Judy Garland

Written by Cosima 

Judy Garland was a famous American actress and singer. Her acting career took off at the age of 2 where she and her siblings would sing and dance at the movie theatre her father Frank owned. By age 7 Judy and her siblings would perform as a part of the ‘Gumm Sisters’ every night. Judy stated that ‘the only time I felt wanted as a kid was when I was performing.’ One of Judy’s more well known roles was in the Wizard of Oz in 1938 when she was 16. In 1939 after the film had been released Judy was one of twelve people in history to ever be presented with an ‘Academy Reward’ from that point on Judy was one of the most bankable actresses in the UK.

However although Judy received an immense amount of fame throughout her life she didn’t have an easy life. From a very young age Judy suffered with mental and physical health problems because of the constant criticism she faced from film executives who were constantly putting her on diets and making her believe that she was physically unattractive. Throughout her adulthood Judy suffered with alcohol and substance abuse issues and her lifelong substance abuse led to her death in 1969 at age 47.

Three months before her death Judy married her fifth husband Mickey Deans at the Chelsea Register Office in London and then later that day a service of blessing was held at St Marylebone Parish Church. After attending the nuptial blessing she headed off to her wedding reception. After her death in 1970 Reverend Peter Delaney who presided over her wedding, held a memorial service at St Marylebone where he recalled her faith, sense of humour, vulnerability and humility.

Although Judy suffered from alcohol and drug problems throughout her life she was still a very influential figure who will be remembered throughout history. She influenced many women through her successful career which included two Grammys, two Academy Award nominations, a Golden Globe, a Tony, an Academy Juvenile Award and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She has inspired so many aspiring actresses and singers with her career and was an iconic voice of her own generation shown through Turners Classic Movies calling her ‘history’s most poignant voice.’