Marilyn Monroe biography, happy birthday, jfk, real name, age and cause of death

Marilyn Monroe – biography

Marilyn Monroe is the legendary sex-symbol of 1950s America, who drove both working-class guys and presidents absolutely wild. Her film performances are known worldwide, though the Motion Picture Academy never appreciated them (the Hollywood star was never nominated for an Oscar): «The Seven Year Itch» (directed by Billy Wilder), «Bus Stop» (Joshua Logan), «The Prince and the Showgirl» (Lawrence Olivier), «Some Like It Hot» (Billy Wilder). Her life, career, and mysterious death continue to fascinate fans—she remains the unrivaled blonde bombshell of an entire era.

Norma: childhood and youth

If any Hollywood star would want to forget their childhood, it's Marilyn Monroe. She was born on June 1, 1926, at Los Angeles County Hospital. She never learned who her father was. Her mother, Gladys Pearl Monroe, named her daughter Norma Jeane and listed her second husband, Martin Mortenson, as the father—even though he'd left before the birth.

Norma Jeane (Marilyn Monroe) as an infant

Some sources point to Gladys' first husband, John Newton Baker, as the father, but she'd divorced him long before. Later, another paternity version emerged, repeatedly mentioned by Norma's mother. Gladys claimed she had Norma Jeane with Charles Stanley Gifford, a co-worker she'd had a brief affair with when she worked as a film negative cutter at Consolidated Film Industries.

Norma Jeane as a child with her mother Gladys

But no one took these claims seriously—Gladys had a hereditary mental condition that gradually worsened, forcing her to spend increasing amounts of time at Norwalk State Mental Hospital. Meanwhile, young Norma lived with foster parents Albert and Ida Bolender, who later sent her to an orphanage. The poverty and loneliness that had followed her since birth left a lasting mark on her life.

It wasn't great love but deep sadness that made sixteen-year-old Norma accept James (Jim) Dougherty's proposal (he was either a plane factory worker or coffin maker, depending on the source). She hoped family life would give her the care and stability she desperately needed. Her new husband couldn't provide either, and soon left for sea with the Merchant Marine. America was at war, and young Norma started working at a plane factory. There, in 1944, she met military photographer David Conover, who would completely transform the orphan's dull life.

Struck by the sexual magnetism of the lovely factory worker, the photographer paid her five dollars for an hour of modeling. He sent his photos to modeling agencies and soon Norma's photos were on the covers of magazines. 1946 brought her first contract with 20th Century Fox, divorce from Dougherty, and a complete makeover of both her image and name: Norma became Marilyn. All she kept from her past was her mother's maiden name—Monroe.

Film career

The stunning platinum bombshell with her unmistakable smile and captivating gaze started landing her first small TV roles. These were low-budget B-movies, but she embraced every chance to hone her craft. Monroe dreamed of landing serious dramatic roles and studied privately with Michael Chekhov, a Russian actor who had worked at the Moscow Art Theatre. She also took classes at Lee Strasberg's acting studio and dove into Russian classics on Chekhov's recommendation.

The gorgeous platinum bombshell with her inimitable smile and beckoning gaze

Unfortunately, directors kept casting her as the ditzy but gorgeous bombshell, landing Marilyn roles in "Love Nest" (1951), "Clash by Night" (1952), and "Niagara" (1953). "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "How to Marry a Millionaire" (both filmed in 1953) brought her massive public adoration and critical acclaim. Yet despite her incredible success, screaming fans, and daily love letters, Marilyn remained the young, lonely Norma, terrified of being let down.

Marilyn Monroe in «How to Marry a Millionaire»

According to Zoomboola.com, in 1956 Monroe starred alongside Don Murray in the romantic comedy "Bus Stop" and earned her first Golden Globe nomination. She then starred in the British-American production "The Prince and the Showgirl" (1957), acting opposite and under the direction of Laurence Olivier.

Marilyn Monroe - I Wanna Be Loved by You (from «Some Like It Hot»)

Monroe found herself nominated again—this time by BAFTA for Best Foreign Actress—but lost to Simone Signoret. Only after "Some Like It Hot" in 1959 did American critics finally recognize her comedic talent, earning Marilyn her first major film award—a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy as Sugar Kane Kowalczyk.

Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable in «The Misfits»

Finally, Monroe landed the dramatic role she'd always dreamed of. She played almost herself: a divorced woman, disillusioned with men, traveling with two cowboy friends while searching for work. This was "The Misfits" (1961), where she starred alongside the striking Montgomery Clift and the still-magnetic Clark Gable—tragically, the final film for both Gable and Marilyn.

Marilyn Monroe's screen test for «Something's Got to Give» (unfinished)

Marilyn Monroe's Personal life

After avoiding serious relationships for years, the actress decided to remarry in 1954. She married Joe DiMaggio, a Sicilian immigrant and Major League Baseball player. Arrogant and accustomed to fan worship, DiMaggio struggled to accept his wife's popularity. Their marriage lasted less than a year—Joe's destructive jealousy, especially after Monroe's appearance in «The Seven Year Itch» (1955) and its famous subway dress scene, led to scandal, physical abuse, and divorce.

Marilyn Monroe in «The Seven Year Itch»

In 1956, Marilyn tied the knot for the third time. This time it was Arthur Miller, a renowned American playwright and intellectual. Their mutual attraction had been sparked years earlier, but only developed into a serious relationship when Marilyn divorced DiMaggio and Miller's own marriage was nearly over. The marriage ceremony was modest, as only relatives and close friends were invited.

Marilyn Monroe and her former husbands: James Dougherty (left) and Joe DiMaggio (right)

Despite her successful career, America's most gorgeous blonde suffered from terrible luck in her personal life, ending in divorce for the third time. All the men Marilyn Monroe married would worship her before the wedding but then apparently forget who she was, doing their best to change her into an ordinary, down-to-earth woman.

Marilyn Monroe and her third husband, Arthur Miller

For Marilyn, her third divorce in 1961 plunged her into severe depression. She couldn't create the happy family she'd dreamed of since childhood. All she had left was cinema, her audience's love, fleeting affairs, and... the alcohol she used to wash down her sleeping pills.

Marilyn Monroe's death

On May 29, 1962, America was celebrating the 45th birthday of its youngest president, John F. Kennedy. Madison Square Garden erupted with the sultry rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President, Happy Birthday to you." From the stage, a stunning woman serenaded what she believed was her beloved, devoted man. Her cherished dream would soon come true – she'd have the most wonderful family and become America's most unforgettable first lady.

Marilyn Monroe - Happy Birthday Mr. President

These thoughts and words were attributed to Marilyn Monroe, whose charm, sensuality, and boldness proved irresistible even to the leader of the free world. But what really happened that day remains a mystery – those who witnessed and participated in these events have taken their secrets to the grave. We can only imagine the turmoil in Jacqueline Kennedy's heart, Robert Kennedy's role in the unfolding drama, and what secrets JFK himself took to his grave. The cherished dream was never to come true.

Marilyn Monroe – sex-symbol of 1950s America

Two months after the president's birthday celebration, on August 5th, Marilyn's housekeeper called police after finding it strange that lights were still on in her employer's bedroom at such a late hour. Sergeant Jack Clemmons found the actress in her bedroom, clutching the telephone receiver and pronounced her dead. The doctor's conclusion that would later spawn countless theories read: "probable suicide." But everything about Marilyn cast doubt on the suicide theory – journalists and fans alike couldn't believe it.

It is still hard to believe the official suicide theory about Monroe's death

Rumors swirled that the Kennedy family was involved in Marilyn Monroe's death, followed by theories about the mob, intelligence agencies, or even forced suicide by Monroe's personal psychiatrist. The actress's mysterious death has captivated researchers for decades, inspiring countless books and films. At just 36, the beautiful and talented actress died, having told Richard Meryman in her final interview: "Please don't make me look like a joke."

Marilyn Monroe is buried in a crypt at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los-Angeles

P.S. Her unforgettable legacy

Marilyn Monroe's image became iconic immediately after her death. Thousands of women worldwide still try to emulate her look, though few understand who she really was – not even Hollywood stars like Jayne Mansfield or Scarlett Johansson who've portrayed her.

The last scenes of Marilyn Monroe

Documentalist Patrick Jeudy made «Marilyn, dernières séances» (Marilyn, last seances) in 2008. There's also an investigation into Monroe's death in the documentary "Evidence from the Past: Marilyn Monroe" (2017). Finally, in «My Week with Marilyn» (2011) the gorgeous blonde is played by Michelle Williams, who got a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for this role.

Wanda Schultz

I don`t understand what is attractive about Monroe`s appearance. Maybe before people had another view of beauty.

2021-04-20 22:34:01
Ruby Peterson

Not everybody knew that Monroe was working very seriously on her vocal and she used to sing in many places.

2021-03-25 14:27:58
Linda Davis

She song very great, but as an actress to be honest she is not so good.

2021-03-23 13:50:48
Barbara Edwards

I would like to see modern Monroe, I think she was really an angel.

2021-03-16 20:30:28
Carla Fox

I can`t wait when they will release the movie about Marilyn and there is a nice actress.

2021-02-20 11:21:59

Photos: Marilyn Monroe