More Than 100 Years After Her Birth, Judy Garland’s Story Still Breaks Fans’ Hearts

More than 100 years after her birth, Judy Garland remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. While generations of fans continue to treasure her iconic performance in The Wizard of Oz, many also feel it is impossible to think about Garland without remembering the hardships she experienced behind the scenes.

While filming The Wizard of Oz, Garland worked incredibly long hours and was pushed by first her mother, then the movie studio, to take both stimulants and sleeping pills. Garland was under a great deal of pressure about her weight, as well.

Garland told biographer Paul Donnelley, “They’d give us pills to keep us on our feet long after we were exhausted. Then they’d take us to the studio hospital and knock us out with sleeping pills…Then after four hours they’d wake us up and give us the pep pills again so we could work 72 hours in a row.”

In 1969, Garland died of an accidental overdose. For many fans, learning about Garland’s struggles has changed the way they view her life and career.

The Wizard of Oz icon is “Still the most heartbreaking voice in American history,” tweeted a fan.

On Instagram, someone noted, “Her beautiful voice and movies are always such a comfort to me.”

“Hard working angel who deserved better. In another life — may her soul have found a kinder childhood, a real one with safe people. Not exploiters,” another fan tweeted.

More than a century after her birth, fans are still captivated by Garland’s talent. At the same time, many believe her tragic story remains a heartbreaking reminder that one of Hollywood’s brightest stars spent years of her life struggling under levels of pressure that no child performer should ever experience.

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