Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn monroe as an infant brightened

Monroe and James Dougherty

MarilynMonroe - YankArmyWeekly

Marilyn Monroe postcard

Marilyn-by Cronenweth

Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson; June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962) was an American actress, model, and singer. Famous 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. Although her career spanned only a decade, Monroe's films grossed $200 million by the time of her death in 1962. Today, she continues to be a major icon of pop culture.

Early Life

Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. She spent much of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage and married at the age of sixteen. Monroe's early life was marked by instability and hardship, but she overcame her difficult circumstances to pursue a career in acting.

Career

Monroe's career began after she was discovered working in a munitions factory during World War II. She signed her first movie contract in 1946 and, after a series of minor film roles, she signed a new contract with 20th Century Fox in 1951. Over the next few years, Monroe became a popular actress with roles in several comedies, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), which established her star image as a "dumb blonde". The production of the film The Seven Year Itch (1955) gave the world one of Monroe's most iconic images: standing over a subway grate as her white dress is blown upwards by a passing train.

Personal Life

Monroe's personal life was highly publicized. She was married three times, to James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller. Monroe's struggles with anxiety, depression, and chronic insomnia were well-documented, and she underwent various treatments for her mental health issues. Her death on August 5, 1962, from an overdose of barbiturates, was ruled a probable suicide, though it has been subject to speculation and conspiracy theories.

Legacy

Monroe is remembered not only for her film career but also for her impact on popular culture and fashion. She has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. Monroe's image and persona have been used in advertising, art, and by other celebrities. Her enduring popularity and influence have made her an enduring symbol of beauty and femininity.

Filmography

Monroe's film career was marked by both critical and commercial successes. Some of her most notable films include:

• Niagara (1953)
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
• How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
• The Seven Year Itch (1955)
• Bus Stop (1956)
• Some Like It Hot (1959)
• The Misfits (1961)

See Also

• Hollywood's Golden Age
• Sex symbol
• Blonde bombshell (stereotype)