Marilyn Monroe

Norma Jeane Mortenson, better known professionally as Marilyn Monroe, was an American actress, model, and singer born on June 1, 1926. Monroe, whose career dates back to 1945, received fame for her looks and talent. She was one of the most popular sex symbols of the ‘50s and ‘60s, as she became symbolic of the era’s sexual revolution. Before her death, Monroe was a highly-paid actress, and her movies grossed about $2 billion in today’s value. She was a cinematic icon, and there are endless reasons for celebrating her birthday today!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Norma Jeane Mortenson

Birth date:

June 1, 1926

Death date:

August 4, 1962 (age 36)

Zodiac Sign:

Gemini

Height:

5' 7.2"

Net Worth:

$800 thousand

Background

Norma Jeane Mortenson, a.k.a Marilyn Monroe, was and will always be an iconic American actress. She was born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. Her mother was Gladys Baker. Monroe was a Gemini and of Scottish descent. Her mother was poor and married an abusive man at 15. She later divorced him, but he kidnapped their two children, Monroe’s half-siblings after she successfully won sole custody of them. Baker placed Monroe in foster homes as she was mentally and financially incapable of raising a child. She visited Monroe on weekends and eventually bought a small house in Hollywood in 1933 when Monroe was seven. After Gladys’ schizophrenia diagnosis, she spent her life in hospitals, leaving Monroe with her friend, Grace Goddard. Monroe was placed back in the orphanage. The unpleasant experiences Monroe witnessed as a child made her want to get into acting.

Monroe began working at a factory during World War II when she met photographer David Conover in 1944. She quit her job and started modeling for him, signing a modeling contract with Blue Book in August 1945. She used the pseudonym Jean Norman as a model. In 1946 she signed with 20th Century Fox and selected the stage name ‘Marilyn Monroe.’ She got minor roles before 20th Century Fox terminated her six-month contract. She got signed to Columbia Pictures in March 1948 and received her first lead role in “Ladies of the Chorus” (1948). She was re-signed by 20th Century Fox in a seven-year contract in 1950 and received supporting roles in many films. Monroe’s popularity grew. Her nude photos as a model resurfaced in light of her blossoming movie career, and she controlled the narrative, which increased her popularity as a sex symbol and made her a top-billing actress.

Monroe became one of Hollywood’s most marketable actresses by 1953. She starred in “Niagara” the same year. After a brief suspension by the studio, Monroe returned to star in “The Seven Year Itch” (1955), which became one of the highest-grossing films of her career. She founded her film production company in 1954, following differences with 20th Century Fox. After reconciliation, she starred in “Some Like It Hot” (1959), which won her a Best Actress Golden Globes Award. In 1961, she played Roslyn Tabor in “The Misfits,” which became her last completed film. As an iconic actress, Monroe struggled with addiction. She was found dead in her Los Angeles home on August 4, 1962. The death was ruled a suicide from an overdose of barbiturates. She was married three times but never had children.

Career timeline

1945
She Signs with a Modeling Agency

Monroe signs with Blue Book as a model.

1948
She Signs to Columbia Pictures

Monroe signs a film contract with Columbia Pictures, a production company.

1953
She Stars in Niagara

Monroe stars in the film “Niagara,” which relied on her sex appeal.

1959
Golden Globe Award

Monroe wins a Golden Globe award for Best Actress for her role in “Some Like It Hot.”

Why We Love Marilyn Monroe

  1. She was a beauty icon

    Monroe was as pretty as a picture. Her beauty contributed to her success.

  2. She was talented

    Monroe’s talent was enviable. She was a high-grossing actress.

  3. She was highly honored

    Monroe was and still is an icon of popular culture. She largely influenced Hollywood, and hundreds of books have been written about her.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. She posed nude

    In her modeling career, Monroe posed nude for a calendar.

  2. She was unaware she had a sister

    Monroe didn’t know she had a sister until she turned 12.

  3. She was abused

    While she lived with them, Monroe was abused by Grace Doddard’s husband.

  4. She married her neighbor's son

    Monroe got married to her neighbor’s son at 16 years to prevent going back to foster care.

  5. She had many lovers

    Monroe was a sex symbol and kept many lovers.

Marilyn Monroe FAQs

How many miscarriages did Marilyn Monroe have?

Monroe was pregnant thrice, two of which were miscarriages, while the last one was an ectopic pregnancy.

Where is Marilyn Monroe’s statue?

Monroe was immortalized in a 26 ft statue in the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Which was Monroe’s longest marriage?

Monroe’s marriage to Arthur Miller lasted five years, making it her longest marriage ever.

Marilyn Monroe’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024June 1Saturday
2025June 1Sunday
2026June 1Monday
2027June 1Tuesday
2028June 1Thursday

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