Francis Avent Gumm
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Francis Avent Gumm | |
|---|---|
 Gumm circa 1920s | |
| Born | March 20, 1886 |
| Died | November 17, 1935 (aged 49) |
| Occupations |
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| Spouse | |
| Children | 3, including Judy Garland |
Francis "Frank" Avent Gumm (March 20, 1886 – November 17, 1935) was an American vaudevillian and theatre manager. He is the father of the American actress, singer and vaudevillian Judy Garland.
Life and career
[edit]Personal life
[edit]Early life
[edit]Gumm was born on March 20, 1886, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States. Little is documented about his early life, but he grew up in a family that appreciated entertainment and the performing arts.
Marriage and relationships
[edit]Gumm met his wife Ethel Marion Milne in the vaudeville industry. He married Milne on 11 January, 1914 in Michigan, United States.[1] The couple had three children: Mary Jane Gumm (born 1915), Dorothy Virginia Gumm (born 1917), and Judy Garland (born 1922). Despite a shared commitment to their daughters’ early careers, their marriage reportedly faced tension, partly due to financial pressures and personal struggles. Some biographies and historical accounts indicate that Frank may have had relationships with men, which contributed to strain in his marriage to Ethel and led to difficulties within the family. Although aspects of his personal life were challenging, Frank remained committed to supporting his daughters, especially young Judy, in their performances, fostering her early steps toward a future in entertainment.[citation needed]
Theater Management and The Gumm Sisters
[edit]
Ethel shared Frank’s passion for the performing arts and the couple passed this on to their daughters. Milne often served as the pianist during performances, while Gumm managed the logistics and bookings. 1920s Frank and Ethel Gumm moved to Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where they owned and operated the New Grand Theatre. The theatre showcased a variety of acts, including vaudeville performances, silent films, and live music, helping to foster a local arts scene. It was also where the Gumm Sisters began their performing careers as a vaudeville group. Their early acts often featured a mix of singing, dancing, and harmonizing, with Ethel accompanying them on the piano.[2]
Relocation to California
[edit]In the early 1930s, the Gumm family relocated to California, seeking better opportunities for the daughters' careers. The sisters continued to perform in vaudeville and appeared in several short films. However, the entertainment industry was becoming more competitive and the family struggled to establish a significant foothold.
Despite the difficulties, Frank continued to manage his daughters’ careers. By the mid-1930s, Garland began to emerge as the group's standout talent, drawing attention from talent scouts. In 1935, she signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), marking the beginning of her rise to stardom.
Death and Legacy
[edit]Gumm's health began to decline after the move to California and he passed away on November 17, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 49. His death came just as Judy was beginning to gain recognition in Hollywood. The loss deeply affected the family, particularly Judy, who was only 13 at the time.
Frank Gumm's legacy is closely tied to the early stages of Judy Garland's career. His involvement in theatre management and support for his daughters’ ambitions helped pave the way for Judy’s future success. Although Frank did not live to see his youngest daughter become one of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, his contributions during her formative years were instrumental.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Francis "Frank" Avent Gumm (1886—1935)". FamilySearch.
- ^ Fricke, John (18 July 1994). Judy Garland: A Portrait in Art & Anecdote. Bulfinch. ISBN 978-0821228364.
- ^ Edwards, Anne (1975). Judy Garland: A Biography. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 9780094610002.