Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe
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Overview

Marilyn Monroe was a renowned American actress, model, and pop culture icon born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. Her life was marked by both immense professional success and personal struggles, which culminated in her tragic death on August 4, 1962. Monroe's career spanned over a decade, during which she became a major sex symbol and starred in numerous commercially successful films. Her legacy endures as a cultural icon, symbolizing both the glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age and the complexities of fame.
Main Milestones
Birth of Norma Jeane Mortenson
June 1, 1926
Marilyn Monroe was born as Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles General Hospital. Her early life was marked by instability, with her mother, Gladys, struggling with mental health issues, and Norma Jeane being placed in foster care and later an orphanage.
First Marriage
June 19, 1942
At just 16 years old, Monroe married James Dougherty, a neighbor and aircraft factory worker. This marriage, which ended in divorce in 1946, marked the beginning of her transition from a difficult childhood to a life in the public eye.
Career Beginnings and Name Change
1946
Monroe changed her name to Marilyn Monroe and signed a contract with 20th Century Fox. She began her acting career with small roles in films like "Dangerous Years" (1947) and "Scudda Hoo!" (1948), gradually gaining attention for her charm and screen presence.
Breakthrough Roles
1950
Monroe's breakthrough came with roles in "The Asphalt Jungle" and "All About Eve", both released in 1950. Her performances earned critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in Hollywood.
Rise to Stardom
1953
By 1953, Monroe was one of Hollywood's most marketable stars, with leading roles in "Niagara", "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", and "How to Marry a Millionaire". These films solidified her image as a 'dumb blonde' and a sex symbol, while also showcasing her comedic talent.
Founding of Production Company and Iconic Roles
1954
Monroe founded her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, in 1954, seeking greater control over her career. She also began studying method acting and starred in "The Seven Year Itch" (1955), which included the iconic subway grate scene that became a defining moment in her career.
Critical Acclaim and Golden Globe Win
1959
Monroe's performance in "Some Like It Hot" (1959) earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. This film, directed by Billy Wilder, is often regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time and showcased Monroe's versatility as an actress.
Final Completed Film
1961
Monroe's last completed film was "The Misfits", directed by John Huston and written by Arthur Miller, her then-husband. The film, released in 1961, was a dramatic departure from her earlier roles and reflected her desire to be taken seriously as an actress.
Death and Legacy
August 4, 1962
Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her home in Los Angeles, with the cause determined to be an overdose of barbiturates. Her death at the age of 36 shocked the world and cemented her status as a tragic Hollywood legend. In the decades following her death, Monroe has become a cultural icon, symbolizing both the glamour and the vulnerabilities of fame.
Enduring Legacy
1962 to Present
Marilyn Monroe's impact on popular culture continues to be felt. She remains a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age, inspiring countless tributes, documentaries, and works of art. Her legacy extends beyond her films, representing the complexities of fame, beauty, and identity in the modern era.