Garland’s love for theater and wonderful singing talents started very early due to her family’s great musical influence. To begin with, “Judy Garland was born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to vaudeville performers Frank and Ethel Gumm” (Petersen …show more content…
Garland’s big break came in 1939 when, “[...] Fox would not release the child star Shirley Temple to appear as Dorothy in MGM’s long-awaited Wizard of Oz (1939), and Garland was cast instead” (Evensen 1). The casting of Judy Garland was an excellent choice for MGM. Garland was obviously more fit for the role than Shirley Temple. The plot of The Wizard of Oz, “[...] focuses on the characters that Dorothy meets in Oz and their journey to meet the Wizard, who they hope will grant them each one wish” (Petersen 2). Without such an alluring plot line, Garland’s role in the film would not have been as outstanding as it was. After the film release, “Garland received a special miniature Oscar in 1940 for her role in the film” (Evensen 1). The Oscar she received further confirms that Garland was absolutely extraordinary in The Wizard of Oz. Garland’s role as Dorothy was very cherished by fans: “[...][Garland] would always be the plucky girl from Kansas who yearned for a place where ‘the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.’” (“Judy Garland” St. James 1). Dorothy’s inspiring and innocent character captivated Garland’s supporters. Many were unwilling to accept Garland as any other character. Garland’s role in the film The Wizard of Oz is what made her into a movie …show more content…
After her sensational role in The Wizard of Oz, she moved into a rocky life of substance abuse, precarious marriages, and serious mental health issues. Her death and legacy was a tragedy for all, but Garland’s life must never be forgotten. It is essential to acknowledge the arduous life that Garland endured and the glory she brought to the Hollywood