The 1950s are often considered to be the golden age of American cinema. This was when some of the most legendary films ever made hit the big screens, and we still can’t get enough of them today.
And who could ever forget the blonde bombshell, the only Marilyn Monroe!
Her beauty, talent, charismatic personality, and iconic look were hugely popular, and she continues to inspire fashion, music, and the movie industry even today.
Despite her immense popularity, there’s always been a shroud of mystery surrounding Marilyn Monroe.
Who was she really? What was her background? And what led to her tragic end?
It’s time to take a closer look at the life of Hollywood’s brightest star, Monroe’s stardom, from her upbringing and early career in the movie industry to her tragic end.
Key Takeaway
- Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, overcame a difficult childhood in foster care and married at 16 before getting her start as a model, which led to a film career.
- Monroe rose to fame as an iconic movie star and sex symbol in 1950s Hollywood, starring in hit films like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” though struggling for serious roles.
- Behind the scenes, Monroe faced personal challenges with relationships, mental health issues, fertility, and substance use.
- Though her shocking death in 1962 was ruled a probable suicide, Monroe’s glamorous, inspirational legacy and influence continue today across fashion, beauty, music, and cinema.
Early Life – Norma Jeane Mortenson
Source: intheknow.com
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926. Her mother was Gladys Pearl Baker, who had several marriages. Yet, the identity of her father is unknown to the public.
Despite her smile and cheerful appearance, Marilyn’s childhood wasn’t easy, to say the least.
Since her mother, Gladys, was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and put in a mental institution, Monroe grew up in different foster homes around Los Angeles and eventually ended up in an orphanage.
She experienced child abuse in some of her foster homes and almost constant bullying in school.
Monroe also lived with relatives and family friends, with whom she visited cinemas. During this time of her growing up story, she said that movies helped her escape the sad reality of her life.
That’s where her interest in film began.
On June 19, 1942, at only 16 years old, Marilyn Monroe married her then-boyfriend, James Dougherty. To be frank, she did that just to avoid returning to an orphanage. When her husband enlisted in the merchant marine in 1944, Marilyn worked at a munitions factory.
While working at a factory, Marilyn met David Conover, a photographer taking pictures for Yank magazine aimed at U.S. Military personnel.
Naturally, David was impressed by Marilyn’s beauty and femininity and offered her a photo shoot. Not long after, he encouraged her to start a modeling career, and she accepted his offer.
Soon enough, Marilyn signed her first contract with the Blue Book Modeling Agency, which began her career in the entertainment industry.
Becoming Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was a highly sought-after model and received numerous assignments, such as posing for advertisements, appearing on the front pages of newspapers, and featuring in pin-up calendars.
She was a brunette but dyed her hair blonde when she began working as a model. Unfortunately, her first marriage ended in 1946 due to her busy schedule in the modeling industry.
That same year, she was offered her first movie contract with 20th Century Fox.
Despite being given minor roles initially, such as the uncredited role of a telephone operator in “Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!” and a choir girl in “Ladies in the Chorus,” she knew that these roles were crucial in her acting career and proved to be a turning point for her.
With her determination and talent, she managed to break through the male-dominated movie industry, landing big roles in “The Asphalt Jungle” and “All About Eve.” Monroe starred in both of these films in 1950, which established her presence in Hollywood.
In 1956, this 1950s Hollywood star even changed her real name to the iconic stage name Marilyn Monroe, which is still known and recognized today.
Rising Stardom in the 1950s
During the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe became one of the most influential and recognizable actresses and sex symbols in the world. Monroe returned to the screen quickly and starred in many blockbuster movies during this period.
Two films, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “How to Marry a Millionaire,” were well-received by critics, and “How to Marry a Millionaire” was one of the highest-grossing films in 1953.
In the movie “Bus Stop,” Monroe received positive reviews for her performance, which went beyond her comedic roles, and she gained more respect as an actress.
During the 1950s, the Golden Globe-winning actress got married twice. In 1954, she married baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. However, their marriage ended just nine months later. It was rumored that DiMaggio had difficulty accepting the actress’s popularity and the provocative roles she played in her films.
After her divorce, Marilyn moved to the East Coast to pursue a serious acting career and study at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg. In New York City, she was free from “dumb blonde” and “sex symbol” labels.
She even established her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, there.
In 1956, the actress married the famous playwright Arthur Miller. Their relationship started while he was still married to his former wife. The marriage ended due to Marilyn’s struggles with mental health issues and fertility problems after five years.
During filming “Misfits” in the 1960s, Marilyn Monroe formed a deep friendship and bond with the legendary actors Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift. The media speculated on her relationship with her co-stars, suggesting that she was romantically involved with them.
It was not uncommon for the media to follow her romantic life. However, it was later revealed that Monroe had only a friendly relationship with her colleagues.
Personal Struggles
Despite her bright career, the real Marilyn Monroe has had many struggles in her personal life. Here are some quick facts to educate you on that.
Due to her difficult childhood, she often lacked security and had low self-esteem. Monroe experienced marital problems, and her love relationships led her to depression and anxiety, which she treated with alcohol and prescription drugs.
Monroe often had conflicts with movie producers and directors because she wanted more serious roles instead of classic comedy ones. Sometimes, she felt that she wasn’t valued enough as an actress.
Her problems with fertility and several miscarriages also affected her mental health. She even hired a professional psychiatrist, which she saw daily.
It’s no secret that Monroe moved and spent some time in mental institutions. In 1961, she voluntarily went to the Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic in New York to be treated for mental problems because of her suicide ideas.
Shocking Death in 1962
Marilyn Monroe died in her Los Angeles home on August 5, 1962. The official cause of death was probable suicide due to a barbiturate overdose.
Fans worldwide were stunned by the death of the star, leading to the creation of many theories surrounding the circumstances of her death. The media from around the globe covered the event and took photos of Monroe.
Conspiracy theories range from suggestions of murder with ties to organized crime to speculations about the involvement of President John F. Kennedy. However, to this day, investigators haven’t found any evidence of the murder.
Legacy
Marilyn Monroe famously said, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” And she did just that with her talent, glamour, beauty, and feminine charm.
Despite facing numerous personal struggles and unsuccessful relationships, she remains an influential icon even years after her mysterious death.
Her style and fashion sense have continued to inspire countless girls and celebrities, with many still dying their hair blonde to emulate her iconic look.
Even today, film directors and fashion designers draw inspiration from her, organizing fashion shows and shooting films featuring Monroe and keeping her legacy alive.
With her fabulous clothes, blonde hair, talent, and charisma, Marilyn Monroe continues to reign over the fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries even in the 21st century.