At just sixteen, Judy Garland stepped onto the MGM lot under contract. From that moment, her body and image became subject to the studio’s demands. She was put on strict diets, pressured to maintain an “ideal” weight, given stimulants to keep performing, and sedatives to help her rest.
As her career progressed, so did the pressure: long shooting days, intense scrutiny, and a growing reliance on prescription medications. Over time, her dependence deepened under that relentless strain.
Her personal life was often turbulent. Though she had extraordinary talent, she also longed for stability and love. She married five times and had three children—Liza, Lorna, and Joey—but success and sorrow frequently walked hand in hand.
In her later years, financial difficulties, health problems, and unpredictable performances cast a shadow over her once-brilliant stardom. Yet, when she sang, her voice carried pain, strength, and an emotional depth few could forget.
On June 22, 1969, Judy was found dead in her London home. She was 47. The coroner ruled her death accidental, caused by an overdose of barbiturates she had long relied on.
Her life remains a tragic reminder of the cost of fame, while her legacy lives on through her powerful performances and timeless recordings.