With the approaching release of Judy Garland's biopic Judy [1], starring Renée Zellweger [2], we're revisiting some of the late singer's most beloved roles. You probably know her as Dorothy Gale, who finds herself far away from her Kansas home in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz [3]. But Garland was featured in a number of other iconic films — some of which you might have already heard of without knowing she starred in them! Ahead, read about a few of Garland's standout roles from her career.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
In this musical, Garland plays young Esther Smith, who dreams of attending the revered World's Fair in St. Louis with her crush John Truett (Tom Drake). In addition to a delightful performance, Garland — who was 22-years-old at the time — crooned the popular melodies "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."
Watch it now [4].
Summer Stock (1950)
Garland stars alongside Gene Kelly as a down-on-her-luck farmer who allows her sister's acting troupe to stay on her land, as long as they agree to help with chores. Prepare for a hand-clapping good time when Garland performs one of her classics, "Get Happy [5]."
Watch it now [6].
A Star Is Born (1954)
Yep, Lady Gaga wasn't the first [7] lead actress for A Star Is Born [8]. In fact, there are four different remakes [9] of the film, and Garland's was the second. In this version, she plays aspiring singer Esther Blodgett, who falls in love with waning performer Norman Maine. But as Esther becomes a huge star, Norman finds himself struggling with his declining career — not totally unlike Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's version [10].
One of the standout songs from this film is Garland's "The Man That Got Away." Think of it as the equivalent to our generation's "Shallow [11]."
Watch it now [12].
In the Good Old Summertime (1949)
Ever wonder where that "I don't care" GIF featuring Garland originates from? Well, it's a scene in this musical comedy about a woman named Veronica Fisher (Garland) who is at odds with coworker Andrew Larkin (Van Johnson), not knowing they're each other's secret pen pals and love interests.
Watch it now [13].
The Clock (1945)
Taking a step away from musicals, Garland starred in The Clock as Alice Mayberry, who meets a World War II soldier named Joe Allen while he's on a 48-hour leave. The two end up falling in love and attempt to marry before Joe must return to his military unit.
Watch it now [14]
Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
In one of her more dramatic roles, Garland portrays a German woman named Irene Hoffman who testifies at a trial prosecuting those who were guilty of war crimes and involved in the Nazi regime. Her strong performance even earned her an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress in 1962.
Watch the trailer [15].
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
You should definitely know this one. In this magical tale [16], Garland is Dorothy Gale — a young girl who finds herself (and her dog, Toto) in the fantasy world of Oz after she's knocked unconscious by debris during a tornado storm. She then embarks on a journey to find her way back home, meeting new friends such as the Tin Man (Jack Haley), Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr).
In 1940, the "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" singer received the honourary academy juvenile award at the Academy Awards for her part in the movie.
Watch it now [17].