When you hear the name Judy Garland, you might think of ruby ​​slippers, a blue and white gingham dress, and munchkins. Originally Frances Gumm, Judy Garland is much more than pigtailed Dorothy from Kansas. He starred in 43 films, most of which were major hits for MGM and broke box office attendance records (including his own). On June 10, 1922, Frances Gumm was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the youngest of three sisters. At the age of two, her mother had her perform in Jingle Bells at the family theater, where Frances was called "Baby Gumm". Shortly after Frances' debut, the three girls became sisters. They performed in the Grand Rapids area until their mother Ethel moved the family to California in 1926. The girls performed on the radio, in theaters and nightclubs. In the late 1920s the three Gumm sisters appeared together in several short films. France's older sister, nicknamed Suzie, married and the sisters' relationship broke up. In 1934, at age 12, Frances changed her name to Judy Garland in honor of Hoagy Carmichael's song, "Judy," and film critic Robert Garland. In September 1935, MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) signed her and two months later, in November, Judy's father died of meningitis. Despite her personal loss, she continued full steam ahead with her acting career. Her first feature film was in 1936, when she played the girl next door in Pigskin Parade. In 1937 she and Mickey Rooney starred together in their first film, Thoroughbreds Don't Cry. After their first success, Judy and Mickey starred together in 10 more popular films. They became one of Hollywood's biggest on-screen "power couples." In 1938, Judy Garland had just finished shooting her sixth feature film, Listen, Darling, when she began to... middle of paper... He is an alcoholic, although there is no concrete evidence. Judy also had frequent breakdowns and attempted suicide several times. Judy Garland's most important role during the 1920s and 1930s was her films and performances, as they were a distraction from the Great Depression. The movie, The Wizard of Oz, is probably the biggest thing he brought to the era. Having Dorothy go from a black and white world to a color one could be seen as a representation of the United States coming out of the Great Depression. His song "Over The Rainbow" brought hope and good thoughts to a country still in severe depression. Judy Garland is an enduring legend. Her name is familiar to almost everyone in America, even though she died 45 years ago. Judy is remembered for her strong, clear voice, her acting and performing skills, and of course, her role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz..