The Wizard of Oz remains a cinematic masterpiece, enchanting audiences for generations. However, behind the vibrant Land of Oz and Dorothy’s innocent charm lies a darker reality, particularly concerning the young actress who brought Dorothy Gale to life: Judy Garland. While the film catapulted her to international stardom, it also marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in her life, deeply intertwined with the pressures and exploitations of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Understanding Judy Garland’s age during the filming of this iconic movie is crucial to grasping the uncomfortable truths of her experience.
Judy Garland as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, highlighting the young age at which she faced exploitation in Hollywood.
Judy Garland’s Age at the Start of Filming The Wizard of Oz
Judy Garland was born on June 10, 1922. Filming for The Wizard of Oz commenced in October 1938. This means Judy Garland was just 16 years old when she first stepped onto the set to embody the beloved character of Dorothy Gale. Having celebrated her 16th birthday a few months prior, she was still a teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence under the intense spotlight of Hollywood. While seemingly on the cusp of adulthood, she was, in many ways, still a child, vulnerable to the manipulative environment that surrounded her.
The Pressures and Exploitation Endured During Filming
Garland’s journey to becoming Dorothy was far from a fairytale. Even before landing the role, her life was heavily managed, bordering on exploited. Her mother, Ethel Gumm, played a significant role in this, allegedly administering stimulants to keep young Judy energized through grueling 72-hour workdays and then resorting to sleeping pills to force rest when needed. This pattern of manipulation and control set a dangerous precedent, foreshadowing the trials she would face during the making of The Wizard of Oz.
MGM studios, in their pursuit of cinematic perfection, exerted immense pressure on Garland. To maintain a youthful, childlike image for Dorothy, she was subjected to a strict regimen. This included dieting, stimulants to suppress appetite, and even having her breasts bound to flatten her chest. The studio executives, including Louis B. Mayer, were notoriously critical of her appearance, with Mayer reportedly referring to her as “my little hunchback.” Such relentless scrutiny and body shaming at such a formative age undoubtedly contributed to her lifelong struggles with self-image and mental health.
Physical and Emotional Toll of the Production
The filming process itself was physically demanding and emotionally taxing. Beyond the studio-imposed pressures, Garland had to endure hazardous conditions on set. The snow in the poppy field scene, for instance, was made of asbestos, a known carcinogen. She witnessed co-stars suffering serious injuries and health issues, including Buddy Ebsen, the original Tin Man, who had a near-fatal reaction to his makeup. These unsettling events, combined with the long hours and intense work environment, created a stressful and potentially traumatic experience for the young actress.
Harassment and Lack of Protection
Adding to the distressing environment, Judy Garland reportedly faced harassment on set from some of the adult actors playing the Munchkins. According to allegations in a posthumous memoir by her ex-husband Sid Luft, these actors would grope and mistreat Garland, taking advantage of her youth and vulnerability. Disturbingly, these incidents were allegedly dismissed as mere “antics” by adults on set, highlighting a shocking lack of protection for the child star and a deeply ingrained culture of exploitation within the industry.
The Lasting Impact on Judy Garland’s Life
The experiences Judy Garland endured during the filming of The Wizard of Oz cast a long shadow over her life and career. By the end of the seven-month shoot, at just 16 years old, she was already dependent on amphetamines and barbiturates. The seeds of addiction, mental health struggles, and a distorted self-perception were sown during this period, contributing to a lifetime of personal battles.
While The Wizard of Oz cemented her status as a Hollywood icon, it also, tragically, marked a turning point towards the erosion of her well-being. The film industry, in its golden age, often prioritized profit and image over the welfare of its performers, particularly child stars like Judy Garland. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of Hollywood’s glamorous facade and the importance of protecting young talent from exploitation and abuse. Understanding how old Judy Garland was during The Wizard of Oz is not just a matter of trivia; it’s a crucial step in acknowledging the sacrifices and suffering behind a beloved classic and advocating for a more ethical and compassionate entertainment industry.
