judygarlandmuseum.com that the name change came after a comedian suggested they have a last name that was more theatrical.Garland also changed her first name to Judy based on a song.Louis B.
Mayer, studio chief of MGM, which helped produce “The Wizard of Oz,” originally wanted Shirley Temple to be cast in the role of Dorothy, but it didn’t happen.
Actress Deanna Durbin was approached next but couldn’t do it, and Garland was cast in the role of Dorothy.Needless to say, it all worked out.Whether it was because of early fame or other factors, sadly, Garland struggled with a variety of issues in her personal life.
She owed thousands in back taxes to the IRS and had a lien placed on her home in Brentwood, California.Garland also had problems.