Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, singer, and model and one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s. She was definitely an iconic figure of her time, with her blonde hair, elegance, femininity, and charisma.
Even today, she continues to amaze the general public, and her personality remains a subject of fascination and interest. The sudden death by probable suicide came as a shock to everyone, though.
To this day, many people hold conspiracy theories about it and seek to learn more about her inner struggles and mental issues.
What was behind a five-factor model’s beautiful and happy face remains a mystery.
In this article, we will delve into the personality analysis of Marilyn Monroe and explore some of her most thrilling moments!
Marilyn Monroe’s Personality Traits
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles, California. She was born on June 1st, 1926.
Although the popular actress is widely recognized for her cheerful appearance and irresistible smile, Marilyn Monroe’s background was completely different.
Her mother’s name was Gladys Pearl Baker, and Monroe’s father was not a part of her life. Gladys was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and spent most of her time in a mental hospital.
Hence, she was unable to take care of Marilyn. As a result, Monroe spent most of her childhood in several foster homes and eventually ended up in an orphanage.
This Golden Globe winner experienced sexual abuse by her foster parents at an early age and bullying in high school. As it helped her escape the harsh reality of her life, she found comfort in watching movies. In 1942, at 16 years old, she married her first husband, 21-year-old James Dougherty, to avoid returning to the orphanage.
In 1944, Marilyn’s husband became a merchant marine, and she began working at a munitions factory. Little did she know that she was about to get discovered there; namely, a photographer was amazed by her stunning beauty and physical features and asked her to take a photo for the troops.
This moment was a turning point in her career, leading her to pursue modeling and ultimately achieve great success.
Her marriage ended in divorce, but her career flourished. Monroe began as a pin-up model, and she dyed her hair blonde after a while. With a screen test offer from 20th Century Fox in 1946, she entered the movie industry for the first time. Then, she changed her name to the stage name as we all know it today, Marilyn Monroe.
Monroe’s journey into the male-dominated film industry was challenging, as she was getting only minor roles. But she succeeded with determination and dedication. She put in a lot of effort to improve her acting skills, reading up on psychology, poetry, and drama, and even taking acting classes.
Her hard work and dedication made her one of the most popular actresses and sex symbols of all time.
Her comedic roles in movies such as “How to Marry a Millionaire,” “The Seven Year Itch,” and “Some Like It Hot” have become classics. Alongside Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Sophia Loren, she became a reigning star in the film industry.
Zodiac Sign and Marylin Monroe Personality Types
As a Gemini born in June, she owned it all: intelligence, wit, charm, and beauty, which made her stand out from the crowd and become the most iconic actress of all time!
It’s worth noting that Geminis struggled with decision-making and unstable relationships, which was also evident in her life. Although astrology isn’t always the most reliable predictor of someone’s personality, some say it’s possible that Monroe’s qualities were indeed influenced by her zodiac sign.
Experts have even classified the late Marilyn Monroe as an ISFP personality type. Her acting abilities resulted from her unconventional thinking and unique approach to her job. She was creative and sensual, always guided by her values, and willing to go on adventures.
Despite her gentle personality, Marilyn was empathetic and always prioritized the well-being of those around her. Her freedom was very important to her, and her attention to detail and appreciation for visual aesthetics were evident in her work and personal life.
As an ISFP personality type, Marilyn lived in the moment and did not dwell on the past or worry about the future.
Enneagram Type
Monroe was a confident and analytical Enneagram Six personality type with a seven wing. She enjoyed connecting with others on an intellectual level and always felt in control of her life.
Her courage and sense of responsibility made her a loyal friend and family member who valued safety and security. She was analytical and had very strong problem-solving skills.
Influence of Adult Life and Career
During the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe had already gained worldwide success as an actress. She played in the films “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “How to Marry a Millionaire“. She married Joe DiMaggio during this period.
However, Monroe was determined to break free from the stereotype of being a blonde bombshell. She desired to take on more serious roles and to express her true self. This led her to relocate from Los Angeles to New York in 1954.
Monroe’s decision was motivated by her invitation to join the Actors Studio, where she received lessons from her acting instructor, Lee Strasberg.
She found freedom in New York City and was free from the labels of “dumb blonde,” “sex symbol,” and “starlet.” During her time there, she established her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions. This further improved her confidence and independence.
Relationships and President John F. Kennedy
Marilyn had been married multiple times, like many other successful women in the showbiz industry. To be precise, she had three marriages behind her. After her separation from Joe Dimaggio, she tied the knot with the famous director Arthur Miller, whom she also divorced later on.
In between her three marriages, she was dating (or was linked to) several celebrity men. Some were Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Nicholas Ray, and Peter Lawford – all well-known men in the industry.
Marilyn Monroe’s alleged relationship with President John F. Kennedy, though, is one of history’s most popular love affairs, yet it was never confirmed. While some sources claim that she had a secret relationship with the president and his brother, others say that Marilyn only met JFK a few times at public events.
After singing a “Happy Birthday” serenade to Mr. President, speculation about their affair was further fueled. Her sudden death by barbiturate overdose just three months after the performance made various conspiracy theories about their secret relationship, as well as the president’s involvement in the diva’s death.
Challenges and Mental Health
What, then, was the true nature of Marilyn Monroe’s personality?
She did have a difficult childhood; she was mistreated and abandoned as a young kid and was moved to different foster homes. She didn’t have healthy development in her life, and her childhood experiences led to mental illness.
Currently, a lot of experts think she has suffered from borderline personality disorder.
Despite her success, she occasionally had mental breakdowns, impulsivity, feelings of emptiness, and bipolar disorder.
Marilyn put a lot of effort into getting over her mental health issues. She hired a psychiatrist, whom she saw daily. She was even sent to a mental institution due to her suicide ideas. Her addiction to alcohol, barbiturates, and amphetamines in the 1960s was a way to alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
Still, she had a hard time dealing with fame. Substance abuse led to her death on August 4th, 1962, at 36 years old.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Marilyn Monroe once said, “It’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” And she proved it through her life.
Her beauty, charisma, and wittiness inspired everyone—both men and women—and they do even now. Her fierce ambition and drive for independence challenged the traditional gender roles prevailing in Hollywood.
She was also incredibly generous, as she often helped children and donated to charity.
With her self-belief, she proved that hard work and determination can make dreams come true.
Closing Thoughts On Marilyn Monroe’s Personality Traits
Marilyn Monroe’s name itself is a synonym for glamour, charisma, and timeless beauty.
She is one of the most important figures of the 20th century. Despite facing tragic deaths, mental health issues, and scandals, she remains one of the brightest stars of Hollywood.
Her beauty and talent inspired countless women to look up to her as a role model, and her big impact on fashion trends still echoes today. And let’s not forget about her films—they continue to bring smiles to our faces, bringing us back to more beautiful and happier times.
Marilyn Monroe may have left us decades ago, but even today, she remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry whose legacy continues to inspire millions.