Judy Garland Net Worth

Judy Garland’s Net Worth: A Look at Her Financial Struggles and Successes

Early Life and the Rise to Stardom

Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was a true icon of the golden age of Hollywood. Her journey to stardom began at a young age, nurtured by parents who were vaudevillians themselves. She started performing with her siblings, showcasing a natural talent for singing and dancing. The family’s move to Lancaster, California, provided opportunities in the burgeoning entertainment industry.

By 1928, the Gumm Sisters were already making a name for themselves, appearing in various television segments. The group later evolved into the “Garland Sisters.” The name change, though not fully explained, marked a significant step in their professional journey. Judy’s extraordinary talent caught the attention of songwriter Burton Lane, who orchestrated an audition with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios. The audition was a success, and Judy secured a contract, setting the stage for her meteoric rise.

Career Highlights and Challenges

Despite the initial excitement, MGM struggled to place the young star. At 13, Judy was in the awkward transition between child and adult roles. The studio’s focus on physical appearance led to constant comparisons, and she was often reminded of her perceived shortcomings. She faced pressures to conform to conventional beauty standards, which affected her self-esteem. Regardless of these difficulties, Garland’s talent shone. She became a significant source of income for MGM, appearing in movies such as “Loves Finds Andy Hardy,” “Babes in Arms,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

The demands of the entertainment industry took a toll. Garland was prescribed amphetamines to stay awake during long shoots and barbiturates to sleep. This early exposure to drugs would foreshadow her later struggles with substance abuse. Her career saw her star in numerous films, with her role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) becoming a defining moment. The iconic performance of “Over the Rainbow” cemented her place in cinematic history. Later, she transitioned to adult roles, entering a relationship with Artie Shaw and marrying David Rose, though their marriage ended in divorce by 1944.

Garland’s career wasn’t without its dark moments. After the commercially successful “Easter Parade,” Garland began relying on sleeping pills and morphine, leading to a downward spiral. She was frequently fired from film projects and struggled to maintain a consistent work ethic. Despite these personal battles, Garland experienced a resurgence towards the end of her career. She returned to her vaudeville roots and performed with her daughter, Liza Minnelli. Her comeback included a role in “A Star is Born” in the mid-1950s, for which she was expected to win an Academy Award.

During the 60s, she was given her own TV show but returned to stage work and performed with her daughter, Liza. Financial difficulties plagued her, and a series of divorces added to the strain. Despite these difficulties, she left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

Financial Troubles and Mismanagement

Despite earning substantial amounts of money, Judy Garland faced severe financial hardships throughout her life. Poor financial management, combined with her generosity towards friends and family, led to considerable debt. One of the most significant financial blows came when she discovered she owed the IRS a staggering $500,000, equivalent to approximately $4 million today, due to embezzlement and mismanagement by her agents, Freddie Fields and David Begelman. The IRS placed a tax lien on her Brentwood home, leading to the garnishment of her royalties from Capital Records and other ventures.

Garland was forced to sell her home at a discount, resulting in a period of instability, where she moved from hotel to hotel, often leaving unpaid bills. In 1967, she earned over $200,000 for a 27-night engagement at New York’s Palace Theater, but the IRS seized the majority of these earnings. Following her death, her daughter, Liza Minnelli, played a crucial role in settling the estate’s debts. Over 500 of her personal items were auctioned, raising $250,000 (about $1 million today). Frank Sinatra also contributed financially to help clear the debts, highlighting the support she had from peers.

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Salary and Earnings Throughout Her Career

Judy Garland’s financial journey is a tale of rapid ascent and eventual decline, reflecting the volatile nature of the entertainment industry. Her first contract with MGM in 1935 paid $100 per week. By the time she was chosen to play Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” her salary had increased to $500 per week, a notable sum for the time. Although her salary was dwarfed by some of her co-stars, her impact on the film’s success was undeniable. In total, Judy made $9,649 from “Oz”, the same as around $190,000 in today’s dollars.

In the early 1950s, Garland’s earnings rose dramatically when she performed on Broadway. She could command $15,000-$20,000 per week. In 1955, when she appeared in “The Ford Star Jubilee,” she earned $100,000. Her earning potential was clearly high, but mismanagement and debts quickly eroded these large gains. For her final film, “I Could Go On Singing” (1963), she was paid $200,000 plus a percentage of the gross profits, which would have been a considerable sum had the movie performed better. Her most consistent source of income for much of her life was $50,000-$80,000 per year from music royalties.

Unfortunately, after running into tax troubles, a portion of these royalties were garnished by the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.

Death and Legacy

Judy Garland’s life tragically ended on June 22, 1969, when she was found dead in a bathroom by her final husband, Mickey Deans. She was 47 years old. Her death was attributed to a barbiturate overdose, though the circumstances were complex. The autopsy suggested that she was also suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, though later examinations discredited this claim. Another doctor suggested that Judy had an eating disorder, which may have contributed to her death.

Garland’s legacy remains profound. Despite her personal struggles, she left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Her performances in films like “The Wizard of Oz,” “A Star is Born,” and numerous other roles, earned her a place in Hollywood history. Her voice, her acting, and her resilience continue to inspire audiences. Her financial struggles serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges faced by those in the spotlight and the importance of proper financial management. She won multiple awards, including an Academic Juvenile Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Special Tony Award, and a Grammy Award. Her story is a testament to the price of fame and the enduring impact of a true icon.