"No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they are pretty, even if they aren't."
Also Known as: Norma Jeane Baker Birth Name: Norma Jean Mortenson Born: June 1, 1926 Los Angeles, CA Died: Sometime during the night of August 4, 1962 or early morning of August 5, 1962 Married To: Jimmy Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, Arthur Miller Measurements: 37-23-36 (Studio's Claim) 35-22-35 (Dressmaker's Claim)
She personified Hollywood glamour with an unparalleled glow and energy that enamored the world. Though an alluring beauty with voluptuous curves and a generous pout, Marilyn Monroe was more than a 50s sex goddess. Her apparent vulnerability and innocence in combination with an innate sensuality has endeared her to the global consciousness for more than half a century. Marilyn’s life demonstrated the effects of her personal struggles as well as the triumph of her spirit, a part of her that continues to survive alongside her image as the legendary Hollywood diva.
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926. She was later baptized as Norma Jeane Baker. Her mother, Gladys, had little money and suffered from mental problems, and the identity of Marilyn’s father is unknown. Desiring a better life for her daughter, Gladys sent Norma Jeane to live with a foster family. Marilyn lived with several families during her childhood and, in 1935 at age nine, entered an orphanage where she lived until June 1937. On June 19, 1942 the 16-year-old Norma Jeane wed Jimmy Dougherty, a young man five years her senior. The couple divorced in June of 1946.
In 1944, Marilyn was photographed at work by a journalist as part of an Army promotion demonstrating women’s contributions to the war effort. The photographer asked to take more pictures of her, and soon she had launched a modeling career. By 1945, Norma Jeane Dougherty’s glowing beauty had made her immensely popular, and she graced the covers of 33 major magazines. By 1946, she had quit her job at the aircraft plant and was working as a full-time model while pursuing a career in film.
On July 23, 1946, Marilyn signed a contract with 20th Century-Fox, which entitled her to $125 a week. Soon after signing with Fox, Norma Jeane began using the name ‘Marilyn Monroe.’ The last name was her grandmother’s and the first name was copied from the actress Marilyn Miller. Marilyn’s first role was a bit part in the 1947 film The Shocking Miss Pilgrim. She continued to play inconsequential characters until 1950 when John Huston’s thriller Asphalt Jungle provided her with a small but influential role. Her performance in the film All About Eve later the same year earned her greater notoriety.
On Jan. 14, 1954, Marilyn embarked on her second marriage, this time with baseball superstar Joe DiMaggio. Only nine months later, on Oct. 27, 1954, Monroe and DiMaggio divorced. During a press conference on Oct. 6, Monroe's attorney attributed the split to a "conflict of careers."
After making several movies that cast her as just another Hollywood pretty face, Monroe was ready to shed her "shallow blonde" image to pursue serious acting. In 1956, she began studying under Lee Strasberg at New York’s Actors Studio. That year, Monroe also launched Marilyn Monroe Productions with photographer Milton Greene. The company produced Bus Stop (1956) and The Prince and the Showgirl (1957), two films that allowed Monroe to demonstrate her abilities as a serious actress.
On June 29, 1956, Monroe married playwright Arthur Miller. 1961’s The Misfits was written by Miller for Monroe, and was her last completed film. The Miller-Monroe marriage ended in divorce on Jan. 20, 1961.
In 1962, Monroe was named “World’s Most Popular Star” by Golden Globe, demonstrating her widespread appeal. On the night of August 4 or the early morning of August 5 of the same year, Monroe died in her sleep in her Brentwood, California home, at the early age of 36. The world was stunned, and her loss is still grieved today. Marilyn was laid to rest in Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles, Corridor of Memories, #24.
Marilyn Monroe made 30 films and left one, Something’s Got to Give, unfinished. But she was more than just a movie star or glamour queen. A global sensation in her lifetime, Marilyn’s popularity has extended beyond star status to icon. Today, the name ‘Marilyn Monroe’ is synonymous with beauty and glamour. Marilyn will remain an inspiration to all who strive to overcome personal obstacles for the goal of achieving greatness.
