Judy Garland, one of Hollywood history’s most iconic figures in Hollywood history, left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Garland was an extraordinary singer, gifted performer, and best known for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Even with such great career came financial struggle, and by the time Garland died in 1969, her net worth was just $40,000 in today’s dollars.
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Early Stardom and Financial Mismanagement
Born Frances Ethel Gumm on 10 June, 1922, Garland began performing with her sisters in vaudeville and signed with MGM at the age of 13. Her breakthrough role was as Dorothy Gale in the 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz. Garland’s rendition of “Over the Rainbow” became a cultural touchstone and made her an international star.
While Garland’s career flourished with roles like Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), Easter Parade (1948), and A Star Is Born (1954), her financial situation was much less secure. She faced financial mismanagement, both from her studio and poor investments. MGM controlled much of her career, and Garland was overworked and underpaid relative to her male counterparts. She made good earnings, but seldom benefited from them.
Problems with Addiction and Health
Garland’s personal struggles further added to her financial woes. As a child, she was subjected to a grueling Hollywood lifestyle, being constantly told to maintain her weight and keep her energy up. Studio executives even gave her amphetamines to help her cope with filming pressures. This led to battles with addiction and health issues that often kept her from working regularly.
All these struggles also affected her private life, leading to multiple marriages and expensive divorces, along with wild behavior that affected her professional life. In later years, not having steady work reduced Garland’s financial security.
Efforts at a Comeback and Final Years
Later in the 1960s, Garland attempted a few comebacks with concerts, TV specials, and her own show, The Judy Garland Show (1963-1964), but her financial position deteriorated even further. She made a lot of money in her career, but legal battles with ex-husbands, back taxes, and extravagant spending left her with little.
At the time of her accidental overdose in 1969, Garland had an unfinished estate. Her estate was just a few thousand dollars and her debts were many times her assets. It was not until after her death that her legacy was fully established, with renewed interest in her work and lasting contributions to cinema.
Conclusion
The late Judy Garland had a low net worth for someone of her stature and talent when she died. She was a Hollywood legend, but financial mismanagement and personal struggles left her estate ruined. However, her influence on the entertainment industry is undeniable and she remains one of the most beloved and talented performers of all time.
