James Dougherty (1942–46)
Joe DiMaggio (1954)
Arthur Miller (1956–61)
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,
The Seven Year Itch,
Some Like It Hot
Marilyn Monroe (/ˈmærÉ™lɪn mÉ™nˈroÊŠ/ MARR-É™-lin mÉ™n-ROH; born Norma Jeane Mortenson; June 1, 1926 – August 4, 1962) was an American actress, model, and cultural icon. Famous for portraying comedic “blonde bombshell” characters, she became one of the most prominent sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s. Her films earned more than $200 million during her lifetime (equivalent to over $2 billion today).
Recognized as a symbol of the era’s sexual revolution, Monroe was ranked by the American Film Institute as the sixth-greatest female screen legend of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Early Life (1926–1943)
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, at Los Angeles General Hospital. Her mother, Gladys Pearl Baker, worked as a film negative cutter and struggled with mental illness, leading Monroe to spend a large part of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage.
She never knew her father; although her birth certificate listed Martin Edward Mortensen, biographers widely attribute her paternity to Charles Stanley Gifford, supported by 2022 DNA comparisons.
Much of Monroe’s childhood was unstable:
- Lived with the Bolender foster family in Hawthorne
- Briefly lived with her mother in Hollywood before Gladys’ breakdown
- Entered the Los Angeles Orphans Home in 1935
- Experienced multiple foster placements, some allegedly abusive
- Developed a stutter and extreme shyness
Her first sense of stability came in 1938 when she lived with Ana Lower, who encouraged her creative interests. Monroe attended Emerson Junior High and later Van Nuys High School.
At the age of 16, to avoid returning to the orphanage, she married her neighbor James Dougherty on June 19, 1942.
Modeling Career (1944–1948)
During World War II, Monroe worked at the Radioplane Company factory, where she was discovered by Army photographer David Conover. She began modeling in 1945 and signed with the Blue Book Model Agency.
She quickly became one of the agency’s most successful pin-up models, appearing on over 30 magazine covers.
In 1946, Monroe signed her first film contract with 20th Century-Fox, choosing the stage name Marilyn Monroe (Marilyn from Broadway star Marilyn Miller; Monroe from her mother’s maiden name).
After minor film roles, Fox released her from the contract. She briefly joined Columbia Pictures, starring in Ladies of the Chorus (1948), but was dropped again.
Breakthrough and Rising Stardom (1949–1952)
Determined to succeed, Monroe continued modeling, including posing nude in 1949 for photographer Tom Kelley—images later used in the first issue of Playboy (1953).
Her acting breakthrough came with small but impactful roles in The Asphalt Jungle (1950) and All About Eve (1950). She gained attention for her beauty, charm, and on-screen presence.
In 1951–52 she became a rising star with roles in:
- As Young as You Feel
- Love Nest
- Don’t Bother to Knock
- Clash by Night
By 1952, she was receiving thousands of fan letters weekly and won the Golden Globe Henrietta Award for Best Young Box Office Personality.
Her highly publicized relationship with baseball legend Joe DiMaggio began the same year.
Hollywood Stardom and Global Fame (1953–1955)
1953 solidified Monroe’s status as a Hollywood icon with three major films:
Niagara (1953)
A provocative noir thriller emphasizing Monroe’s sensuality; its marketing relied heavily on her image.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Her portrayal of Lorelei Lee—and performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”—became legendary.
How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
Starring alongside Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable, Monroe helped lead the second ever CinemaScope release to major success.
In 1954 she married Joe DiMaggio, though the marriage ended after nine months due to conflict, jealousy, and emotional strain.
She starred in:
- River of No Return (1954)
- There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954)
- The Seven Year Itch (1955), featuring the iconic subway-dress scene
Frustrated with typecasting and low pay, Monroe founded Marilyn Monroe Productions (MMP) in 1954—one of the earliest moves by an actress to challenge the studio system.
Artistic Growth and Critical Acclaim (1955–1959)
Settling in New York, Monroe studied method acting at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg, transforming her approach to performance.
Bus Stop (1956)
Her role as Chérie earned wide critical acclaim, proving her dramatic talent.
The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)
Filmed in England with Laurence Olivier; Monroe received:
- BAFTA nomination
- David di Donatello Award
- Crystal Star Award
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Billy Wilder’s classic comedy became one of the greatest films ever made. Monroe’s role as Sugar Kane earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress (Comedy/Musical).
Career Challenges and Final Films (1960–1962)
Monroe faced health issues, personal turmoil, and substance dependency, impacting her work.
Let’s Make Love (1960)
The film underperformed, overshadowed by Monroe’s affair with co-star Yves Montand.
The Misfits (1961)
Written by her husband Arthur Miller as a dramatic showcase for her, it was Monroe’s final completed film. She co-starred with Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift. The production was plagued by illness and marital breakdown.
In 1962, she began filming Something’s Got to Give, but was fired due to repeated absences linked to illness. She was later rehired shortly before her death.
Personal Life
Monroe’s personal relationships were highly publicized:
- Marriage to James Dougherty (1942–1946)
- Marriage to Joe DiMaggio (1954–1954)
- Marriage to Arthur Miller (1956–1961)
Her friendships included Ella Fitzgerald, Truman Capote, Milton Greene, and the Strasberg family.
She struggled with:
- Childhood trauma
- Chronic insomnia
- Endometriosis
- Emotional instability
- Dependence on barbiturates and amphetamines
Monroe was politically engaged, publicly supporting civil rights and the Democratic Party.
Death
On August 4, 1962, Monroe died in her Brentwood home at age 36 from acute barbiturate poisoning.
The death was ruled a probable suicide, though alternative theories persist.
Her funeral was arranged by Joe DiMaggio, who famously ordered fresh roses to be placed on her crypt three times a week for 20 years.
She is interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
Screen Persona and Cultural Reception
Monroe’s crafted persona blended vulnerability, humor, glamour, and sexuality. She became synonymous with:
- The “dumb blonde” archetype
- The postwar American Dream
- Feminine glamour and sensuality
Scholars note she subtly parodied her image, revealed above-average intelligence, and fought aggressively for creative and financial control.
Her image was tied to American consumer culture, appearing in countless advertisements and artworks—including Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych (1962).
Legacy
Monroe remains one of the most recognized cultural icons of the 20th century. She has influenced:
- Fashion
- Feminist theory
- Pop art
- Cinema
- Advertising
- Celebrity culture
She continues to rank among the most photographed women in history and remains one of the most profitable deceased celebrities.
Institutions and honors include:
- AFI: #6 Greatest Female Screen Legend
- Smithsonian: “100 Most Significant Americans”
- Numerous biographies, films, documentaries, exhibitions
- Historic Cultural Monument designation for her Brentwood home (2024)
Selected Filmography
- Dangerous Years (1947)
- The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
- All About Eve (1950)
- As Young as You Feel (1951)
- Clash by Night (1952)
- Don’t Bother to Knock (1952)
- Monkey Business (1952)
- O. Henry’s Full House (1952)
- Niagara (1953)
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
- How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
- River of No Return (1954)
- There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954)
- The Seven Year Itch (1955)
- Bus Stop (1956)
- The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
- Let’s Make Love (1960)
- The Misfits (1961)
- Something’s Got to Give (1962 – unfinished)
