Who Are Judy Garland’s Children? The Actress Was a Mother of 3

Judy Garland passed away too soon, but two of her children keep her legacy alive. One of them disapproved of “Judy,” the 2019 biographical film starring Renée Zellweger.

Hollywood star Judy Garland passed away from an accidental overdose of barbiturates in June 1969, but in May 2022, one of the dresses she wore in “The Wizard of OZ” attracted a lot of attention.

The Catholic University of America had plans to auction it and get at least $800,000, but Barbara Kartke claimed its ownership and took things to court. The auction house cannot sell it until the CUA and Kartke settle the case.

Judy Garland and David Rose in May 1941 | Source: Getty Images

WHO WAS JUDY GARLAND MARRIED TO?

Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” might have skyrocketed her career (hence the dress’ cultural importance). Still, not everyone knows the struggles she endured throughout her life. 

Garland dealt with insecurity, depression, and alcohol and drug addiction from an early age, and each of her five husbands saw how she battled against her inner demons.

Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli circa 1950 | Source: Getty Images

Her first husband was music composer and orchestra leader David Rose. Their relationship was merely professional for years as Rose would make arrangements for Garland’s songs. Things eventually turned romantic, and they married in 1941, only to divorce in 1944. 

One year later, she married Vincente Minnelli. They met on the set of 1944’s “Meet Me in St. Louis,” but Garland suffered a nervous breakdown after being fired from MGM.

Judy Garland and Sidney Luft circa 1952 | Source: Getty Images

It worsened her addiction, and she attempted suicide twice. It was too much for Minnelli to bear, and he divorced her in 1951. Garland then married businessman Sidney Luft in 1952.

They were together for 13 years – her longest relationship – but things abruptly ended in 1965 after her drug addiction took over her life again. In 1965 Judy Garland and Mark Herron married.

Judy Garland and Mark Herron on July 23, 1964 in London, UK | Source: Getty Images

However, they separated only five months later after she claimed he had been physically abusive. Herron admitted he only hit her in self-defense.

Mickey Deans was Garland’s fifth husband. They married in March 1969 and were together until her death in June 1969. Deans discovered Garland’s dead body.

[Liza] did not approve or sanction [“Judy”].

Judy Garland and Mickey Deans in London, UK, on March 15, 1969 | Source: Getty Images

WHO ARE JUDY GARLAND’S CHILDREN?

Judy Garland was married five times but had only three children: Liza Minnelli with her second husband and Lorna and Joey Luft with her third husband. 

Born in 1946, Liza Minnelli is Garland’s most famous child. Liza, an all-around artist with several accolades under her belt, said that Garland battled demons her entire life but still provided a happy childhood for her. 

Liza’s sister, Lorna, joined the family in 1952. She is also an actress, singer, and author with a successful Broadway career. Lorna confessed that her mother did not pass her tragedies to them. Instead, Garland had an “extraordinary” sense of humor.

Judy Garland’s only son, Joey, was born in 1955. While he appeared with his mother on television a few times during his childhood, he stepped away from showbiz. He now lives a private life.

WHY DIDN’T LIZA MINNELLI WATCH THE MOVIE “JUDY”?

In 2019, Renée Zellweger starred in “Judy,” a biopic about Judy Garland. Although Zellweger took home the Academy Award for Best Actress, Liza Minnelli didn’t watch it.

Liza, who described Zellweger as a “wonderful” actress and wished she had a great time making the movie, pointed out that she did not approve or sanction it.

Judy Garland’s daughter emphasized that she would not watch it and hoped they didn’t do “what they always do.” Rest in peace, legend.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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