Dorothy in Real Life

What do you know about this girl on the photo?

It’s Judy Garland who portrayed Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Tomorrow, 10th of June, she would turn 98. Judy was born in 1922 (in two years, she would turn 100!)

Here are some facts about this iconic actress, whose life was pretty sad, though:

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1. She played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. The movie was shot in 1938-1939, so she was 16-17 years old already! A blue dress was chosen for her to make her look younger. She would be always identified with one song from the movie “Over the Rainbow” (I love this song!!!)

2. Unfortunately, Judy Garland is the example of how early stardom can ruin someone’s life. She was constantly criticised by filmmakers who thought she was physically unattractive… Rumour has it that she was called an “ugly duckling”.

Can you imagine yourself in such a situation? Being a phenomenon as a teenager and then being looked down upon not because you’re not talented but because your appearance doesn’t live up to someone’s standards… at this age… It affected her physical and mental health, Judy had problems with alcohol and substance use her whole life. She was constantly on a diet as well…

3. As for her famous children, Judy is the mother of Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft (American actresses and singers). She has one more daughter.

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4. Bradley Cooper’s movie A Star is Born is a remake of a 1954 movie with the same title which starred Judy (actually, that movie was also a remake😊)) Judy was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

5. She died when she was only 47 from a barbiturate overdose..

6. Last year movie “Judy” was released starring Renée Zellwegger. Renée won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

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VOCAB

STARDOM – the status or position of a star.

TO LIVE UP TO sb’s STANDARDS – to reach sb’s standard which is high.

FILMMAKER – sb who produces or makes movies for the cinema or TV.

UGLY DUCKLING – a young person who is seen as awkward and/or ugly.

*Duckling is a young duck.

The Ugly Duckling is the story by Hans Christian Andersen.