hayworth at the time. However, Garland and Welles remained on good terms afterwards.
March 12, 1946: Birth of daughter Liza Minnelli
On March 12, 1946, Judy Garland gave birth to her daughter Liza Minnelli.
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".
July 1947: First Suicide Attempt
In July 1947, during the filming of 'The Pirate', Judy Garland made her first suicide attempt by cutting her wrist with a broken glass and was placed in a private sanatorium.
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.
October 11, 1950: Guest on Kraft Music Hall
On October 11, 1950, Judy Garland appeared as a guest on Kraft Music Hall, hosted by Bing Crosby, following her second suicide attempt.
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.
June 8, 1952: Marriage to Sidney Luft
On June 8, 1952, Judy Garland married Sidney Luft, her tour manager and producer, in Hollister, California.
November 21, 1952: Birth of daughter Lorna Luft
On November 21, 1952, Judy Garland gave birth to her daughter Lorna Luft, who later became an actress and singer.
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: 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.
March 29, 1955: Birth of son Joey Luft
On March 29, 1955, Judy Garland gave birth to her son Joey Luft.
1956: Second Television Special
In 1956, Judy Garland broadcast a live concert edition of General Electric Theater.
November 1959: Hospitalization for Acute Hepatitis
In November 1959, Judy Garland was hospitalized after being diagnosed with acute hepatitis, leading to fluid drainage from her body.
January 1960: Release from Hospital
In January 1960, Judy Garland was released from the hospital in weak condition after treatment for acute hepatitis. Doctors gave her a grim prognosis, suggesting she had limited time to live and might never sing again.
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.
1961: Garland's Connection with Audiences
In 1961, Judy Garland expressed her deep love for her audience and her determination to make them enjoy her shows, feeling warmed by their positive reception.
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.
1961: Signed Last Will
In early 1961, Judy Garland signed and sealed her last will, making generous bequests.
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.
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: Affair with Glenn Ford
In 1963, Judy Garland had a six-month affair with actor Glenn Ford while she was doing her television 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.
1963: Filed for Divorce from Sidney Luft
In 1963, Judy Garland sued Sidney Luft for divorce, citing mental cruelty and alleging physical abuse.
November 1964: Return to the London Palladium
In November 1964, Judy Garland returned to the London Palladium, performing with her daughter Liza Minnelli.
1964: Garland Identifies Favorite Song
In 1964, while on tour, Judy Garland identified 'Over the Rainbow' as her favorite of all the songs she had ever recorded.
May 19, 1965: Divorce from Sidney Luft Finalized
On May 19, 1965, Judy Garland's divorce from Sidney Luft became final.
November 14, 1965: Marriage to Mark Herron
On November 14, 1965, Judy Garland legally married Mark Herron.
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.
June 26, 1969: Remains Taken to New York City
On June 26, 1969, Mickey Deans traveled with Judy Garland's remains to New York City, where thousands paid their respects.
June 27, 1969: Judy Garland's Funeral
On June 27, 1969, Judy Garland's funeral was held, with James Mason delivering a eulogy.
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