06-22-2025 - a moment in Celebrity History

On June 22, 1969, actress and singer Judy Garland passed away at the age of 47 in London, England. Garland was a Hollywood icon, best known for her role as Dorothy in the 1939 classic film "The Wizard of Oz." Her powerful voice and captivating performances made her a legend in the entertainment industry.

Garland's life was marked by both incredible success and personal struggles. She began her career as a child performer and quickly rose to stardom. However, she battled with substance abuse, financial difficulties, and tumultuous relationships throughout her life.

On the day of her death, Garland was found unresponsive by her fifth husband, Mickey Deans, in the bathroom of their rented house in London's Belgravia neighborhood. The coroner's report stated that the cause of death was an accidental overdose of barbiturates, a type of sedative.

Garland's untimely death sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and beyond. Fans mourned the loss of a talented and beloved performer who had touched the lives of millions through her work. Many celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli (Garland's daughter), and Sammy Davis Jr., paid tribute to her legacy.

Judy Garland's funeral was held on June 27, 1969, in New York City. Over 20,000 people lined the streets to pay their respects as her casket was transported from the funeral home to the cemetery. Garland was interred in a crypt at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York.

Today, Judy Garland remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, remembered for her incredible talent, resilience, and the indelible mark she left on the world of film, music, and popular culture.