Judy Garland was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but despite earning millions, she faced severe financial struggles.
From her early success in The Wizard of Oz to her Broadway performances, her income was substantial. However, mismanagement and tax debts left her nearly broke.
So, what is Judy Garland net worth in 2025? Let’s break down her finances, earnings, and the factors that shaped her financial legacy.
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?
Judy Garland’s net worth at the time of her passing was $40,000, which is roughly $300,000 in today’s money. She earned around $10 million throughout her career, yet financial mismanagement and IRS debt left her struggling. Unlike stars who built lasting wealth, her estate was in heavy debt.
For comparison, here are other figures related to Judy Garland’s career and personal connections:
- Liza Minnelli
- Frank Sinatra
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- Freddie Fields
- David Begelman
- The Wizard of Oz Cast
- Capital Records
- Hollywood Financial System
Interested in discovering more about Hollywood’s highest earners? Check out the top wealthiest celebrities today.
Judy Garland Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did She Earn Throughout Her Career?
Judy Garland was a high-earning actress and singer. Her total career earnings reached nearly $10 million (over $100 million adjusted for inflation). However, despite these massive earnings, she never achieved long-term financial security.
She made $400,000 before turning 18, which is around $7.5 million today. Her career took off with MGM, where she was one of their biggest assets. Later in life, Broadway and television also became key income sources. However, a significant portion of her wealth was lost due to poor financial management.
What Was Her Salary for Movies and Music?
Garland’s salary varied greatly throughout her career. When she starred in The Wizard of Oz, she earned $500 per week—a stark contrast to her co-stars, who made $3,000 per week. In total, she made $9,649 from the film, equivalent to $190,000 today.
For her final movie, I Could Go On Singing (1963), she earned $200,000 plus 10% of gross profits once the film exceeded $3 million. Her Broadway performances paid her $15,000–$20,000 per week, which would be around $163,000 today.
Her music royalties were another consistent income source, bringing in $50,000–$80,000 per year during the 1960s. However, due to tax debts, much of these earnings were seized by the IRS.
How Did Financial Mismanagement Impact Her Wealth?
Judy Garland’s finances were severely impacted by mismanagement. Her agents, Freddie Fields and David Begelman, were responsible for financial errors and embezzlement, which led to massive tax issues. By the time she realized, she owed $500,000 in back taxes—around $4 million today.
Her money was frequently misused, and she was known for her generosity. She often supported family and friends, which only worsened her financial troubles. Many of her will’s philanthropic requests could not be fulfilled due to overwhelming debt.
What Role Did Taxes and Debt Play in Her Financial Struggles?
Garland’s financial downfall was largely due to IRS tax issues. In the late 1960s, the IRS placed a tax lien on her Brentwood home, forcing her to sell it at a steep discount. Even her Capitol Records royalties were garnished.
At one point, she was staying in hotels and leaving large unpaid bills behind. Her $200,000 earnings from a 27-night engagement at New York’s Palace Theater were also mostly taken by the IRS.
How Did She Try to Recover Financially?
Despite her struggles, Garland attempted to regain her financial stability through performances and television. She starred in The Judy Garland Show (1963–1964), which paid her well but was ultimately canceled.
She also returned to Broadway, where she made $15,000–$20,000 per week, but ongoing financial problems meant she could never fully recover. By the late 1960s, she was still performing, but her health was deteriorating, making it difficult to sustain her career.
What Happened to Her Estate After She Passed Away?
At the time of her death in 1969, Judy Garland’s estate was $4 million in debt. Her daughter, Liza Minnelli, stepped in to help settle the debts. Over 500 personal items were auctioned, raising $250,000 (around $1 million today).
Even Frank Sinatra contributed funds to help cover outstanding expenses. Despite these efforts, her financial struggles left a complicated legacy.
Conclusion
Judy Garland’s career was filled with incredible success, but her financial story is a cautionary tale.
Despite earning millions, financial mismanagement and tax debts left her estate in heavy debt. Her life serves as a reminder that even Hollywood’s biggest stars are not immune to money troubles.
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