When was Judy Garland born and where did she grow up?
Frances Ethel Gumm was born on the 10th of June 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. She grew up there while her family operated a movie theater that showcased vaudeville acts for local audiences.
Questions about Judy Garland
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Judy Garland get her stage name from Frances Gumm?
George Jessel encouraged the group to change their surname after the audience laughed at The Gumm Sisters name. Frances adopted the name Judy later in 1934 inspired by a popular Hoagy Carmichael song and possibly influenced by Carole Lombard's character Lily Garland or drama critic Robert Garland.
What caused Judy Garland's health struggles during her time at MGM Studios?
Judy Garland took amphetamines to stay awake and barbiturates to sleep which led to addiction and a lifelong struggle according to her testimony. The studio demanded constant dieting and served her only chicken soup and black coffee when she ordered regular meals.
Why did Judy Garland return to live performance after leaving Hollywood?
Bing Crosby invited Judy Garland onto his radio show Kraft Music Hall on the 11th of October 1950 after learning she was depressed and running out of money. Her performances at the London Palladium lasted four weeks receiving rave reviews and an ovation described by the manager as the loudest he had ever heard.
When and how did Judy Garland die according to official records?
Deans found Judy Garland dead in the bathroom of their rented house in Cadogan Lane Belgravia London on the 22nd of June 1969. Coroner Gavin Thurston stated cause was an incautious self-overdosage of barbiturates with blood containing equivalent of ten Seconal capsules.