Why is judy garland important to history

In the s, Time Magazine even interviewed a slew of psychologists to try to figure it out. And so does Garland. Queer historian Dr. It seems to be a significant category of gay men, in particular, who are invested in celebrities or the camp aesthetic that Garland embodies. Garland helped many gay men to understand their own version of the world, and to love themselves unapologetically. She was a survivor, doing her best to assert control in an industry that too often rejected her.

Garland never stopped performing. Even on her hardest of days, the stage seemed to breathe life into the star. It was where she thrived and could be free to express herself fully. Audiences relished in her performances. They loved her in an honest, unselfish way that those closest to her failed to do.

And I tried to please. I hope I did. Garland, J. Judy Garland on Judy Garland: Interviews and encounters. Chicago: Chicago Review Press. Brody, R. Haynes, S. The true story behind the movie Judy. Kaufman, A. Laura Townsend is an essayist and screenwriter based in Los Angeles.

She won an honorary Oscar as an outstanding screen juvenile. Too much work Garland shone in numerous movie performances. The live recording of that concert was on the top of the Billboard chart for 13 weeks, and remained on the chart for 73 weeks.

In the early s, CBS offered Garland a weekly television series of her own. The cancellation had a devastating impact on Garland, emotionally and financially. Fighting addiction Garland sought solace in alcohol, prescription sedatives, and stimulants.

There were, however, short periods in her life when she attempted to get "clean," but she was never able to stay off the drugs and alcohol. They had two children together — daughter Lorna in and son Joey in Whatever personal difficulty Garland and Luft had, he had a positive impact on her career and was instrumental in putting together one of her greatest films. Starring opposite James Mason, Garland gave an outstanding performance as a woman who obtains stardom at the price of love in A Star Is Born Her rendition of "The Man That Got Away" is considered one of her best performances on film, and she was nominated for an Academy Award.

In the s, Garland spent more time as a singer than an actress, but she still managed to earn another Academy Award nomination. She played a woman who had been persecuted by the Nazis in 's Judgment at Nuremberg. Despite all of her success as a singer, these were the only Grammy wins of her career.

Garland also tried her hand at series television. From to , she starred in The Judy Garland Show. The program went through many changes in its short run, but its strongest moments featured Garland showcasing her singing ability. Her two daughters, Lorna and Liza, made appearances on the show, as did her old co-star, Rooney. Although her television series ended, Garland was still in demand as an entertainer, playing gigs around the world. But her personal life was as troubled as ever.

After many separations, Garland divorced Luft in after a bitter battle over child custody. She quickly remarried — this time to actor Mark Herron. But that union lasted only a few months before dissolving. The pair officially divorced in , the same year Garland made a critically acclaimed return to Broadway for At Home at the Palace.

The next year, Garland went to London. She was in personal and financial trouble by this time. During performances at London's Talk of the Town nightclub, Garland was clearly not in good shape on stage. Garland wed former bandleader and club manager Mickey Deans in March However, just a few months later, on June 22, , she died in London of what was reported to be an accidental overdose.

The legacy of Garland has been carried on by her daughters, both of whom are singers and have had varying degrees of success. Both of the featured actresses — Tammy Blanchard as young Judy and Judy Davis as more mature Judy — took home Emmy Awards for their portrayals of the famed entertainer.

Despite her premature death, Garland continues to maintain a devoted following. There are countless fan sites online as well as published biographies that explore almost every aspect of her life — from her brilliant talent, her professional successes and failures, and her myriad of personal struggles.

In celebration of the late star, the Judy Garland Museum at her birthplace holds an annual festival. We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!