40 Rare Photos of Judy Garland You've Probably Never Seen
Including rare photos of her early life and career.
Actress and singer Judy Garland was a star almost from birth. Though she’s often remembered for her iconic renditions of songs such as “Over the Rainbow,” she also was an extraordinary performer whom audiences adored. Born in 1922 as Frances Gumm, Judy was the daughter of former vaudevillians Frank and Ethel Gumm, who ran a theater in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She made her stage debut at age 2 ½, singing “Jingle Bells” and performing alongside her two older sisters.
At age 13, Judy was signed by Hollywood’s largest movie studio, Metro-Goldwyn Mayer (MGM). Her golden voice, youthful innocence and spirited personality made her an international sensation almost immediately. Despite the pressures of fame and an unsettled personal life, Judy made comeback after comeback through the years and endeared herself to fans in her feature films, stage appearances, and concerts around the world. A new biopic, Judy, with Renee Zellweger in the title role, is being released this fall.
Here’s a look at her many decades in the spotlight (and if you're interested in learning about other celebs through the years, check out our coverage of Lucille Ball and Audrey Hepburn.
1926: Posing for a studio portrait with her sisters
Frances and her big sisters, Dorothy and Mary Jane, performed in her father's theater in Grand Rapids, Minnesota as the Gumm Sisters Kiddie Act. At the time, Judy went by the name of "Baby Gumm."
1927: Beginning her career in show business
After the family moved to California in 1926, Frances and her sisters appeared in stage and radio productions up and down the West Coast. Here, she's wearing a costume for her first Kiddie Revue in Los Angeles.
1930: Taking center stage
The girls continued to perform throughout the '20s and early '30s, booked and managed by their mother. They also appeared in several short films during this period. Vibrant little Frances soon became the highlight of the act.
1935: Becoming Judy Garland
The Gumm Sisters changed their name to Garland when appearing at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1934. By 1935, Frances had shed her nickname "Baby" and chose the more adult-sounding, Judy.
1935: Signing a contract with MGM
After years of hard work (and a lot of pushing from her mother), Judy became a solo act, signing with MGM at just 13 years old.
1936: Learning to live in the spotlight
Hollywood began releasing a series of promotional photos, like this one of Judy doing a handstand, to push their latest starlet.
1936: Fanning rumors of romance
Hollywood continued to promote Judy, showing her here with the '30s child star, Jackie Cooper, and hinting at a young romance.
1936: Appearing in her first major film
Judy appeared in her first breakout role in Pigskin Parade, while on loan to Twentieth Century Fox.
1937: Singing her first hit
Judy was cast in MGM's Broadway Melody of 1938. Her serenade to a scrapbook of Clark Gable pictures, while singing "Dear Mr. Gable" as an introduction to "You Made Me Love You," earned her a Decca recording contract. It became one of her trademark songs.
1937: Arriving at a movie premiere
Judy was accompanied by fellow child star, Mickey Rooney, to a movie premiere.
1938: Starring alongside Mickey Rooney
Playing the girl-next-door type, Judy co-starred with Mickey Rooney in the hit, Love Finds Andy Hardy. They became a popular screen partnership, starring in many other movies together.
1938: Learning to cook
This promotional photo shows Judy learning to make pancakes. According to the original caption, she was whipping these up before she went to the studio for the day.
1938: Turning Sweet Sixteen
Judy is kissed by fellow teen actors Jackie Cooper and Mickey Rooney at a birthday party hosted at studio head Louis B. Mayer's house.
1939: Enjoying a night out
Here, Judy and Mickey do the jitterbug, a popular dance of the time.
1939: Polishing her car
This promotional shot shows Judy polishing her Packard Six during a break from filming The Wizard of Oz, the movie that would catapult her to fame and win her worldwide acclaim.
1939: Vacationing in New York City
Judy arrived at Grand Central Station to kick off her vacation after completing a film on the West Coast.
1939: Leaving her hand and footprints in cement
Judy received the honor of leaving her hand and footprints in the cement outside the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles. Mickey Rooney accompanied her.
1940: Winning an Academy Award
Judy received an Oscar, presented by Mickey Rooney, for outstanding juvenile performer in The Wizard of Oz.
1940: Enjoying home life
This promotional shot of Judy showed her relaxing at home with her dogs, like any other teenager.
1940: Celebrating her birthday
Judy received a gift of a record player from studio head Louis B. Mayer at a luncheon celebrating her 18th birthday.
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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