As a true legend of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Judy Garland net worth and financial story remain fascinating topics for fans and finance enthusiasts alike. Known for her magnetic talent and unforgettable performances, Garland achieved a remarkable career. Yet her journey was marked by financial highs and lows that shaped her life and legacy.
Here, we, Ando Money, break down her income sources, career earnings, and the financial challenges that defined her life. Let’s dive into what made Garland both an icon and a cautionary tale in entertainment finance.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Frances Ethel Gumm |
| Popular Name | Judy Garland |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969 |
| Age | 47 (at time of death) |
| Parents | Francis Frank Avent Gumm, Ethel Marion Gumm |
| Siblings | Mary Jane Gumm (Suzanne), Dorothy Virginia Gumm (Jimmie) |
| Birthplace | Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish, English, Scottish, French Huguenot |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married five times |
| Spouse | David Rose (m. 1941; div. 1944) Vincente Minnelli (m. 1945; div. 1951) Sidney Luft (m. 1952; div. 1965) Mark Herron (m. 1965; div. 1969) Mickey Deans (m. 1969) |
| Children | Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, Joey Luft |
| Dating | Artie Shaw, Johnny Mercer, Orson Welles |
| Net Worth | $40,000 (at time of death) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Singing, Concert Performances |
| Height | 4 ft 11.5 in (151 cm) |
What is the Net Worth of Judy Garland in 2024?
Estimating Judy Garland‘s net worth in 2024 can be challenging, given that much of her wealth fluctuated significantly due to financial mismanagement and tax issues. At her death in 1969, her net worth was approximately $40,000, equivalent to about $300,000 today. Although modest in comparison to her earnings, it highlights her immense struggles.
For context, here are other figures related to Garland’s career:
- Liza Minnelli
- Frank Sinatra
- Mickey Rooney
- Gene Kelly
- Ava Gardner
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Grace Kelly
- Artie Shaw
- David Rose
- Johnny Mercer
This comparison offers a snapshot of the financial trajectories among Hollywood’s wealthiest performers from Garland’s era.
Judy Garland Salary and Finance Overview
Early Career Beginnings and Initial Income Sources
Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm, began performing at a very young age alongside her sisters, who formed the Gumm Sisters trio. Early vaudeville performances became her initial source of income. Garland’s career took off when she signed with MGM Studios, which led to her transition from small stages to the big screen.
Transition to Film and Career Growth
Garland’s break into film through MGM was pivotal. Though she began with a modest weekly salary of $100, this increased steadily as her career took off. MGM continued to shape her image and market her talents in films that showcased her as a girl-next-door character, which both influenced her earnings and reputation.
As she rose to fame in Hollywood, Garland became a valuable asset for MGM, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars by her late teens.
Breakthrough Role in The Wizard of Oz
In 1939, Garland’s casting in The Wizard of Oz as Dorothy Gale marked a career milestone, and her earnings increased significantly. Despite the film’s overwhelming success, Garland earned just under $10,000—a smaller amount compared to some co-stars.
However, her iconic song Over the Rainbow became a financial staple, solidifying her name in Hollywood and contributing to her overall income.
Achievements and Major Awards
Garland’s career brought her notable awards that also boosted her financial standing.
She won an Academy Juvenile Award for The Wizard of Oz and a Golden Globe for A Star Is Born. Additionally, she earned Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Judy at Carnegie Hall in 1961, the first female to win this accolade. Her awards include:
- Academy Juvenile Award
- Golden Globe for A Star Is Born
- Grammy for Album of the Year (Judy at Carnegie Hall)
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (posthumous)
Financial Peaks and Declines in Hollywood
By the 1940s, Garland had become one of MGM’s top-paid stars, with films like Meet Me in St. Louis, Easter Parade, and A Star Is Born elevating her income.
However, financial challenges began emerging due to MGM’s heavy control and her own lifestyle costs. Additionally, public appearances and concert tours added to her earnings, although inconsistent due to her health.
Personal Financial Challenges and IRS Debt
Garland’s later years were marked by financial difficulties, largely due to mismanagement by her agents. In the late 1960s, Garland faced a $500,000 debt to the IRS, prompting her to sell her Brentwood home at a discount.
Frequent tax liens on her properties caused her to move from place to place, affecting her lifestyle and overall financial stability.
Later Career and Income from Performances
Despite these challenges, Garland revived her career in theater and stage shows in the 1950s and 1960s. Notable performances, including shows at New York’s Palace Theater, where she earned more than $200,000, boosted her income.
Her theater work, especially with her daughter Liza Minnelli, solidified her role in entertainment, though she still struggled to regain her earlier financial status.
Legacy and Cultural Influence
Garland’s impact on the entertainment industry has continued posthumously. Her influence spans Hollywood and Broadway, and she remains a cultural icon celebrated for her resilience and talent.
Despite financial setbacks, her legacy endures through honors such as the Grammy Hall of Fame and the American Film Institute ranking her among the greatest female screen legends.
FAQs About Judy Garland
What Awards Did She Receive During Her Career?
Judy Garland won numerous awards, including an Academy Juvenile Award, Golden Globe, Grammy for Album of the Year, and a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Who Were Her Closest Family Members?
Garland’s closest family included her parents, Francis Avent Gumm and Ethel Marion Gumm, and her three children: Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft.
What Roles Marked Her Peak Career?
Garland’s most celebrated roles were in The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, Easter Parade, and A Star Is Born, each contributing significantly to her popularity and financial growth.
Did She Face Financial Struggles?
Yes, Garland struggled with financial mismanagement and owed $500,000 to the IRS. This debt, combined with other challenges, affected her wealth and lifestyle in her later years.
What Is Her Lasting Influence on Hollywood?
Garland’s influence on Hollywood is immense; she remains a revered figure and is honored posthumously by various awards and recognitions for her contributions to entertainment.
Conclusion
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