(1926-1962)
Who was Marilyn Monroe?
Actress Marilyn Monroe overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the world's greatest and most enduring sex symbols. Her films have grossed over $200 million. She is known for her relationships witharturo miller,can joeand possiblyPresident John F. Kennedy. Monroe died of a drug overdose on August 5, 1962, aged just 36.
Early age and education
Monroe was born on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. Monroe was named Norma Jeane Mortenson at birth (later christened Norma Jeane Baker). Growing up, Monroe spent much of her time in foster care and foster care.
In 1937, a family friend and her husband, Grace and Doc Goddard, cared for Monroe for a few years. Monroe's mother paid the Goddards $25 a week to raise her.
The couple were deeply religious and adhered to fundamentalist doctrines; among other prohibited activities, Monroe was not allowed to go to the movies. But when Doc's job transferred to the East Coast, the couple couldn't afford to take Monroe with them.
At the age of seven, Monroe returned to live in an orphanage, where she was sexually abused on several occasions; she later said that she had been raped when she was 11 years old. She dropped out of high school at age 15.
Monroe had an outlet through marriage, marrying her boyfriend and merchant seaman Jimmy Dougherty in 1942 at the age of 16.
Monroe never knew her father. she once thoughtClark Gablebeing her father, a story repeated often enough for a version of it to gain some popularity. However, there is no evidence that Gable ever met or knew Monroe's mother, Gladys, who developed psychiatric issues and was eventually committed to a mental institution.
As an adult, Monroe would claim that one of her earliest memories was of her mother trying to smother her in her crib with a pillow. Monroe had a half-sister, with whom she was not close; they've only met half a dozen times.
READ MORE: How Marilyn Monroe's Childhood Was Interrupted by Her Mother's Paranoid Schizophrenia
Career in Acting
Monroe dreamed of becoming an actress like Jean Harlow and Lana Turner. When her husband was shipped to the South Pacific, she began working at a munitions factory in Van Nuys, California. It was there that a photographer first discovered her.
When Dougherty returned in 1946, Monroe was having a successful modeling career. That year, he signed his first film contract. With the contract came a new name and image; she began calling herself "Marilyn Monroe" and dyed her hair blonde.
At first, Monroe was not initially considered stellar acting material. Her acting career didn't really take off until a few years later. With her breathy voice and hourglass figure, she would soon become one of Hollywood's most famous actresses. He has demonstrated his ability by winning several awards and attracting large audiences to his films.
Monroe has become a much-admired international star despite chronic insecurities about her acting abilities. She suffered from pre-performance anxiety that sometimes made her physically ill and was often the main cause of her legendary lateness to film sets, which was so extreme that it often infuriated her cast and crewmates.
"She would be the best if she worked like clockwork," director Billy Wilder once said of her. "I have an Aunt Minnie who is very punctual, but who would pay to see Aunt Minnie?"
Throughout her career, Monroe signed and was released from numerous movie studio contracts.
By the mid-1950s, Monroe had grown tired of the perky, stunning blonde roles and moved to New York City to study acting withLee Strasbergin the actors studio.
However, in the early 1960s, Monroe's professional and personal life seemed to be in turmoil after failed relationships. Your last two filmslet's make love(1960) ethe misfits(1961), were box office disappointments.
films
During her career, Monroe's films grossed over $200 million. Monroe's most notable films include:
'A concrete jungle' (1950)
Monroe's Small Role in John Houston's Crime Dramato concrete jungle(1950) was his first film to attract much attention.
'All About Eve' (1950)
In 1950, Monroe wowed audiences and critics alike with her portrayal of Claudia Caswell inall about eve, starringBette Davis.
'Niagara' (1953)
In 1953, Monroe made a star turn inNiagara, like a young married woman ready to kill her husband with the help of her lover.
'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' (1953)
The emerging sex symbol was combined with another bomb,jane russell, for the hit musical comedyGentlemen Prefer Blondes. In the film, two dancers travel to Paris and are pursued by a private detective, hired by Monroe's father, along with many other admirers.
'How to Marry a Millionaire' (1954)
Monroe continued to enjoy success in a number of light comedies such ashow to marry a millionairecom Betty Grable eLauren Bacall. The three women decide to find millionaires to marry in the film, but find true love instead.
'There's no business like show business' (1954)
In 1954, Monroe starred with Ethel Merman and Donald O'Connor in another romantic comedy,There's no business like show business, about a couple whose marriage begins to fall apart when the husband (O'Connor) meets a girl who keeps hats (Monroe).
'The Sin Lives Next Door' (1955)
Monroe returned to play the other woman in the 1955 film.itch seven years, about a faithful husband who is tempted to cheat when his family goes on summer vacation.
'Bus Stop' (1956)
After her stint in New York at the Strasberg Acting School, Monroe returned to the big screen in the comedy-dramaBus stop(1956). She received praise mainly for her portrayal of a lounge singer kidnapped by a farmer who fell in love with her.
'The Prince and the Showgirl' (1957)
In 1957, Monroe starred inThe Prince and the DancerswindlerLaurence Oliver, who also directed and produced the film. He often did not show up for filming, and his erratic behavior on set created a strained relationship with his co-stars, crew and Olivier.
The film received mixed reviews and was a box office success in Britain, but not as popular in the United States. The troubled production was the backdrop for the 2011 film.I have a week with Marilyn, starringmichelle williamslike Monroe.
'Some Like It Hot' (1959)
In 1959, Monroe returned to familiar territory with the popular comedysome like it hot, com Jack Lemmon etony curtis. She played Sugar Kane Kowalczyk, a singer who hopes to marry a millionaire in this humorous film, in which Lemmon and Curtis pretend to be women. The men, fleeing the crowd after witnessing the Valentine's Day massacre, hide with an all-girl band performing Monroe.
Monroe's work in the film won her the "Best Actress in a Comedy" award at the 1959 Golden Globe Awards.
'The Misfits' (1961)
the misfitsit was Monroe's last completed film. Set in Nevada, this adventure drama reunited Monroe with Houston (to concrete jungle); Monroe starred with Gable andAscensor de Montgomery. In the film, Monroe falls in love with the cowboy Gable, but fights with him over the fate of some wild mustangs.
'Something's Gotta Give' (1962)
In 1962, Monroe was fired fromsomething has to give- Co-starDean Martin- for missing so many days of filming. According to an article inLos New York TimesThe actress assured that the absences were due to illness. Martin refused to make the film without her, so the studio shelved the film.
spouses and lovers
Monroe had three husbands in her lifetime: James Dougherty (1942-1946);can joe(1954) earturo miller(1956-1961). She is also remembered for her love affairs withMarlon Brando,Frank Sinatra, Yves Montand and directorElia Kazan.
On June 19, 1942, 16-year-old Monroe married Dougherty, a 20-year-old merchant marine. Dougherty lived next door to a friend of Monroe's mother; he suggested that he might marry Monroe so that she would not be sent to an orphanage or other foster home. When they got married, Monroe had just turned 16 and the couple had been dating for just a few months. After Monroe's career began to take off, she filed for a quick divorce in September 1946.
“I never met Marilyn Monroe and I don't intend to have any idea of her until today. I knew and loved Norma Jean," Dougherty later said.
In 1954 Monroe wasmarried to the great baseballDiMaggio for nine months. After his death, DiMaggio sent red roses to his crypt for the next 20 years.
Monroe's longest marriage was to playwright Miller. They met in 1950 at a party and later began exchanging letters. They met again when Monroe moved to New York in 1955 and began an affair while she was still married to DiMaggio. They were married on June 29, 1956.
Immediately, the couple began to have problems. Monroe had two miscarriages and one ectopic pregnancy. After Miller and Monroe began working together on what would be their last film,the misfits,they were divorced on January 20, 1961.
READ MORE: Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller had an instant connection but quickly drifted apart when they got married
Marilyn Monroe e JFK
There were also rumors that Monroe was involved with President John F. Kennedy and/or his brother.robert kennedyat the time of his death.
On May 19, 1962, Monroe gave her now famous performance at theJohn F. Kennedybirthday celebration singing"Happy Birthday Mr President".
Moments later, President Kennedy appeared onstage and said, "I can now retire from politics after having sung 'Happy Birthday to Me' in such a sweet and wholesome way."
READ MORE: The Story Behind Marilyn Monroe's 'Happy Birthday Mr President'
Death
Monroe died at her Los Angeles home on August 5, 1962, aged just 36. An empty bottle of sleeping pills was found by her bedside.
There has been speculation over the years that she may have been murdered, but the cause of her death has officially been ruled to be a drug overdose.
Monroe was buried in her favorite Emilio Pucci dress, in what was known as a "Cadillac casket", the most luxurious casket available, made of heavy-gauge solid bronze and lined with champagne-colored silk.
Strasberg delivered a eulogy in front of a small group of friends and family.Hugh Hefnerhe bought the crypt next to Monroe's.
Monroe did not own a home until the last year of her life and had surprisingly few assets. One he appreciated was an autographed photo ofAlbert Einstein, which included an inscription: "To Marilyn, with respect, love and thanks."
READ MORE: Inside His Final Days and Fragile State of Mind
Legacy
Monroe has been imitated over the years by a number of celebrities, includingVirgin,Lady GagayGwen Stefani.
In 2011, several rare photos of Monroe were published in a book of photographs by famous photographer Sam Shaw.
In 2017, another book of rarely seen treasures hit the shelves ofThe essential Marilyn Monroe, with Joshua Greene retouching old photos taken by his father, Milton Greene, in the 1950s.
- Number: Marilyn Monroe
- Year of birth: 1926
- Date of birth: June 1, 1926
- State of birth: California
- Birthplace: Los Angeles
- Country of birth: United States
- Women
- Best known for: Actress Marilyn Monroe overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the world's greatest and enduring sex symbols. He died of a drug overdose in 1962, aged 36.
- industries
- Comedy
- Musical
- Astrological Sign: Gemini
- Year of death: 1962
- Date of death: August 5,
- State of Death: California
- City of Death: Los Angeles
- Country of death: United States
We strive to be accurate and fair. If you see something that doesn't look right,contact us!
- Article Title: Biography of Marilyn Monroe
- Author: Biography.com Publishers
- Website name: The Biography.com website
- URL: https://www.biography.com/actor/marilyn-monroe
- Access date:
- Editor: A&E Television Networks
- Last updated: August 13, 2020
- Original Publish Date: April 3, 2014
- Being a sex symbol is a heavy burden to carry, especially when you're tired, hurt and confused.
- I don't want to make money, I just want to be awesome.
- A run is wonderful, but you can't snuggle up to it on a cold night.
- Hollywood is a place where they pay $1000 for a kiss and 50 cents for your soul.
- If I close my eyes and think of Hollywood, all I see is a big varicose vein.
FAQs
What is Marilyn Monroe most famous quote? ›
"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."
What are some iconic phrases of Marilyn Monroe? ›- "I think that sexuality is only attractive when it's natural and spontaneous."
- "A girl doesn't need anyone who doesn't need her."
- "Boys think girls are like books. ...
- "The nicest thing for me is sleep, then at least I can dream."
- "I live to succeed, not to please you or anyone else."
The report, released Monday by Chief Daryl Gates, seeks to dispel 23 years of speculation that Monroe was murdered and authorities covered it up. 'Say goodbye to Pat (Lawford's wife), say goodbye to Jack (President Kennedy) and say goodbye to yourself, because you're a nice guy,' Monroe said, according to Lawford.
How many movies did Marilyn Monroe make before she died? ›Monroe completed 29 films in her career. In 1962, she was filming her thirtieth film, Something's Got to Give, when she was fired by the studio; she died before it was completed with others in the role.
What is a sad quote from Marilyn Monroe? ›“It's far better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone — so far.” “When it comes down to it, I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I'm already better than them.”
What are 5 famous quotes? ›- The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - ...
- The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. - ...
- Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. ...
- If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. -
- “ May the Force be with you.” - Star Wars, 1977.
- “ There's no place like home.” - The Wizard of Oz, 1939.
- “ I'm the king of the world!” - ...
- “ Carpe diem. ...
- “ Elementary, my dear Watson.” - ...
- “ It's alive! ...
- “ My mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. ...
- “ I'll be back.” -
She fought not only for her own rights, but the rights of others too. She was not scared to be friends with minorities and people considered to be 'different. ' She was tolerant, she was brave and she was strong.
What was Marilyn Monroe's favorite thing? ›She had a passion for reading.
Over her lifetime, the blonde bombshell had a library of over 400 books. She would often travel to bookstores, read a random book and if she liked it, it was hers. Monroe considered reading her favourite hobby.
The famous actress and model passed away in August of 1962, leaving the bulk of her estate to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg. When Strasberg passed away, his third wife, Anna, inherited Marilyn's estate from him – even though Marilyn and Anna never knew one another.
What was Marilyn Monroe's worth when she died? ›
What is Marilyn Monroe's net worth? Celebrity Net Worth estimates Monroe's estate was worth around $800,000 at the time of her death which is around $7.8 million in 2022 adjusting for inflation.
What was the tragedy of Marilyn Monroe? ›Her three marriages to James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller, had failed. Battling depression, under the influence of drink and medication, Marilyn had previously attempted to take her own life twice. Many believe the attempted overdose was a cover up due to the negligence of her two doctors.
What ethnicity was Marilyn Monroe? ›Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, at the Los Angeles General Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Gladys Pearl Baker (née Monroe; 1902–1984), was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico to a poor Midwestern family who migrated to California at the turn of the century.
How old was Marilyn when she died? ›On August 5, 1962, Monroe was found dead from an overdose of barbiturates in her home in Brentwood, California. She was 36 years old.
What color were Marilyn Monroe's eyes? ›Monroe's natural eye color was most likely to be blue, as recorded in her sister's autobiography (48) – “but our eyes were different … Norma Jeane's were blue like our mother's” – and on her autopsy report (49), in addition to Capote's description of her “blue-grey eyes” while wearing glasses (46).
What was Marilyn Monroe's biggest fear? ›Marilyn was devastated. One of her greatest fears—that of disappointing those she loved—had come true. His betrayal confirmed what she'd “always been deeply terrified” of: “To really be someone's wife since I know from life one cannot love another, ever, really,” as she wrote in another “Record” journal entry.
Why is Marilyn Monroe a tragic hero? ›Marilyn's tragic flaw was vanity. She possessed an obsession with beauty and perfection, which led to her struggle to live up to steep expectations that came with her high achievements of fame. Marilyn was often referred to as "the sexiest woman alive", bringing along extreme pressure to keep up with that title.
What is a strong woman quote? ›“A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong.”
Who is most powerful quote? ›- “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” ...
- “Everybody is a genius. ...
- “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” ...
- “He who fears he will suffer, already suffers because he fears.”
- "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." Gone with the Wind (1939) ...
- "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." The Godfather (1972) ...
- "You don't understand! I coulda had class. ...
- "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." The Wizard of Oz (1939) ...
- "Here's looking at you, kid."
What's the most quoted movie of all time? ›
'The Big Lebowski' (1998)
With the infinite wisdom of The Dude (Jeff Bridges), The Coen Brothers' comedy-mystery masterpiece The Big Lebowski tops Letterboxd's list as the single most quotable film ever made.
- “I'll be there.”
- “I love you.”
- “Maybe you're right.”
- “I trust you.”
- “Go for it.”
- “Got your back.”
- “How are you?”
- “I want you.”
As an ISFP, Marilyn tends to be creative, unconventional, and empathetic. Marilyn generally has a strong grasp of their senses and often has very vivid memories.
What was Marilyn Monroe's daily diet? ›Her dinners were impressively high-protein
Every night I stop at the market near my hotel and pick up a steak, lamb chops or some liver, which I broil in the electric oven in my room. I usually eat four or five raw carrots with my meat, and that is all. I must be part rabbit; I never get bored with raw carrots.”
In an interview with Pageant magazine in September, 1952, Marilyn Monroe revealed some of her self-described ''bizarre'' eating habits. Her morning breakfast routine: a glass of warm milk with two raw eggs beaten into it. This was followed by a multi-vitamin.
What kind of perfume did Marilyn Monroe wear? ›Like millions of other women, Monroe was a fan of Chanel No 5. However, in 2002, it was revealed that she also had a secret penchant for Floris Rose Geranium. The eau de toilette was delivered in bulk to her at the Beverly Hills Hotel under a cloak and dagger alias while she filmed Some Like It Hot.
Who owns Marilyn Monroe's clothes? ›The ensemble was sold in 2016 at an auction hosted by Julien's for $4.81 million and is currently owned by Ripley's Believe It or Not.
How much debt was Marilyn Monroe in? ›Marilyn Monroe was US$372,000 (about HK$1,860,000 at the time) in debt when she died in 1962, according to newspaper reports.
How much is Marilyn Monroe's dress worth? ›It is now estimated to be worth more than $10m, the museum says. Adorned with more than 6,000 hand-sewn crystals, the gown was designed by lauded French costume designer Jean Louis. It was so tight, Marilyn Monroe reportedly had to be sewn into it.
How much money did Marilyn Monroe leave her mother? ›Monroe's business manager, Inez Melson, became her guardian until Monroe's death in 1962. Baker was left a trust fund of $100,000 by her daughter, of which she received $5,000 a year.
How many children did Marilyn Monroe have? ›
Did Marilyn Monroe have children? The answer is no. Though Marilyn was married three times to husbands James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller, she did not have any kids before her death in 1962. Marilyn was married to James, a factory worker, from 1942 to 1946.
What color was Marilyn Monroe skin? ›Marilyn is often colorized with different undertones, but what is consistent is her cute pinky skin tone. 'Pink' undertones (can be seen in people of all melanin levels and is actually just more red) tend to have a bit of a sultry look.
What happened to Marilyn Monroe's jewelry? ›Instead she accumulated a small number of items gifted to her from husbands, admirers and even the Emperor of Japan, which she happily gave away. (Marilyn bequeathed all her jewellery to acting coach, Lee Strasberg).
What color dress was Marilyn Monroe buried in? ›Buried in a Green Pucci Dress: Marilyn is said to have been buried in the green Pucci dress she wore while in Mexico in February, 1962, shown below.
What did Marilyn Monroe say to Albert Einstein? ›You may have heard part of this story, where Marilyn Monroe told Einstein - “Would it not be wonderful if we had a child with your brains and my beauty?” Einstein replied promptly: “Yes, but imagine a child with my beauty and your brains!”
Why is Marilyn Monroe so inspirational? ›Marilyn Monroe was known for the vibes of positivity and confidence that she gave off to the world. She has been described by many as a feminist idol who, through her interviews, tried to send off faith to women. She was a free spirit that gave much value to women's liberty and their equality to men.
Why did everyone love Marilyn Monroe so much? ›Some like her because she was sexy and beautiful; others because she was a funny comedienne. There are people who adore her sensitivity and others who love the way she never stopped trying to make her life more fulfilling.
What is the greatest movie quote of all time? ›A jury consisting of 1,500 film artists, critics, and historians selected "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn", spoken by Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in the 1939 American Civil War epic Gone with the Wind, as the most memorable American movie quotation of all time.
What is the most powerful quote of all time? ›- “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” ...
- “Everybody is a genius. ...
- “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” ...
- “He who fears he will suffer, already suffers because he fears.”
Albert Einstein may have been her lover.
In the late 1940s, actor Shelley Winters shared an apartment with Marilyn Monroe—and in her autobiography, Winters claimed that Monroe had hinted about a dalliance with the genius.
Did Marilyn Monroe meet Elvis? ›
Well, as a public, we knew that Marilyn and Elvis had met once at on set at Paramount Studios in June 1960. But did nothing happened after that? Well, a publicity and management agent, Byron Raphael had revealed the most scintillating affair report and it had gone wildfire.
Who has a higher IQ than Albert Einstein? ›Those with higher IQs in comparison with Einstein include William James Sidis, Leonardo Da Vinci and Marilyn vos Savant. Sidis was a child prodigy whose IQ was estimated to be anywhere between 200 to 300, says parade.com.
What were Marilyn Monroe's fears? ›Marilyn was devastated. One of her greatest fears—that of disappointing those she loved—had come true. His betrayal confirmed what she'd “always been deeply terrified” of: “To really be someone's wife since I know from life one cannot love another, ever, really,” as she wrote in another “Record” journal entry.