Marilyn Monroe was a troubled actress and model known for her iconic roles in films like The Seven Year Itch. She had a difficult childhood, multiple marriages, and struggles with drug use. Monroe’s career began as a successful model before landing a contract with 20th Century Fox. She eventually became a Golden Globe-winning actress, but her private life was plagued by rumors and gossip. Monroe died at the age of 36, and the cause of her death remains a mystery. Despite this, she remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons.
Marilyn Monroe was a popular actress and model in the 1950s. She lived a troubled life filled with a mentally ill mother, mental and physical abuse, multiple foster families, three husbands, and drug use. She is known for her films like The Seven Year Itch, through which she has become an icon of glamor and sexuality. Monroe died still very young, but she had a profound effect on the actresses and models who followed her. She remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved people to this day.
Birth and early life
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926, Monroe’s mother was Gladys Pearl Baker. Her birth certificate lists Martin Edward Mortenson, Gladys’ ex-husband, as her father, but it is speculated that she used her name to spare her daughter the stigma of being illegitimate. Gladys soon changed the baby’s name to Norma Jeane Baker.
Gladys suffered from mental instability and as a result, Norma Jeane lived with her adoptive parents Ida and Albert Bolender until she was seven years old. After living again with her mother for a short time, the child was placed under state guardianship and her mother’s best friend, Grace McKree, took over her guardianship. When Grace got married, Norma was sent to an orphanage, went through the foster care system, and eventually got back with Grace.
First marriage
Eventually, Norma Jeane began a relationship with James (Jim) Dougherty, whom she married in 1942. The marriage was arranged by Grace, who was planning to move and did not want the girl to go into the foster care system again. The marriage took place when Norma Jeane was only 16 and lasted only four years.
Early career
During his first marriage, Jim enlisted in the Army and was called up for service in World War II. While serving, Norma Jeane went to work at the Radioplanes ammunition factory. There, she caught the attention of photographer David Conover, who had been commissioned to take some photos of women in the factory to boost military morale. Conover suggested that she take up modeling, which she made of her.
To kick-start her modeling career, Norma Jeane dyed her hair blonde and quickly became one of the most successful models for The Blue Book Modeling Agency. She studied acting and landed a studio contract with 20th Century Fox. Working with Ben Lyon, she eventually changed her first name to Marilyn and adopted her grandmother’s last name, Monroe.
Despite her contract with 20th Century Fox, Monroe’s roles were extremely limited, with many lacking lines. When her contract with 20th Century Fox expired, Monroe bounced around various modeling agencies and movie studios, playing small roles. Finally, in the 1953 film, Niagara, Monroe captured the world’s attention. She was voted Best New Actress and it seemed like she could do no wrong.
Second marriage
On January 14, 1954, Marilyn married baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, though the marriage only lasted nine months. Much of the problem in the marriage was DiMaggio’s discontent with his wife’s increasingly sexy image. He was reportedly enraged by the crowd’s positive response during the famous scene in The Seven Year Itch (1955), in which air from a subway grate repeatedly blasts Monroe’s skirt. Monroe accused DiMaggio of being mentally abusive. Despite this, the two remained friends after their divorce.
Continued fame and success
Determined to become a serious actress, Monroe moved to New York to study acting. Her success continued to grow and she won a Golden Globe for her role in Some Like It Hot (1959). She was a natural in comedies like Bus Stop (1956).
Third marriage
Marilyn Monroe was married for the third time in 1956 to playwright Arthur Miller, which seemed to many to be an odd couple. Some even called marriage “the beauty and the brains.” This marriage lasted only five years and she entered a mental hospital after the divorce.
Final years
Monroe’s private life in her later years was surrounded by rumors and gossip. Tales of drugs, abortions, and relationships with famous people, including President John F. Kennedy, are all well documented. The press would not leave her alone and every aspect of her life seemed like fair game to the media. In 1962 she died at the age of 36. She at the time she was the most famous actress in the world.
The cause of Monroe’s death was also surrounded by rumors. Drugs were found in her system, leading to speculation that she may have committed suicide or been killed to prevent a scandal involving her alleged affair with President Kennedy. Since her death, speculation has been constant.
Inheritance
The public loved Marilyn Monroe during her lifetime and she still has a huge fan following. Her childlike innocence shone through and touched many people’s hearts. She still exerts a huge influence on many people today. Every new blonde that appears, from Debbie Harry to Madonna, seems to credit the actress with an influence on her career.
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