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..Marilyn Monroe personified Hollywood glamour with an unparalleled glow and energy that enamored the world. Although she was an alluring beauty with voluptuous curves and a generous pout, Marilyn was more than a '50s sex goddess. Her apparent vulnerability and innocence, in combination with an innate sensuality, has endeared her to the global consciousness. She dominated the age of movie stars to become, without question, the most famous woman of the 20th Century.Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jean Mortenson at 9:30 in the morning on June 1, 1926 in the Charity Ward of Los Angeles General Hospital.Norma Jeane was placed in an orphanage from September 1935 to June 1937 after her mother was commited to an insane asylum and her aunt Grace McKee could no longer raise her. Her father was never a part of Norma Jeane's life.
She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California, to Gladys Baker. As the identity of her father is undetermined, she was later baptized Norma Jeane Baker. Gladys had been a film cutter at RKO studios, but psychological problems prevented her from keeping the job and she was eventually committed to a mental institution.Norma Jeane spent most of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages until 1937, when she moved in with family friend Grace McKee Goddard. Unfortunately, when Grace's husband was transferred to the East Coast in 1942, the couple couldn't afford to take 16-year-old Norma Jeane with them. Norma Jeane had two options: return to the orphanage or get married.On June 19, 1942 she wed her 21-year-old neighbor Jimmy Dougherty, whom she had been dating for six months. "She was a sweet, generous and religious girl," Jimmy said. "She liked to be cuddled." By all accounts Norma Jeane loved Jimmy, and they were happy together until he joined the Merchant Marines and was sent to the South Pacific in 1944.After Jimmy left, Norma Jeane took a job on the assembly line at the Radio Plane Munitions factory in Burbank, California. Several months later, photographer David Conover saw her while taking pictures of women contributing to the war effort for Yank magazine. He couldn't believe his luck. She was a "photographer's dream." Conover used her for the shoot and then began sending modeling jobs her way. The camera loved Norma Jeane, and within two years she was a reputable model with many popular magazine covers to her credit. She began studying the work of legendary actresses Jean Harlow and Lana Turner, and enrolled in drama classes with dreams of stardom. However, Jimmy's return in 1946 meant Norma Jeane had to make another choice- this time between her marriage and her career.Norma Jeane divorced Jimmy in June of 1946, and signed her first studio contract with Twentieth Century Fox on August 26, 1946. She earned $125 a week. Soon after, Norma Jeane dyed her hair blonde and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe (borrowing her grandmother's last name). The rest, as the saying goes, is history.Marilyn's first movie role was a bit part in 1947's The Shocking Miss Pilgrim. She played a series of inconsequential characters until 1950, when John Huston's thriller The Asphalt Jungle provided her with a small but influential role. Later that year, Marilyn's performance as Claudia Caswell in All About Eve (starring Bette Davis) earned her further praise. From then on Marilyn worked steadily in movies such as: Let's Make It Legal, As Young As You Feel, Monkey Business and Don't Bother to Knock. It was her performance in 1953's Niagara, however, that delivered her to stardom. Marilyn played Rose Loomis, a beautiful young wife who plots to kill her older, jealous husband (Joseph Cotten).Marilyn's success in Niagara was followed with lead roles in the wildly popular Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (co-starring Jane Russell) and How to Marry a Millionaire (co-starring Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable). Photoplay magazine voted Marilyn the Best New Actress of 1953, and at 27 years old she was undeniably the best-loved blonde bombshell in Hollywood.On January 14, 1954, Marilyn married baseball superstar Joe DiMaggio at San Francisco's City Hall. They had been a couple for two years, after Joe asked his agent to arrange a dinner date. "I don't know if I'm in love with him yet," Marilyn said when the press got word of their relationship, "but I know I like him more than any man I've ever met." During their Tokyo honeymoon, Marilyn took time to perform for the service men stationed in Korea. Her presence caused a near-riot among the troops, and Joe was clearly uncomfortable with thousands of men ogling his new bride.Unfortunately, Marilyn's fame and sexual image became a theme that haunted their marriage. Nine months later on October 27, 1954, Marilyn and Joe divorced. They attributed the split to a "conflict of careers," and remained close friends.Marilyn was ready to shed her "shallow blonde" image by 1955. It had gotten her into the spotlight, but now that she had the opportunity and experience, Marilyn wanted to pursue serious acting. She took a hiatus from Hollywood and moved to New York City to study under Lee Strasberg at his Actors' Studio. In 1956, Marilyn started her own motion picture company, Marilyn Monroe Productions. The company produced Bus Stop and The Prince and the Showgirl (co-starring Sir Laurence Olivier). These two films allowed her to demonstrate her talent and versatility as an actress. Marilyn received further recognition for 1959's Some Like It Hot, winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy.On June 29, 1956, Marilyn wed playwright Arthur Miller. The couple met through Lee Strasberg, and friends reported she made him "giddy." While they were married, Arthur wrote the part of Roslyn Taber in 1961's The Misfits especially for Marilyn. The movie co-starred Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift. Sadly, the marriage between Marilyn and Arthur ended on January 20, 1961, and The Misfits was to be Marilyn's (and Gable's) last completed film.At the 1962 Golden Globes, Marilyn was named female World Film Favorite, once again demonstrating her widespread appeal.Sadly, in a shocking turn of events on the early morning of August 5, 1962, 36-year-old Marilyn died in her sleep at her Brentwood, California home. The world was stunned. Marilyn's vibrant spirit and beauty made it impossible to believe she was gone. On August 8, 1962, Marilyn's body was laid to rest in the Corridor of Memories, #24, at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.During her career, Marilyn made 30 films and left one, Something's Got to Give, unfinished. She was more than just a movie star or glamour queen. A global sensation in her lifetime, Marilyn's popularity has extended beyond star status to icon. Today, the name "Marilyn Monroe" is synonymous with beauty, sensuality and effervescence. She remains an inspiration to all who strive to overcome personal obstacles for the goal of achieving greatness.
*~Did you know~*
In 1999, Marilyn was named the Number One Sex Star of the 20th Century by Playboy magazineIn 1999, Marilyn was voted the 'Sexiest Woman of the Century' by People Magazine.Issued on June 1, 1995, Marilyn was featured on a 32¢ US commemorative postage stamp.Elton John recorded the song "Candle in the Wind" as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe.In December 1953, she was the Playboy "Sweetheart" of the Month.In February 1953, Marilyn was named the “The Most Advertised Girl in the World†by the Advertising Association of the West.She was crowned Miss California Artichoke Queen in 1947.In 1946, she began using the stage name Marilyn Monroe, but did not legally change her name until February 23, 1956.Marilyn Monroe married Joe DiMaggio in San Francisco City Hall.Marilyn Monroe was nominated for the 1956 British Academy Award for "Best Foreign Actress" in the Seven Year Itch.Social Security Number: 563-32-0764Phone Numbers: 476-1890 and 472-4830Marilyn's star in the sidewalk is right in front of McDonald's, at 6774 Hollywood Boulevard. The star was placed here on February 9, 1960.*~Additional Facts~*Birth Name: Norma Jeane Baker or Norma Jean Mortenson
Birth date: June 1, 1926
Birth place: Los Angeles, CA
Death date: August 5, 1962
Death place: Brentwood, CA
Burial location: Corridor of Memories, #24, at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles, CAHeight: 5 feet 5 1/2 inches
Weight: Varied, 115 - 120 lbs.
Measurements: 37-23-36 (Studio's Claim); 35-22-35 (Dressmaker's Claim)
Hair color: Blond
Eyes: BlueHigh schools: Van Nuys High School; University High School
Occupations: Model, Actress, SingerMother: Gladys Baker
Half-brother: Hermitt Jack Baker
Half-sister: Berniece MiracleMarriages: Jimmy Dougherty (1942-1946); Joe DiMaggio (1954); Arthur Miller (1956-1961)
Stepchildren: Joe DiMaggio, Jr., Jane and Robert MillerMarilyn's Salaries
Marilyn's salary was probably the worst in Hollywood history. Here are the numbers, you do the math.First contract with Fox, 1945, $75 per week
Fox contract renewal, 1947, $150 per week
Columbia contract, 1948, $125 per week
Tom Kelley / Nude calendar, 1949, $50
Promoting "Love Happy," 1949, $100 per week
For "The Asphalt Jungle, " 1950, $350 per week. $1050 total
Second Fox contract, 1951, $500 per week with semiannual increase up to $1500
For "Clash by Night," 1952, $500 per week
For "We're Not Married, " 1952, $750 per week
For "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," 1953, $1250 per week
For "River of No Return, There's No Business Like Show Business, and The Seven Year Itch," 1954 - 1955, $1500 per week
Nex Fox contract, 1956, $100,000 fee plus $500 per week expenses
For "Some Like It Hot," 1959, $100,000 fee plus 10% of the profits
For "The Misfits," 1961, $300,000 fee plus 10% of the profits
For "Something's Got To Give," 1962, $100,000 fee if she had finished itMarilyn's Pets
"1 like animals. If you talk to a dog or a cat it doesn't tell you to shut up."
Marilyn Monroe loved animals. During her lifetime, she had the following pets:1. Tippy: Jippy was a black-and-white dog given to Norma Jeane by her foster father, Albert Wayne Bolender. Every day, Tippy accompanied Norma Jeane to school. He even used to wait ~or her to play with him at recess. Circa 1932, Tippy was shot dead by a neighbor who claimed that Tippy had been rolling around in his garden.2. A Spaniel: When Norma Jeane lived with the Goddard family, she and her '~sister," Beebe shared a pet spaniel, circa 1940.3. Muggsie: Jim Dougherty bought his wife a pet collie named Muggsie. However, after she began her modeling career, Norma Jeane had less time for her dog. Subsequently, Muggsie died of a 'broken heart."4. A Chihuahua: At the time she was signed by Columbia Pictures in 1948, Marilyn Monroe owned a pet Chihuahua.5, Mitsou: Mitsou was a white Persian cat that Marilyn Monroe owned in New York in the mid 1950s.6. Hugo: A basset hound who lived with MM and Arthur Miller at their East 57th Street apartment in New York. Once, Norman Rosten and Marilyn spoon-fed straight scotch to Hugo to cheer him up. When Marilyn and Arthur split up, Arthur retained possession of Hugo.7. Butch was a parakeet owned by the Millers. Butch also resided at the East 57th Street apartment.8. Ebony: A riding horse that the Millers purchased from Frank and Nan Taylor for their Connecticut farm. MM rode Ebony only a few times.9. Maf: Maf was a little white French poodle who was given to MM in New York by Frank Sinatra. Sinatra had purchased the dog from Natalie Wood's mother. As has been widely reported, Marilyn named the dog "Maf" because of Frank Sinatra's alleged mafia connections. lnterestingly, to spite Arthur Miller, Marilyn used to let Maf sleep on an expensive white beaver coat that Miller had presented her. When Marilyn returned to live in Hollywood, she had Maf flown back to be with her. Following her death, Maf was inherited by Frank Sinatra's secretary, Gloria Lovell.
