Few Hollywood legends have a story as captivating as Judy Garland. She was one of the biggest stars of her time, earning millions throughout her career. Yet, despite her massive earnings, she faced severe financial troubles, battling debt and IRS liens.
Her life was a mix of fame, fortune, and financial mismanagement, leading to a tragic ending.
So, how much did she make, and what led to her financial downfall?
Let’s explore her wealth, salary history, and financial struggles to understand the real picture of Judy Garland net worth.
Judy Garland Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Frances Ethel Gumm |
| Popular Name | Judy Garland |
| Birth Date | June 10, 1922 |
| Age | Died at 47 (June 22, 1969) |
| Birthplace | Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish, English, Scottish, French Huguenot |
| Education | Attended Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) school |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | David Rose, Vincente Minnelli, Sidney Luft, Mark Herron, Mickey Deans |
| Children | Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, Joey Luft |
| Dating | Artie Shaw, Johnny Mercer, Tyrone Power, Orson Welles |
| Siblings | Mary Jane “Suzy/Suzanne” Gumm, Dorothy Virginia “Jimmie” Gumm |
| Parents | Ethel Marion Milne, Francis Avent Gumm |
| Height | 1.52 m |
| Net Worth | $40,000 at death (~$300,000 today) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Singing, Vaudeville |
What is the Net Worth Of Judy Garland in 2025?
At the time of her passing in 1969, Judy Garland’s net worth was estimated at just $40,000 (around $300,000 today). Despite earning $10 million in her career, financial mismanagement, IRS tax debt, and lavish spending left her nearly broke.
Compared to other Hollywood stars, her financial situation was tragic. Many of her contemporaries secured long-term financial stability, but she struggled due to embezzlement by agents, unpaid taxes, and personal challenges.
Related Figures in Entertainment & Finance
- Liza Minnelli
- MGM Studios
- Frank Sinatra
- Capitol Records
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Golden Globe Awards
- Academy Awards
- Broadway
- Hollywood
- Vaudeville
For more insights on high-profile figures, check out this list of Hollywood’s wealthiest entertainers.
Judy Garland Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Much Did She Earn Throughout Her Career?
Judy Garland was one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, earning nearly $10 million across films, music, and television. Her earnings started modestly:
- MGM Contract (1935): $100 per week
- The Wizard of Oz (1939): $500 per week (~$9,649 total, or $190,000 today)
- Broadway (1950s): $15,000–$20,000 per week (~$163,000 today)
- Final Film, I Could Go On Singing (1963): $200,000 + 10% gross profits
Her most consistent income came from music royalties in the 1960s, estimated at $50,000–$80,000 annually. However, a large portion of this was seized by the IRS.
What Were Her Salary and Contracts at MGM?
Garland’s early MGM salary was low compared to her male co-stars. She made only $500 per week for The Wizard of Oz, while other leads made up to $3,000 per week. In total, she earned $9,649 from the film, the same as Toto the dog.
By the 1940s, her pay increased, reaching $100,000 per film. She was earning $15,000–$20,000 per week on Broadway by the early 1950s, a significant rise from her teenage years at MGM.
How Did She Lose Her Wealth?
Despite earning millions, Garland suffered severe financial mismanagement. Her agents, Freddie Fields and David Begelman, embezzled her funds, leading to unpaid IRS taxes.
By the 1960s, she discovered she owed $500,000 to the IRS (~$4 million today). This led to:
- A tax lien on her Brentwood home
- Forced sale of her home at a loss
- Royalties garnished to pay debts
- Unpaid hotel bills and eviction
What Were Her Financial Struggles Before Passing?
By the late 1960s, Garland was struggling to survive. Her estate was $4 million in debt, and she was bouncing between hotels, unable to pay her bills.
In 1967, she earned $200,000 from a 27-night engagement at the Palace Theater, but the IRS seized most of her earnings. In her final years, she was financially unstable, relying on friends and performing out of necessity rather than passion.
Did She Receive Royalties and Passive Income?
Yes, but much of her music royalties ($50,000–$80,000 per year) were garnished by the IRS. She also had income from Capitol Records, though it was insufficient to clear her debts.
After her death, her personal items were auctioned for $250,000, and Liza Minnelli helped pay off her estate’s debts. Frank Sinatra also contributed funds to settle outstanding financial obligations.
How Was Her Estate Handled After Her Death?
- Liza Minnelli raised funds to settle debts
- Over 500 personal items were auctioned, raising $250,000 (~$1 million today)
- Frank Sinatra personally contributed to cover unpaid taxes
- Legal battles over royalties continued for years
Though Garland was a legendary performer, her finances were a cautionary tale of mismanagement and exploitation.
Conclusion
Judy Garland’s financial legacy is both inspiring and tragic. While she was one of Hollywood’s greatest performers, her financial struggles overshadowed her success.
Her story is a reminder of how wealth can disappear without proper management.
For more celebrity financial insights, visit Aupeo and explore the latest updates on Hollywood’s biggest stars.
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