Judy Garland’s Legacy Shines Through Daughter’s Praise of ‘Wicked’ and Iconic Costume Displays

Lorna Luft, the daughter of the legendary actress and singer Judy Garland, has expressed her admiration for the new movie ‘Wicked: Part One,’ directed by Jon M. Chu. Luft described the film as ‘astonishing’ and ‘breathtaking,’ stating it was ‘everything I wanted it to be.’ This praise comes as the film, which is a prequel to ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ continues to garner attention for its elaborate production and musical numbers.

Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm, was a versatile American actress, singer, and vaudevillian who achieved international stardom. She began her career performing with her sisters in the vaudeville group The Gumm Sisters and was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as a teenager in 1935. Garland is renowned for her roles in films such as ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ‘A Star Is Born,’ and ‘Judgment at Nuremberg,’ as well as her concert appearances and television shows like ‘The Judy Garland Show‘.

In addition to the cinematic tribute through ‘Wicked,’ Judy Garland’s iconic costumes are also being celebrated. The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park is currently displaying the iconic red dress worn by Garland in the 1944 film ‘Meet Me in St. Louis.’ This exhibit highlights the enduring legacy of Garland’s cinematic contributions and her impact on American pop culture.

Garland’s career was marked by both immense success and personal struggles. She was the youngest and first female recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in the film industry at the age of 39. However, she faced significant challenges, including body image issues and addiction, which were exacerbated by the demanding schedule and pressures of her time at MGM.