How Did Judy Garland, Wizard of Oz Star, Die? Inside Her Tragic Life and Connection to Wicked

As a devoted admirer of Judy Garland, I find myself constantly in awe of her indomitable spirit and unparalleled talent, even as I am saddened by the trials and tribulations that marked her life. Born into the world of vaudeville, she was destined for greatness, yet fate seemed intent on testing her resilience at every turn.


On June 22, 1969, at the age of 47, Judy Garland – famously known for her role in The Wizard of Oz – breathed her last. Her life was a blend of extraordinary abilities, triumphant peaks, and painful tribulations. Sadly, she passed away in her London residence due to a barbiturate overdose; the authorities declared her death an accident. This unfortunate demise occurred after decades of fighting addiction, mental health challenges, and financial hardships.

Frances Ethel Gumm, born in 1922, hailed from a theatrical family that specialized in vaudeville performances. It’s said her mother administered stimulants to boost her energy for shows when she was still a young girl. As a budding actress, she was taken under MGM’s wing, an environment that subjected her to stringent diets, intense criticism, and relentless work hours. The studio provided her with amphetamines to keep awake and barbiturates for sleep, which ultimately sparked a lifelong battle with addiction.

In the 1930s, Garland became widely recognized for her unforgettable portrayal of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and her rendition of “Over the Rainbow” continues to be one of the most cherished performances in Hollywood history. Yet, behind this success, Garland experienced bouts of insecurity and battled depression, resulting in several suicide attempts. Regrettably, these personal struggles tended to eclipse her impressive professional accomplishments.

As a devoted admirer looking back, I can’t help but reflect on Judy Garland’s later years, a time fraught with financial hardships that led her to grace the stages of London once more, not for personal pleasure, but to provide for those she loved. Even amidst these challenges, her performances continued to enthrall audiences, yet her health was gradually slipping away. The final chapter of her life was a tumultuous one, marred by instability and sadness in my fifth matrimonial journey with Mickey Deans. Tragically, it was he who discovered her lifeless in our shared abode.

The world was stunned by Garland’s demise, and her funeral in New York attracted thousands of admirers. Her enduring impact as a gay icon and embodiment of resilience became closely linked to the LGBTQ+ rights movement, especially since her passing occurred around the same time as the Stonewall Riots.

The life and hardships experienced by Judy Garland continue to captivate and inspire many. Her compelling tale has served as the foundation for works like Wicked, which delves into the unspoken narratives of characters from Oz. Despite the suffering she endured, Judy Garland’s indomitable talent and spirit have ensured her status as a timeless Hollywood icon.

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2024-11-24 21:22