When you think of Judy Garland, you probably think of that cute

little girl trying to find her way home. Well, the most beloved actress of
Hollywood’s golden era had a complicated life. She suffered from
mental illness, was married five times, and attempted suicide many
times. In spite of all this, Judy Garland is still known as a legend. Her
voice still lives on in a legacy of musicals that is still enjoyed by many
today. To this day, people still listen to the original “Somewhere over
the Rainbow.”
Judy Garland is a very famous actress, singer and vaudevillian. She
was born on June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids Michigan. When she was
little she performed in a trio with her sisters called “The Gumm Sisters.”
However, her life wasn’t as glorious and some may think. She faced
many obstacles during her career. Unfortunately, later in life, she got
involved with drugs. Later on, Judy became a mother to three
children. While she was married to her husband Vincente Minnelli she
had a daughter Liza. She went on to have two more children with
another husband Sid Luft. A daughter named Lorna and a son named
Joey. All three children are in the entertainment business.
Ms. Garland went to high school at Hollywood High School and
Antelope Valley High School. She also attended Meglin Dance Studio.
She never went to college. She was a very bright person, however, she
did not see acting and singing as a full-time career. Her desire was to
become a nurse. During the Wizard of Oz filming, Judy was provided
with a tutor to make sure she maintained her education. Also, when
she was in elementary school, she worked with multiple tutors while
her mother tried to find theatrical jobs for Judy and her sisters.
Judy Garland was very inspiring because during the Great
Depression many were feeling hopeless. Judy’s performance of
Somewhere Over the Rainbow, gave many people hope. She had many
obstacles to overcome. Judy suffered from mental illness that lead to
many nervous breakdowns and suicide attempts. She was a very
emotional person. She relied on pain medication that ultimately
became an addiction and caused her death in June of 1969.
Judy Garland had many special talents and interests. She was also a
vaudevillian. Vaudeville is a type of entertainment. It includes dancing,
burlesque, comedy, song and dance. Judy often performed in vaudeville
groups. It was mostly popular in the 20’s which is Judy Garland’s time
period. Judy also loved sports. She loved to play baseball, swimming,
horseback riding and golf. In her spare time, she also loved to draw. Her
favorite color was green. She like to draw Toto the dog in pastel colors
while she was on the set The Wizard of Oz. Apparently, she really
enjoyed being with Toto because she and the dog were best pals. He
would not separate from her during lunch breaks and her tutoring
sessions. Judy Garland enjoyed many things that any normal person her
age would enjoy.
Some of my favorite inspiring Judy Garland quotes are, “Always be a
first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of
someone else.” Also, “Behind every cloud is another cloud.” I also find
the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow to be very hopeful and
inspiring. Judy’s starring role as Dorothy has inspired many children to
use their imaginations and to think outside the box. Overall, Judy
Garland was a very inspiring, talented, beautiful person. She was
definitely a diamond in the rough. From Baby Gumm to Dorothy, to an
award-winning singer and actress, Judy’s life sure wasn’t easy.
However, despite all her obstacles, she still has inspired so many people
of all ages, from the past, to the present.