celebrities
Celebrity role models and inspiring feminist celebrities for girls and women everywhere.
Judy Garland
The beautiful Judy Garland was a legend that we all remember as Dorothy from the famous movie The Wizard of Oz. But before she became Dorothy and got lost in the land of Oz, she was born Francis Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Judy Garland's parents were vaudeville professionals, so she started show business at a very young age. Judy was 2 years old. Her first public performance was singing "Jingle Bells." Then Judy Garland started singing with her two older sisters Susie and Jimmie. They formed a group together called "Gumm Sisters." Then in 1926, Judy Garland and her family moved to California where the Gumm Sisters studied singing and dancing. Their mother as being both the sister's manager and agent made them gigs after gigs. The Gumm Sisters had appeared in some films here and there. The sisters later changed their name to "The Garland Sisters." They changed their name after performing with comedian George Jessel in 1934. Also that is when little Francis changed her name to Judy Garland. The following year was when she would be a solo act and sign a movie contract with MGM when she was 13. Judy Garland debuted one special song called "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart." Shortly after debuting the song, her father passed away. But despite what happened, young Judy Garland started getting movie roles after movie roles. She starred along side her best friend Mickey Rooney in a few movies together. Love Finds Andy Hardy really helped the pair with stardom. The stress of working non-stop really got to Judy Garland. The studio gave her some medications to help with her weight and image. Then the time came in Judy Garland's life. In 1939, she starred in the movie that really made her a BIG star. The Wizard of Oz won Judy Garland an Academy Award. She went to star in more musicals like Strike Up the Band and Babes of Broadway with Mickey Rooney. And For Me and My Gal with Gene Kelly. Even though she was a big star, she did have a family. Judy Garland did get married more than twice. And she had three wonderful children named Liza Minnelli (American actress) and Lorna and Joey Luft. Then Judy Garland had a breakdown from all the working days and nights. In 1950 Judy Garland was dropped from MGM, because of all the problems she was having in her life. Then Judy Garland decided to get back to work and do more movies. A Star Is Born got her nominated for an Academy Award. As the 1960s approached, Judy Garland worked more on her singing than her acting. She won a Grammy and did her very own TV show with her and her two daughters. When her TV show ended, she did one last attempt to fame for acting. She did a Broadway show called At Home at a Palace. When she fell into some financial and personal trouble, she went to a London nightclub and perform. But she was in such bad shape. On June 22, 1969, the beautiful and talented Judy Garland passed away of an accidental overdose while she was in London. Judy Garland was a phenomenal singer and actress. Her daughters Liza and Lorna live their mother's legacy on and on. There have been books and movies made about Judy Garland and her life. The biopic Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir really told the story about her life to fame and everything. One of the best biopics I seen. Judy Garland will always be Dorothy. She is finally able to fly and be over the rainbow.
By Shante Hernandez8 years ago in Viva
Kylie Jenner Is One of the Most Trending Celebrities Today
Kylie Jenner is one of the most talked about reality TV stars today and I bet you're probably wondering why she is very famous right now. Well, the 20-year-old diva is the daughter of the reality TV stars Kris Kardashian and Bruce Jenner, AKA Caitlynn Jenner. If you're a big fan of the Keeping Up with the Kardashians reality TV show, then you probably already know a lot about the Kardashians and Jenner siblings. Kylie is one of my favorite reality TV stars and I really enjoy watching her on television. Mainly, because I think she is a beautiful diva and a successful entrepreneur.
By Arleena Stein8 years ago in Viva
Melanie Martinez vs. Timothy Heller: Who's Telling The Truth?
Melanie Martinez. An American singer, songwriter, music video director, and photographer. Born in Astoria, Queens and raised in Baldwin, New York on Long Island, who subsequently rose to prominence in 2012 after appearing on the American television vocal talent show The Voice.
By Alvin Ellis8 years ago in Viva
Queen Elizabeth II's Most Badass Moments
No matter where you live, the words "the Queen" almost certainly conjure up one world-famous monarch: Queen Elizabeth II, of the UK (and Canada, and Australia, and so on). In addition to being the longest-reigning and oldest living British monarch, she is also the grandmother of the ever-popular young Royal generation, Princes William and Harry (whose recent engagement to Suits actress Meghan Markle recently took the world by storm). But the 91-year-old Queen Elizabeth, or Lilibet, as her family calls her, is not all tea and crumpets and "my-husband-and-I"s.
By Em DiMonaco8 years ago in Viva
A Force For Women: Gal Gadot Stands With Those Confronting Sexual Harassment And Violence
Having portrayed a powerful woman who isn't afraid to face any danger in her path, Wonder Woman's Gal Gadot offered young girls and women hope for a future in which women aren't treated as any less than a man. After her role as Diana Prince in the massively successful film, the Israeli-born actress amassed millions of fans.
By Rachel Carrington8 years ago in Viva
Christina Applegate Had Her Ovaries And Fallopian Tubes Removed — And She’s Talking About It For An Important Reason
Christina Applegate played the clueless Kelly Bundy on Married With Children, but in being an advocate for women's health, she has proven that she is anything but clueless.
By Rachel Carrington8 years ago in Viva
The One Thing We're Forgetting In The Hollywood Sexual Assault Scandals: The Victims
Since the news broke of Harvey Weinstein's atrocities against women, the door has been opened for his victims to share their personal stories of trauma that came at the hands of a man who was supposed to be helping them and their careers. The sexual harassment allegations go back decades, and most likely, more women will come forward before Weinstein is no longer front page news. Though he was recently terminated from the company he co-founded and kicked from both the Academy and the PGA, it's a small consolation for those who have spent years trying to heal from the damage he inflicted.
By Rachel Carrington8 years ago in Viva
'The Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev Wants To Spread Positive Messages About Beauty Through Social Media
Nina Dobrev became a role model for young women in 2009 when she lit up the screen as Elena Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries. Though she's glammed up when acting or out on the town, the 28-year-old actress doesn't hesitate to share make-up free selfies on her Instagram because she says her day-to-day life is normal and average and that's what she wants people to see.
By Rachel Carrington8 years ago in Viva
Judge Dismisses 'Modern Family' Star Sofia Vergara's Frozen Embryos Lawsuit
After over two years of litigation and a battle that began in May 2014, a Louisiana judge has dismissed the case between Modern Family actress, Sofia Vergara, and her ex-fiancé, Nick Loeb. The former couple have been battling over the fate of two female embryos created during in IVF procedure while they were still together. According to documents obtained by TMZ, the judge indicated that the Louisiana court had no jurisdiction over citizens not residents of the state (the judge referred to the embryos as "citizens of California"). If Loeb decides to continue the battle, he would need to file suit in California, where he and Vergara are currently residents.
By Rachel Carrington8 years ago in Viva
Rose McGowan Shaved Her Head As A Battlecry Against Sexism In Hollywood
Rose McGowan has long been a voice for feminism in Hollywood and for women everywhere. With the upcoming release of her memoir, Brave, the Charmed actress revealed why she's rebelling against the "ideal version of a woman."
By Rachel Carrington8 years ago in Viva
The List of Power Abusers Now Include Matt Lauer and Garrison Keiller
News broke out this morning about Matt Lauer's firing. It was announced on his former program on NBC's "Today Show." Another person who was wildly popular who used his power to sexually harass others. Another wildly popular and emulated celebrity who betrayed.
By Freddy Zalta8 years ago in Viva
