Protecting Hollywood Royalty: Lorna Luft – Keeper of Judy Garland’s Legacy

When I was growing up—before the days of streaming and on-demand everything—the annual television broadcast of “The Wizard of Oz” during Easter was an event. From ages five to twelve, that night was sacred. Judy Garland’s unforgettable turn as Dorothy—soaring “over the rainbow,” dancing down the yellow brick road, standing up to wicked witches—was pure magic. Even after the tradition ended in 1991, I made a point to revisit the film regularly, always chasing that same childhood wonder.

As I got older, my admiration for Garland expanded beyond Oz. Though she passed away before I was born, I became captivated by the woman behind the icon—her talent, her vulnerability, her extraordinary post-Dorothy career. I watched her films (“Easter Parade,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and my favorite “A Star Is Born”), read countless biographies, and explored every documentary I could find. But nothing captured her essence quite like the 2001 Emmy-winning miniseries “Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows”, based on the memoir by her daughter, Lorna Luft. That book and series peeled back the layers and revealed the full scope of Judy’s brilliance and struggles—told through the eyes of someone who knew her best.

Lorna Luft—whom I recently had the privilege of interviewing for my podcast Hollywood Obsessed— Episodes 119 & 120 —has spent her life championing her mother’s legacy, not as a passive heir, but as a performer, author, and advocate in her own right. Through her concerts, books, and tributes, she honors Judy Garland’s artistry with heart and purpose. In this blog post, I explore how Lorna continues to carry the torch—ensuring Judy’s legacy remains not only intact but more vivid and meaningful than ever.

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When it comes to protecting Hollywood royalty, no one does it quite like Lorna Luft. As the daughter of the legendary Judy Garland, Lorna has spent much of her life not just living with her mother’s iconic legacy—but embracing it, celebrating it, and making sure the world never forgets just how magical Judy truly was.

Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir

It all began with Lorna Luft’s acclaimed 1998 memoir, “Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir”—a deeply personal, no-holds-barred account of what it was like growing up with one of the greatest entertainers of all time. A New York Times bestseller published by Simon & Schuster, the book offers a rare insider portrait of one of Hollywood’s most iconic families. Through unsparing candor, Lorna shares the story of a little girl, her half-sister Liza, and their baby brother, all trying to hold on to a mother whose brilliance often came with heartbreak. The memoir takes readers on an emotional journey through love, addiction, pain, and healing, peeling back the glamorous facade to reveal the human truths that lay beneath.

Filled with behind-the-scenes drama, untold stories, and intimate family moments, Me and My Shadows is more than a celebrity memoir—it’s a tribute to resilience and the power of self-discovery. Lorna captures her mother, Judy Garland, not just as a star, but as a complex, funny, loving woman who just happened to possess one of the most unforgettable voices in showbiz history. She also explores the darker moments with brutal honesty: Judy’s personal struggles, the family's emotional challenges, the impact of fame, and the pain of loss following Judy’s passing.

Yet through it all, the memoir is infused with hope. Lorna doesn’t just recount her past—she reckons with it, embraces it, and ultimately finds strength in it. She even shares surprising personal moments, including her brief but intense affair with Barry Manilow in the early 1970s. Yes, that Barry Manilow. In short, the book stands as both a poignant tribute to her mother and a powerful story of a daughter coming into her own.

Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows

Lorna Luft’s powerful memoir was so compelling, it inspired the acclaimed 2001 ABC miniseries “Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows.” With powerhouse performances by Judy Davis and Tammy Blanchard, the series brought Judy Garland’s triumphs and tragedies to life in a way that had never been seen before. It not only introduced a new generation to Garland’s extraordinary story but also established Lorna as a vital voice in preserving and honoring her mother’s legacy.

The Emmy-winning miniseries, based on Lorna's book, traces Judy's life from her first public performance in 1924 to her untimely death in 1969. Divided into two parts, the first half charts her meteoric rise to fame in the 1930s, her struggles with addiction, and her fall from grace during the 1950s. The second half begins with her marriage to Sid Luft and follows her triumphant return in “A Star Is Born,” her concert career, ongoing personal battles, and her tragic passing at age 47. The series was honored with five Emmy Awards, including wins for Judy Davis (Outstanding Lead Actress) and Tammy Blanchard (Outstanding Supporting Actress), and was praised for its emotional depth, authenticity, and cinematic quality.

“Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows” remains a poignant and powerful celebration of Garland’s life and legacy—a story of fame, family, addiction, love, and ultimately, the healing that comes from telling the truth and reclaiming your story.

But Lorna's tribute to Judy doesn't end on the page or screen. A gifted performer herself, she has taken her mother’s music on the road, weaving Judy’s timeless songs into her own concerts across the globe.

Songs My Mother Taught Me

Lorna Luft’s devotion to her mother’s legacy shines brightly in her musical projects, most notably in her 2007 album “Songs My Mother Taught Me.” Produced by Barry Manilow and her husband, Colin R. Freeman, the album is a heartfelt tribute to Judy Garland, featuring timeless songs made famous by the legendary star. Highlights include “Shining Star/Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and a powerful reimagining of the iconic Carnegie Hall Overture—a medley of “The Trolley Song,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “The Man That Got Away.”

Lorna delivers stellar vocals throughout, honoring her mother’s musical legacy with both reverence and her own artistic flair. Her rendition of “The Man That Got Away” is especially moving, offering a fresh yet faithful interpretation that many consider one of the finest ever recorded outside of Judy’s original.

The album led to an international stage show of the same name, which dazzled audiences with a blend of songs, behind-the-scenes stories, and heartfelt memories. She later followed it with “Judy – The Songbook of Judy Garland,” a musical journey through Judy’s legendary career that featured re-creations of unforgettable MGM moments and classic hits that continue to enchant fans worldwide.

Rufus Does Judy

One unforgettable tribute to Judy Garland came in 2006 at Carnegie Hall, when Lorna Luft joined singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright onstage during his acclaimed “Rufus Does Judy” concert to perform “After You’ve Gone.” The emotional duet was a heartfelt nod to her mother’s legendary 1961 performance at the very same venue—widely regarded as one of the greatest live recordings in history.

The show’s overwhelming success led to multiple encore performances. After the initial concert on June 14, 2006, sold out, a second night was added at Carnegie Hall on June 15. Demand for the tribute only grew, leading to three European shows in 2007: February 18 and 25 at the London Palladium and February 20 at L’Olympia in Paris. The final performance took place on September 23, 2007, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles (which I attended. It was SO fabulous!).

Lorna’s appearance added emotional weight and authenticity to the tribute, making it a truly memorable celebration of Judy Garland’s enduring influence on music, performance, and pop culture.

A Star Is Born: Judy Garland and the Film That Got Away

Lorna Luft continued honoring her mother’s legacy in 2018 with the release of “A Star Is Born: Judy Garland and the Film That Got Away,” co-written with film historian Jeffrey Vance. The book offers a captivating deep dive into the creation—and near loss—of one of Judy Garland’s most iconic films.

“A Star Is Born,” the timeless Hollywood tale of a young performer’s meteoric rise and her mentor’s tragic fall, has been adapted five times. But none compare to the 1954 version starring Judy Garland in what many consider the greatest performance of her career. Tragically, the film’s production became one of the most infamous sagas in movie history.

The story’s themes—fame, addiction, love, and loss—eerily mirrored Garland’s own life. Though she delivered a powerhouse performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination, the film lost in one of Oscar’s most controversial upsets. Studio executives at Warner Bros., unhappy with the film’s lengthy runtime, ruthlessly cut significant footage, leaving the final product fragmented and breaking the hearts of both Garland and director George Cukor.

Decades later, a director’s cut reconstructed from previously lost scenes and audio restored the film’s brilliance and secured its place among the most revered movies of all time. In the book, Lorna and the film’s producer, Sid Luft—recounts the making of this cinematic landmark with unmatched insight and emotional depth.

Alongside Vance’s historical expertise, “A Star Is Born” presents a richly illustrated and refreshingly candid narrative, featuring rare images from the Luft family archive. The book also explores the film’s many adaptations, rounding out a comprehensive tribute to a story that has captivated audiences for nearly a century—and to the star who gave it her all.

Judy Garland: The Perfume

Whether performing, writing, or speaking out, Lorna Luft remains a fierce guardian of her mother’s legacy. She’s long been committed to ensuring Judy Garland’s image and work are treated with the respect and reverence they deserve. So when Judy would have turned 100, Lorna—alongside her sister Liza Minnelli—led a centennial celebration worthy of the legend herself: the launch of a commemorative fragrance.

Developed by cosmetic chemist and fragrance designer Vincenzo Spinnato, the all-gender fine fragrance captures the essence of Judy Garland in every detail. The scent blends the signature Judy Garland Rose with dark orchid, pink pepper, and tonka bean—creating a sophisticated, emotional tribute. The bottle, rich in a ruby-red hue, nods to Dorothy’s iconic slippers, while its elegant shape evokes the grace and movement of Judy’s unforgettable “Get Happy” performance.

In every endeavor, Lorna’s mission remains clear: to keep the spotlight shining on Judy Garland not just as a timeless icon, but as the groundbreaking artist and extraordinary woman she was. Through her own talent and unwavering love, Lorna ensures that her mother’s voice, spirit, and legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

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Some facts are taken from IMDB & Wikipedia.

Don’t miss my captivating two-part interview with the fabulous Lorna Luft on the latest episodes of the Hollywood Obsessed podcast! Packed with exclusive stories and behind-the-scenes revelations, it’s a conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.

Click the links below to listen now and get inspired!

Episode 119 - HERE

Episode 120 - HERE