Judy Garland was a talented and successful actress, singer and dancer who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s. However, behind the scenes, she faced a number of challenges and difficulties which ultimately contributed to her premature death at the age of 47. Garland faced a number of challenges and harassment from MGM boss Louis B. Mayer. . . .
Mayer was a powerful and influential figure in Hollywood during the golden age of cinema. He co-founded Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1924 and served as its leader until 1951. Mayer was known for his strict and demanding style of management, and he had a reputation for being ruthless and cruel when he was to deal with him. actors and actresses.
Garland was only 13 when she signed with MGM in 1935. She had already achieved some notoriety for her singing and dancing abilities, and Mayer saw her as a potential star. However, he also saw her as vulnerable and sensitive to his advances. Mayer allegedly began harassing and sexually assaulting Garland shortly after joining the studio.
According to Garland’s biographer, Gerald Clarke, Mayer often invited Garland to his office and tried to fondle her. He would also make inappropriate comments and suggest they are having an affair. Garland was reportedly terrified of Mayer and tried to avoid him as much as possible. However, she was also afraid to speak up or report her behavior because she knew it would likely ruin her career.
Mayer’s abuse of Garland continued for years and had a profound impact on her mental and physical health. Garland struggled with anxiety and depression throughout her life, and she later admitted that Mayer’s sexual advances were a major contributing factor. Additionally, Mayer often required Garland to follow a strict diet and take amphetamines to maintain her weight and maintain her energy levels. These practices were detrimental to his health and contributed to his struggles with addiction later in life.
Garland’s talent and popularity continued to grow despite Mayer’s abuse, and she became one of MGM’s biggest stars. She appeared in a number of hit movies, including “The Wizard of Oz,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and “A Star is Born.” However, his career has also been marred by a number of setbacks and challenges. Mayer often abused and manipulated Garland, demanding that she work long hours and play demanding roles despite her physical and emotional exhaustion.
In 1950, Garland attempted to break away from MGM and start her own career. However, Mayer and the studio fought back, suing her for breach of contract and attempting to ruin her reputation. This legal battle took a toll on Garland’s mental health, and she struggled to find work outside of MGM.
Ultimately, Garland’s career and life were deeply affected by Mayer’s sexual abuse and manipulation. She continued to struggle with drug addiction and mental health issues until her death in 1969. Mayer, meanwhile, died in 1957 and his legacy as a sexual predator was largely ignored. It’s only in recent years that the extent of Mayer’s abuse of Garland and other actresses has come to light, and it’s a reminder of the power dynamics and exploitation that often existed in Hollywood during the Golden Age. .
