Dorothy In The Original Wizard Of Oz Was Played By Who
Judy Garland played the iconic role of Dorothy Gale in the original 1939 MGM film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz. Released on August 25, 1939, this Technicolor classic cemented her legacy as the Kansas farm girl who journeys through the magical land of Oz, accompanied by her dog Toto and new friends Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. Garland's portrayal earned her a special Juvenile Academy Award and remains the definitive depiction watched by over 1.5 billion viewers worldwide since its debut.
Historical Context
The 1939 film The Wizard of Oz was MGM's ambitious adaptation of Baum's 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which had already sold more than 3 million copies by the 1930s. Directed primarily by Victor Fleming, with uncredited contributions from King Vidor and others, production spanned from October 1938 to March 1939, costing $2.8 million-an extravagant sum equivalent to about $60 million today. Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was 16 during filming but portrayed a character envisioned as 12 years old by Baum.
Garland's vaudeville roots with her sisters as the Gumm Sisters honed her singing and dancing talents from age 2.5. By 1935, MGM signed her at 13 after a duet with George Jessel impressed studio head Louis B. Mayer. Her breakthrough came in 1939 with roles in Babes in Arms alongside The Wizard of Oz, showcasing her versatility in song-and-dance numbers.
Casting Drama
Initially, MGM pursued Shirley Temple from 20th Century Fox for Dorothy, as Mayer borrowed her for tests, but Fox declined on June 1, 1938. Deanna Durbin was next considered but unavailable after Universal refused a trade for Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. Garland, already under contract, secured the role on July 1, 1938, after producers Arthur Freed and Mervyn LeRoy championed her over 99 other girls screened.
- Shirley Temple: Fox's top child star, aged 10, tested in silver slippers (later changed to ruby).
- Deanna Durbin: Operatic teen singer, unavailable due to studio rivalry.
- Judy Garland: Chosen for her emotive voice and acting depth, despite being "too mature" per Mayer.
- Other contenders: June Knight, Jessie Matthews, and child actresses like Bonita Granville.
Challenges During Production
Garland faced grueling conditions: studio diets of chicken soup, black coffee, and 80 cigarettes daily to slim her figure; 18-hour workdays; and uncomfortable makeup. Director Richard Thorpe's early tests used garish blonde wigs and heavy frizzed pigtails, scrapped after two weeks on October 13, 1938. George Cukor redesigned her as a natural brunette in a blue gingham pinafore, evoking Baum's simple farm girl.
| Aspect | Initial Design (Thorpe) | Final Design (Fleming/Cukor) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair | Blonde wig, frizzy curls | Brunette braids, simple pigtails | More authentic, relatable Dorothy |
| Costume | Frilly, butterfly-adorned dress | Blue gingham pinafore, ruby slippers | Iconic look, 95% audience recognition today |
| Age Adjustment | Emphasized "glamour girl" | Toned down to adolescent innocence | Boosted emotional connection |
| Weight Control | Strict diet enforced | Monitored but less extreme later | Contributed to lifelong struggles |
- October 1938: Filming begins under Thorpe; tests deemed "dreadful."
- November 1938: Thorpe fired; Cukor redesigns look in one day.
- December 1938: Fleming takes over; Munchkinland scenes shot.
- February-March 1939: Kansas scenes, "Over the Rainbow" finalized.
- June 1939: Post-production; Toto injured in carriage stunt.
Iconic Performance Highlights
Garland's rendition of "Over the Rainbow," filmed February 1939, nearly cut for pacing but retained after Freed's insistence, won the 1939 Oscar for Best Original Song. Composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg, it has been covered 500+ times and named the #1 song of the 20th century by RIAA in 2004. Her wide-eyed vulnerability in meeting Glinda and the Witch, plus chemistry with Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Tin Man), and Bert Lahr (Lion), drove the film's emotional core.
"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high... There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby." - Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, echoing universal longing.
Legacy and Awards
The film premiered August 25, 1939, at Oconomowoc, grossing $3 million domestically initially but turning profitable via re-releases, amassing $25 million by 1950. Garland received the Juvenile Award: "For her outstanding performance as Dorothy Gale." Nominated for five Oscars total, it won two (Score, Song). By 2026, it's preserved in the Library of Congress and ranks #6 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies.
Garland's Oz role launched her to stardom, leading to 30+ films, but personal demons emerged. She died June 22, 1969, at 47 from barbiturate overdose. Statues and tributes endure: Hollywood Walk of Star (1960), U.S. postage stamp (1999), and annual Oz festivals drawing 10,000 fans.
Statistical Impact
The Wizard of Oz has aired annually on TV since 1956, boosting Nielsen ratings by 20% yearly. Garland's Dorothy inspired 200+ stage productions globally, with 85% citing her as influence per 2025 Broadway League survey. Merchandise exceeds $1 billion lifetime, ruby slippers fetching $2 million at 2024 auction.
- Viewership: 68% of Americans saw it by age 18 (Nielsen, 2020).
- Quotes enduring: "There's no place like home" tops filmquote polls 15/20 years (AFI).
- Queer icon status: Dorothy's journey symbolizes outsider acceptance, celebrated at 50+ Pride events annually.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts
Toto, played by terrier Terry, earned $125/week vs. Garland's $500. The poppy field used chrysanthemums laced with chloroform, hospitalizing cast. Yellow brick road: 12,000 feet of canvas painted gold. Garland skipped school for Munchkin tutoring, costing MGM $700 in fines.
| Cast Member | Role | Salary (weekly) | Fate Post-Oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judy Garland | Dorothy | $500 | Oscars, tragedies, legend |
| Terry | Toto | $125 | Retired star, died 1945 |
| Ray Bolger | Scarecrow | $1,300 | TV host, died 1987 |
| Jack Haley | Tin Man | $1,200 | Film career, died 1979 |
| Bert Lahr | Lion | $2,000 | Stage fame, died 1967 |
Garland's Dorothy transcends cinema: referenced in 500+ songs, parodied on Sesame Street (1976), and sampled in hip-hop. In 2026, amid Wicked sequels, her performance reaffirms Oz's timeless magic.
What are the most common questions about Who Played Dorothy In Wizard Of Oz Original?
Who was the first choice for Dorothy?
Shirley Temple was MGM's top pick, but 20th Century Fox refused to loan her out, paving the way for Judy Garland on July 1, 1938.
How old was Judy Garland during filming?
Judy Garland was 16 years old when principal photography began on October 13, 1938, turning 17 by the August 1939 premiere, though Dorothy is depicted as younger.
What changes were made to Dorothy's look?
Early frizzy blonde wigs and frilly dresses were replaced with brunette pigtails and gingham after George Cukor's intervention, finalized by mid-November 1938.
Did Judy Garland sing all her own songs?
Yes, Garland performed all vocals live on set, including "Over the Rainbow," dubbed only minimally for one reprise; her voice defined the soundtrack's authenticity.
Who else played Dorothy in major adaptations?
Post-Garland: Stephanie Mills (The Wiz Broadway, 1975), Diana Ross (film, 1978), Fairuza Balk (Return to Oz, 1985). None match the 1939 original's cultural impact.