Death of Marilyn Monroe

Death of Marilyn Monroe

The Death of Marilyn Monroe occurred on August 5, 1962, at her home in Los Angeles, California. Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson; June 1, 1926, was a prominent American actress, model, and singer, famed for playing comedic "blonde bombshell" characters. She became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s and was emblematic of the era's attitudes towards sexuality. However, her life was marred by personal struggles, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Monroe's death was officially ruled as a probable suicide by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, due to an overdose of barbiturates.

Background

Marilyn Monroe had a tumultuous personal life, including three marriages and numerous relationships. Her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller were highly publicized, with both ending in divorce. Monroe's career was also in a state of flux; despite her success, she struggled with the pressures of fame and her desire for more serious roles. In the months leading up to her death, Monroe had been dismissed from the production of Something's Got to Give due to her frequent absences from the set.

Death

On the evening of August 4, 1962, Monroe was found dead in her bedroom at her Brentwood home by her psychiatrist, Dr. Ralph Greenson, after he was called by Monroe's housekeeper, Eunice Murray. Monroe was found lying face down on her bed, naked, with a telephone in one hand. Empty bottles of pills, prescribed to treat her depression, were found beside her. The Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the scene around midnight.

Autopsy

The autopsy was performed by Dr. Thomas Noguchi of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. The report stated that the cause of death was acute barbiturate poisoning, with chloral hydrate and pentobarbital found in Monroe's system. The mode of death was listed as probable suicide.

Conspiracy Theories

Over the years, numerous conspiracy theories have emerged regarding Monroe's death, suggesting involvement by figures such as John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, with whom Monroe was rumored to have had affairs. Other theories posit murder or accidental overdose as the cause of death. However, these theories lack concrete evidence and are not widely accepted by historians.

Legacy

Marilyn Monroe remains a cultural icon, symbolizing beauty, glamour, and tragedy. Her death has been the subject of extensive media coverage, documentaries, and books, contributing to the enduring fascination with her life and career. Monroe's impact on pop culture and the entertainment industry is undeniable, with her image and persona continuing to influence artists and filmmakers.

See Also

• Marilyn Monroe in popular culture
• List of unsolved deaths
• Hollywood's Golden Age