How Judy Garland Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Judy Garland continue to shape the world today.

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

1900: The Wizard of Oz Book Release

In 1900, L. Frank Baum's children's book "The Wizard of Oz" was released, which later served as the basis for the film starring Judy Garland.

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.

1965: Garland's Response to Gay Following

In 1965, when asked about her large gay following, Judy Garland replied, "I could care less. I sing to people!"

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.

1969: NYT Obituary on Garland

In 1969, The New York Times obituarist noted that Judy Garland brought her well-publicized emotional breakdowns and career challenges onto the stage, and that her voice had changed with age.

1978: Andrea McArdle portrays Garland in 'Rainbow'

In 1978, Andrea McArdle portrayed Judy Garland in the television movie 'Rainbow'.

1978: Auction of Personal Items

In 1978, a selection of Judy Garland's personal items was auctioned off by her ex-husband Sidney Luft with the support of their daughter Lorna and their son Joey, raising US$250,000 for her heirs.

1989: US Postage Stamp (Dorothy)

In 1989, Judy Garland was honored on a U.S. postage stamp as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.

1992: Garland Dubbed Greatest American Entertainer

In 1992, Gerald Clarke of Architectural Digest called Judy Garland "probably the greatest American entertainer of the twentieth century".

1992: Reference in 'Happy Phantom'

In 1992, Judy Garland is referenced in Tori Amos' song 'Happy Phantom', where she is imagined taking Buddha by the hand.

1996: Reference in 'Not the Red Baron'

In 1996, Tori Amos refers to Judy Garland as 'Judy G' in her song 'Not the Red Baron'.

1997: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

In 1997, Judy Garland was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her lasting contributions to music.

June 1998: Garland Compared to Modern Pop Stars

In June 1998, Camille Paglia wrote in The New York Times that Judy Garland was a personality on a grand scale, making contemporary pop stars seem lightweight.

1998: Carnegie Hall Tribute

In 1998, Carnegie Hall hosted a two-concert tribute to Judy Garland, promoted as a tribute to the world's greatest entertainer.

1998: Garland in 'The Boy from Oz'

In 1998, Judy Garland was featured as a character in the musical 'The Boy from Oz', portrayed by Chrissy Amphlett in the original Australian production.

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.

1999: AFI's Greatest Female Screen Legends

In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Judy Garland as the eighth-greatest female screen legend of classic Hollywood cinema, cementing her legacy.

2001: 'Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows'

In 2001, Tammy Blanchard (young Judy) and Judy Davis (older Judy) portrayed Garland in the miniseries 'Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows'.

2003: Garland in 'The Boy from Oz' on Broadway

In 2003, Isabel Keating portrayed Judy Garland in the Broadway production of the musical 'The Boy from Oz'.

2005: 'End of the Rainbow' Featuring Garland

In 2005, the play 'End of the Rainbow' featured Caroline O'Connor as Judy Garland and Paul Goddard as her pianist.

2006: Adrienne Barbeau in 'The Property Known as Garland'

In 2006, Adrienne Barbeau played Judy Garland in 'The Property Known as Garland'.

2006: US Postage Stamp (Vicki Lester)

In 2006, Judy Garland was again honored on a U.S. postage stamp as Vicki Lester from 'A Star Is Born'.

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.

2010: 'The Judy Monologues'

In 2010, 'The Judy Monologues' initially featured male actors reciting Judy Garland's words before being revamped as a one-woman show.

2010: Garland's Enduring 'It' Quality

In 2010, Joan E. Dowlin of The Huffington Post concluded that Judy Garland possessed a distinct 'it' quality, exemplifying star charisma, musical talent, natural acting ability, and good looks.

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.

2014: Unfinished Autobiography Included in Biography

In 2014, portions of Judy Garland's unfinished autobiography were included in the biography "Judy Garland on Judy Garland: Interviews and Encounters" by Randy L. Schmidt.

2015: Frog's 'Judy Garland' Single

In 2015, Frog released a single titled 'Judy Garland'.

2015: Sigrid Thornton in 'Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door'

In 2015, Sigrid Thornton portrayed Judy Garland in 'Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door'.

January 2017: Re-interment at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

In January 2017, Judy Garland's remains were moved from Ferncliff Cemetery to Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, at the request of her children.

2019: Renée Zellweger Wins Oscar for 'Judy'

In 2019, Renée Zellweger portrayed Judy Garland in the biopic 'Judy' and won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

June 10, 2022: Release of "Judy — A Garland Fragrance"

On June 10, 2022, the centennial of her birth, Judy Garland was honored with a perfume named after her entitled "Judy — A Garland Fragrance" created by Vincenzo Spinnato.