Judy Garland Family Tree: The Story Behind Wizard of Oz's Dorothy

Frances Ethel Gumm, known as Judy Garland (1922–1969), born 10 June 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA, and died 22 June 1969 in London, was Hollywood's most-beloved singer-actress — The Wizard of Oz (1939), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), Easter Parade (1948), A Star Is Born (1954); Juvenile Academy Award (1940); mother of Liza Minnelli.

The Family's Roots: A Vaudeville Family

Parents ran vaudeville shows; two elder sisters were her early singing partners.

Her Parents

Father: Francis Avent "Frank" Gumm (1886–1935) — vaudeville performer.

Mother: Ethel Marion Milne Gumm (1893–1953) — vaudeville performer; pushed Judy into films.

Her Sisters

Mary Jane "Suzy" Gumm (1915–1964); Virginia "Jimmie" Gumm (1917–1977) — Gumm Sisters trio with young Judy.

Her 5 Husbands

David Rose (m. 28 July 1941, div. 8 June 1944) — composer.

Vincente Minnelli (m. 15 June 1945, div. 29 March 1951) — director.

Sid Luft (m. 8 June 1952, div. 19 May 1965) — producer.

Mark Herron (m. 14 November 1965, div. 11 April 1969) — actor.

Mickey Deans (m. 15 March 1969, until her death 1969) — musician; 3-month marriage.

Her Children

Liza May Minnelli, born 12 March 1946 — daughter with Vincente Minnelli; Academy Award Best Actress (Cabaret, 1972).

Lorna Luft, born 21 November 1952 — daughter with Sid Luft; singer.

Joseph Wiley "Joey" Luft, born 29 March 1955 — son with Sid Luft.

The Garland Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Frank Gumm (1886–1935).

Mother: Ethel Gumm (1893–1953).

Sisters: Suzy (1915–1964); Virginia (1917–1977).

Husbands: David Rose (1941-44); Vincente Minnelli (1945-51); Sid Luft (1952-65); Mark Herron (1965-69); Mickey Deans (1969-death).

Children: Liza Minnelli (b. 12 March 1946); Lorna Luft (b. 21 November 1952); Joey Luft (b. 29 March 1955).

Judy Garland:

  • Born 10 June 1922, Grand Rapids
  • MGM contract 1935 at 13
  • The Wizard of Oz (1939) — Juvenile Oscar at 17
  • MGM years — put on Benzedrine and barbiturates to control weight and energy from age 13
  • Died: 22 June 1969, London — accidental barbiturate overdose at 47

What the Garland Family Story Teaches Us

Vaudeville parents. Two elder-sister singing partners. Five marriages — the last 3 months long. Three children — including Oscar-winner Liza Minnelli. A career that began pills at 13 and ended in a London bathroom at 47.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Judy story carries the same lesson. Some careers pay a terrible price for the studio system.

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