Behind the glitter: The dark childhood of a Hollywood icon

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American actress and singer Judy Garland (1922 – 1969) sits at a table during an unidentified show in New York, New York, circa 1965. (Photo by Oscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images)

At one point, Stevie Phillips, who represented Garland as her agent for four years, described her as “a demented, demanding, supremely talented drug-addict.”

Yet biographer Royce emphasized that Garland displayed “astonishing strength and courage,” even in the toughest times. English actor Dirk Bogarde once called her “the funniest woman I have ever met.”

Despite her personal battles, Garland rejected the public perception of her as a tragic figure. Her younger daughter Lorna echoed this sentiment:

“We all have tragedies in our lives, but that does not make us tragic. She was funny and she was warm and she was wonderfully gifted. She had great highs and great moments in her career. She also had great moments in her personal life. Yes, we lost her at 47 years old. That was tragic. But she was not a tragic figure.”

I’ve always loved The Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland as Dorothy — her singing voice was incredible. She went through so much in her life, and my heart goes out to her. May she rest in the sweetest peace, far beyond the rainbow 🌈🕊

 

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