Why is Judy Garland so important?

American actress, singer, and little darling Judy Garland had a diverse stage presence. These factors helped her rise to fame as one of the most well-known actors and performers of the 20th century.

The triumph of The Wizard of Oz helped Judy Garland fly for many years. Meet Me in St. Louis, one of the next major Judy Garland films, was released in 1944 and featured several more of her most well-known songs, including “The Trolley Song,” “The Boy Next Door,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

She also played a key part in the movies Easter Parade in 1948, The Harvey Girls in 1946, and The Clock in 1945. Her performance in the 1954 film A Star is Born earned her the nomination for Best Actress at the next Academy Awards ceremony.

Why is Judy Garland so important?

Her talent as a performer, how her personal troubles appeared to match those of gay men in America during the height of her success, and her significance as a camp figure are commonly cited as the reasons for her status as an idol among gay men.