Few characters are as recognizable as Judy Garland’s Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz,” but the real-life story of the yellow brick road was one of a lifetime of shocking abuse — and it was abuse that led to her death in 1969, at just 47 years old. According to Garland’s death certificate (via Autopsy Files), the official cause was “barbiturate poisoning… incautious self-overdosage… accidental.” And that really only tells part of the story.
In later years, Garland — along with frequent costar Mickey Rooney — was open about the lengths that the studio forced her to go to in order to guarantee she was working long hours and looking, well, the way the studio wanted her to. Both Rooney and Garland have spoken about being given a steady stream of barbiturates and amphetamines to keep them working in stretches as long as 72 hours. Regular reliance on pills — along with extreme, starvation-level diets — started when she was just 10 years old.
The coroner who examined Garland, Gavin Thurston, issued a statement (via The Guardian). He said, “This is quite clearly an accidental circumstance to a person who was accustomed to taking barbiturates over a very long time.” He also stressed that contrary to the chatter that almost immediately started, there were also no signs of alcohol abuse or addiction, and no liver damage. Instead, the blame rested squarely on a lifestyle that had been forced on her before she even became a teenager.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, may be the victim of child abuse, domestic abuse, or has experienced a hate crime, contact the relevant resources below:
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.
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The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
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The VictimConnect Hotline by phone at 1-855-4-VICTIM or by chat for more information or assistance in locating services to help. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
