Judy Garland

1 Pages 335 Words

Judy Garland
1922-1969

Judy Garland was born on June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to her father Francis Gumm and mother Ethel Milne. Judy’s birth name is Frances Gumm. Judy did not change her name until 1934,she took the name “Judy” because she liked the peppy sound of it. Judy was the youngest of her two sisters, Mary Jane and Dorothy Virginia. Judy made her show business "debut" during a Christmas show at her parents' theater in Grand Rapids on December 26. 1924,she was two years old. She sang numerous verses of "Jingle Bells" and thoroughly enchanted the audience. Mary Jane and Dorothy were already performing as a song and dance duo at the time. The sisters became a trio shortly after Judy’s debut. They were known as The Gumm Sisters, and appeared at theaters and social functions in and around Grand Rapids. Judy made a total of 43 films in a 13-year period. Also, Judy made her own record with MGM. Unfortunately, in the midst of her glory and fame she became involved with drugs, which was soon to be the cause of her death.
However, the price and pressure of fame was too high for Judy. If her physical appearance changed or her voice wasn’t perfect, she would not get paid. Judy was prescribed Benzedrine and Phenobarbital to control her appetite and weight. Judy had trouble sleeping, due to stress, therefore she relied on sleeping pills. Unknowingly, Judy became addicted to the powerful psychiatric drugs. The drugs had both a physical and mental side effects. Even her friends began to notice differences in the way she looked and acted. Judy lost weight and dark-blue circles were appearing under her eyes. Judy began to seek medical attention. She saw Dr. Frederick Hacker every day. Despite the help and counseling Judy was receiving, her problems only worsened. Judy’s behavior was becoming “erratic, disruptive, and demoralizing.” Not only that, but her difficulties were becoming public....