HISTORY
Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, was an iconic American actress, singer, and model, and known for her “blonde bombshell” roles. she later took her mother’s name, Baker Raised by foster parents and in an orphanage, she married in 1942 but divorced soon after World War II. Norma Jeane became a popular model, signed with Twentieth Century-Fox in 1946, and took the name Marilyn Monroe. After brief movie roles, she returned to modeling, and a nude photograph led to a role in Scudda-Hoo! Scudda-Hay! (1948) and other minor film roles.
Of English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh descent, she became a Hollywood icon known for her sex symbol roles of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as her personal and professional struggles. she was a top-billed actress for a decade, with her films grossing $200 million by her death. Her mother, Gladys, was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and had limited contact with Marilyn after her childhood. Marilyn later paid someone to check on her mother’s condition while she became a celebrated film star. Gladys died in 1984, outliving her daughter.
INTERESTING FACTS
Diamonds: Monroe didn’t like diamonds; she preferred costume Jewellery, except for a pearl necklace and a diamond ring from Joe DiMaggio.
Marriages: Married three times: to Jimmy Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller.
Name changes: Had several names before legally changing to Marilyn Monroe in 1956.
Intelligence: Despite being stereotyped as a “dumb blonde,” she had an IQ of 168.
Production company: Founded Marilyn Monroe Productions, which released The Prince and the Showgirl (1957).
Religion: Converted to Judaism after marrying Arthur Miller.
Death: Was listening to Frank Sinatra when she died.
Acting: Struggled with lines, taking 60 takes for “it’s me, Sugar” in Some Like it Hot.
Advertising: Named “The Most Advertised Girl in the World” in 1953, endorsing multiple brands.
Reading: had a large library of over 400 books and was an avid reader.
Hair: Born a brunette, she dyed her hair blonde for her acting career.
Happy Birthday performance: Famous for singing :Happy Birthday” to JFK, wearing a dress sold for $1.27 million.
Self-image: Preferred photos of her right side, believing it looked better than her left.
Legacy: Ranked as the sixth-greatest female star by the American Film Institute.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Iconic Hollywood Actress – Starred in classics like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
- Golden Globe Winner (1960) – Best Actress for Some Like It Hot.
- Broke Stereotypes – Redefined female roles in Hollywood.
- Singer & Performer – Famous for Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.
- Cultural Icon – Symbol of beauty, glamour, and femininity.
- Pioneered Own Production Company – Founded Marilyn Monroe Productions (1954).
- Advocated for Civil Rights – Supported equality and helped Ella Fitzgerald perform in top clubs.
- Best-Selling Model – Featured on numerous magazine covers.
- USO Performer – Entertained U.S. troops in Korea (1954).
- Lasting Legacy – Continues to influence pop culture and fashion.