Judy Garland was a Hollywood icon known for her enchanting eyes and mesmerizing voice that graced both stage and screen.
She captured hearts as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” and Esther in “A Star Is Born,” singing timeless classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “The Man That Got Away.”
However, behind the scenes, Garland's life was a whirlwind of turmoil.
The new film “Judy,” featuring Renée Zellweger, delves into Garland's final performances in London before her tragic death at 47 from a drug overdose in 1969.
Despite her on-stage brilliance, Garland struggled with addiction, alcoholism, and thoughts of suicide long before her passing.
Stevie Phillips, Garland's manager from 1961 to 1964, witnessed the star's erratic behavior firsthand during their nationwide concert tours.
From serenading rowdy sailors in the Bahamas to self-harming episodes, Garland's life off-stage was far from glamorous.
One harrowing incident occurred during a Las Vegas stint in 1962 when Garland suffered a severe fall in her hotel suite after consuming numerous pills.
As blood pooled around her unconscious body, Phillips feared the worst, only to discover that Garland was heavily sedated but miraculously unharmed.
Despite the chaos, Garland's concerts remained a highlight, contrasting sharply with the tumultuous events surrounding them.
Phillips described the moments before and after the shows as a blend of wonder and despair, with occasional brushes with tragedy.
In another alarming episode in Boston, Garland shocked Phillips by cutting her wrist while smiling at her manager.
The singer's penchant for self-harm seemed intertwined with a need for attention, often involving those closest to her, like her agent and lover, David Begelman.
Phillips recounted instances where she felt vulnerable and uncomfortable in Garland's presence, such as an inappropriate advance made by the star during a car ride.
Despite the complexities of their relationship, Phillips navigated these challenges with resilience and composure.
Following Garland's death, Phillips reflected on their tumultuous journey, opting not to attend the star's funeral despite living nearby.
The emotional weight of Garland's troubled life and the secrets she carried lingered, leaving Phillips to ponder the true essence of the enigmatic performer and the hidden struggles behind the glittering facade.
