Judy Garland was married four times. Her first marriage was to composer David Rose in 1941, at age 19. She married director Vincente Minnelli in 1944; they had a daughter, Liza Minnelli, before divorcing in 1951. Her third marriage, to actor Mark Gabor in 1965, ended in divorce in 1969. Her fourth and final marriage was to interior designer Mickey Deans in 1969, lasting until her death in 1969.
Early marriage to David Rose
In 1941, Judy Garland married David Rose, a songwriter and bandleader. The wedding occurred while she was a teenager and they were both working in Hollywood. This marriage coincided with a demanding period in her career at MGM and added personal complexity to an already intense professional life. They divorced in 1944.
Marriage to Vincente Minnelli
Wedding and family
In 1944, Garland married Vincente Minnelli, a director at MGM. Their daughter, Liza Minnelli, was born in 1946. The union joined two prominent figures in entertainment and created a notable family legacy. The marriage faced ongoing challenges due to Garland’s health struggles and the pressures of fame.
Separation and divorce
Garland and Minnelli formally separated in 1949 and divorced in 1951. Legal and personal difficulties, along with career demands, contributed to the end of their relationship. Co-parenting their daughter continued beyond the divorce.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage to David Rose | 1941–1944 | Biographical records |
| Marriage to Vincente Minnelli | 1944–1951 | Biographical records |
| Marriage to Mark Gabor | 1965–1969 | Biographical records |
| Marriage to Mickey Deans | 1969 | Biographical records |
Marriage to Mark Gabor
In 1965, Judy Garland married Hungarian-born actor Mark Gabor. The marriage occurred during a turbulent time in her career and health. They divorced in 1969, citing personal differences and the stresses of public life.
Final marriage to Mickey Deans
In early 1969, Garland married interior designer Mickey Deans. This marriage lasted only months; she died in June 1969. Deans was with her in the days before her passing and became involved in discussions about her legacy and estate.
Context and legacy
Garland’s marriages occurred alongside a demanding career and significant personal challenges. Each relationship is documented in biographies, interviews, and legal records, providing a clear picture of her personal life amid her public achievements. Understanding these partnerships contributes to a fuller view of her experiences and influence.
Frequently asked questions
- How many times was Judy Garland married? She was married four times.
- Who was her most recent spouse? Her final spouse was Mickey Deans.
- Did any of her marriages produce children? Yes, her marriage to Vincente Minnelli produced a daughter, Liza Minnelli.
- Were any of her spouses also celebrities? Mark Gabor was an actor; Mickey Deans was an interior designer known through his connection to Garland.
- How long did her shortest marriage last? Her marriage to Mickey Deans lasted only a few months in 1969.
Summary of key marriages
| Spouse | Years Married | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| David Rose | 1941–1944 | First marriage; divorced |
| Vincente Minnelli | 1944–1951 | Mother of Liza Minnelli; divorced |
| Mark Gabor | 1965–1969 | Actor; divorced |
| Mickey Deans | 1969 | Interior designer; married shortly before her death |