Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm (1922-1969), was an actress, singer and vaudevillian probably best known for her role as Dorothy in the 1939 The Wizard of Oz musical film. She had many personal problems beginning with her stressful life as a childhood star, and suffered four failed marriages and alcohol/drug abuse (later dying of a barbiturate overdose) Nevertheless, she was an American legend, renowned for her rich alto singing voice and charming on-screen personality. Showing a flair for song and dance which apparently runs in the family, her first performance was at two-and-a-half years of age at her father’s theater with her two older sisters. One of her children is Liza Minnelli. Judy Garland also was seen as a gay icon (having been associated with multiple gay men), and when asked on her feelings about having a large gay following commented, “I couldn’t care less. I sing to people.”