40 Rare Photos of Judy Garland Through the Years, Including Her Early 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.