Actress Renée Zellweger has never shied away from challenges, and her role as Hollywood legend Judy Garland in the film "Judy" is no exception. When she took on this iconic role, Renée immersed herself completely in research. "There’s so much material out there," Renée, now 49, explains, referring to the countless movies, concerts, and interviews she dove into to prepare. "I wanted to understand every layer of who Judy was, both as a performer and as a person."
Getting Inside Judy Garland's World
Renée considered reaching out to Judy Garland's daughter, Liza Minnelli, for advice, but ultimately decided to focus directly on studying the star herself. "Watching her perform was like stepping into another world," Renée shares. She was particularly captivated by Judy's performances on The Judy Garland Show from 1963-1964. "She’s so comfortable, so authentic. You can see her being herself—funny, cool, and completely at ease. It’s like she’s letting you into her soul."
A Glimpse Into "Judy": The Final Chapter
The film "Judy" takes us back to 1968, a pivotal moment in Garland’s life. At this point, it had been 30 years since she skyrocketed to global fame as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Yet, despite her monumental success, Judy was fragile, both physically and emotionally. "She was exhausted," the producers reveal. "The pressures of her career had taken a toll, but the question remains: Will she find the strength to continue?" This film delves deep into Garland's resilience and the challenges she faced during one of the most vulnerable periods of her life.
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Judy Garland, who began performing at the tender age of two, tragically passed away in 1969 due to an accidental overdose at just 47 years old. Renée understands firsthand the relentless demands of Hollywood. After starring in blockbusters like Chicago, Cold Mountain, and the beloved Bridget Jones movies, she too felt the need for a break. In 2010, Renée stepped away from acting to reassess her life. "I was taking inventory of my life," she recalls. "Work had started to feel like an obligation, and that’s not how it should be. Making movies should be exciting opportunities, life adventures."
Renée's Break: Rediscovering Herself
During her six-year hiatus, Renée reconnected with what truly mattered to her. She fell in love with musician Doyle Bramhall, traveled the world, and even dabbled in screenwriting. "It was a time of growth and self-discovery," she says. "I wanted to make sure that when I came back, I was doing it for the right reasons." And come back she did, in 2016, starring in Bridget Jones's Baby, proving once again that she’s as funny and cool as ever.
Now, Renée is bringing her renewed energy and passion to the role of Judy Garland. "Renée is a massive fan," her friend shares. "She admired Judy—not just for her trailblazing spirit and raw talent, but for the way she inspired so many people."
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To fully embody Judy Garland, Renée worked tirelessly with vocal and acting coaches. "She’s studying everything," a close friend reveals. "She’s immersed herself so deeply that she feels like she’s transformed into Judy, body and soul." While Renée may feel some nerves about playing such an iconic figure, it stems from her deep desire to honor Judy’s legacy. "Her biggest challenge has been ensuring she respects Judy’s memory in the most honorable way," her friend explains. "She knows this is a role of a lifetime, and she’s determined to do it justice."
For more on Renée’s journey, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now at newsstands—and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive updates and news!
