JUDY GARLAND: 1922-1969
In 1939, Judy Garland starred in The Wizard of Oz and recorded her signature song, "Over the Rainbow." An international star at 17, she was recognized in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her contract stipulated that her physical appearance not change, so Garland was prescribed amphetamines to "control" her weight and barbiturates to sleep. Addicted to the drugs, which caused hallucinations and suicidal tendencies, her behavior became erratic and disruptive. In 1949, she was electroshocked. Her drug-induced health problems worsened, her liver and spleen massively swollen. In 1969, Garland died of a psychiatric drug overdose in a London hotel.
