Exploring the Marital Journey of Judy Garland: From David Rose to Mickey Deans
Judy Garland, the iconic American singer and actress, had a life filled with love, success, and struggle. Her relationships, marked by both joy and turmoil, were as captivating as her performances.
In 1945, Garland married her first husband, Vincente Minnelli, a British-born composer and orchestra leader. Their union produced no children, but it was during this time that Garland gave birth to her daughter, Liza Minnelli, from a previous relationship with Vincente Minnelli.
Their marriage was not without its challenges. Vincente Minnelli, like Garland, was secretly gay and had affairs with men. This strained the relationship, and they divorced in 1951.
Garland's second marriage was to producer Sid Luft, whom she married in 1952. This union resulted in the birth of their two children, Lorna and Joey Luft. Sid Luft played a significant role in Garland's career, helping her make her professional comeback and securing her role in the 1954 film A Star Is Born, for which she earned an Oscar nomination.
However, the marriage was not without its difficulties. Garland suffered from postpartum depression and had numerous nervous breakdowns. Moreover, Sid Luft was accused of physically abusing Garland during their marriage. Despite these challenges, their relationship lasted for 13 years, making it Garland's longest marriage.
Their relationship began after Garland's second suicide attempt, and it ended in 1965 when Garland married Mark Herron, despite still being married to Luft. Mark Herron produced some of Garland's concerts, including performances with her daughter Liza.
Garland's relationship with Mickey Deans, her fifth husband, ended tragically in 1969. Deans discovered Garland's body in their London home due to a barbiturate overdose, marking the end of her life at the age of 47.
It's worth noting that Judy Garland's early marriage to composer David Rose, from 1941 to 1944, also ended in divorce. Garland met David Rose at a radio broadcast.
Sid Luft, a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran, was the manager of dancer Eleanor Powell before transitioning into show business. David Rose, on the other hand, was neither born nor raised in the United States; he was born in Waidhofen an der Thaya, Austria, and grew up in Vienna.
Throughout her life, Garland's relationships were complex and fraught with challenges. Yet, her talent and resilience shone through, leaving a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
