Judy Garland – Fascinating Facts about The Wizard of Oz Star
Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz skyrocketed her to international fame.
The Wizard of Oz was released in 1939 and remains a beloved classic even today.
Judy Garland was only 16 years old when she played Dorothy Gale.
Garland’s rendition of the song Over the Rainbow became her signature song.
The Wizard of Oz was Garland’s first technicolor film.
Garland was initially considered too old for the role of Dorothy, but her talent and youthful appearance won over the casting directors.
Garland had to wear a tight corset during filming to maintain the illusion of a younger age.
The film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz was different from the book, as it developed a deeper backstory for the characters.
Despite her success in The Wizard of Oz, Garland struggled with insecurity and a difficult personal life.
Garland won a special juvenile Oscar for her role in the film.
The Wizard of Oz was not an immediate box office success, but gained popularity through television broadcasts.
Garland’s performance in the film has been praised for its innocence and vulnerability.
The original pair of ruby slippers worn by Garland in the film were stolen from a museum and remain missing.
Garland’s role in The Wizard of Oz led to a long-lasting career in both film and music.
The film was adapted into a popular stage musical called The Wiz.
Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy inspired generations of young girls to dream big.
Judy Garland – Fascinating Facts about The Wizard of Oz Star part 2
The role of Dorothy was originally offered to Shirley Temple but went to Garland after Temple’s studio requested too much money.
Garland’s audition for The Wizard of Oz included singing Over the Rainbow without accompaniment.
There were multiple directors attached to the film before Victor Fleming took over.
Garland had to wear a blonde wig during filming to match the character’s iconic look.
The blue gingham dress worn by Garland’s character sold at auction for over $1.5 million.
Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli, also became a renowned actress and singer.
The film’s Scarecrow, played by Ray Bolger, originally auditioned for the Tin Man role.
Margaret Hamilton, who portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West, was severely burned during a scene involving pyrotechnics.
The iconic phrase There’s no place like home originated from The Wizard of Oz.
Garland had a close friendship with her co-star, Ray Bolger, who played the Scarecrow.
Many of the film’s original props, including Dorothy’s ruby slippers and Toto the dog, are now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy was so iconic that she became the face of the film, despite sharing screen time with other accomplished actors.
Garland’s success in The Wizard of Oz led to her own radio show.
The film’s famous tornado scene used a 35-foot-long muslin stocking to create the twister effect.
Garland’s real name was Frances Ethel Gumm, and she changed it to Judy Garland after signing with MGM.
Due to the film’s success, Garland was unable to fully escape from her image as Dorothy Gale in future roles.
Garland’s performance of Over the Rainbow was ranked as the greatest movie song of all time by the American Film Institute.
The script for The Wizard of Oz went through multiple revisions before production began.
Garland’s red hair in the film was achieved by bleaching her naturally brown hair and dyeing it with a vegetable-based coloring.
Garland’s performance in The Wizard of Oz earned her a special award for Best Juvenile Performance at the 1940 Oscars.
Garland’s iconic blue gingham dress was inspired by a farm girl pattern from the early 1900s.
The film’s success led to a demand for sequels, but no direct sequels were ever made.
Garland’s performance in The Wizard of Oz continues to be celebrated through various tribute events and festivals.
The film’s success prompted MGM to create a new logo featuring the famous lion from The Wizard of Oz.
Garland was known for her professionalism on set, despite the challenges she faced in her personal life.
The film’s production faced numerous setbacks, including rewrites, casting changes, and technical difficulties.
The Wizard of Oz was adapted into a successful Broadway musical in 1902, prior to the film’s release.
Garland’s rendition of Over the Rainbow was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 198
The film’s success was not immediate in part due to the release of Gone with the Wind in the same year, which overshadowed it at the box office.