The Hollywood iconic, actress Marilyn Monroe lifetime story is full of twists and turns. Indeed, Marilyn was one of the most famous actresses of her time, and she made a lasting impact on generations.
So her acting career spanned from 1947 until 1962, when she died at age 36, and her death is still mysterious. Marilyn starred in over 20 films and appeared on several television shows during her short time in Hollywood.
She always managed to make the best of any situation and elevate herself to exceptional levels of stardom. Here are some interesting facts about the Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe that you may not have known.
Actress Marilyn Monroe Lifetime
Early Life
Marilyn Monroe, real name Norma Jeane Mortenson was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 1, 1926. Later, she was sent to live with foster parents, who were very kind to her. They treated her like their own daughter.
During her school days, she took part in acting, singing, dancing, and modeling. Her career skyrocketed after she posed stripped for an art class at age 16. A magazine bought Marilyn’s scandalous photo album, which led to more modeling opportunities.
The photographer who discovered Marilyn convinced her to go to New York to pursue modeling as a career.
Her fame continued to grow until she decided that she wanted to be an actress instead. In 1946, she signed with 20th Century Fox studios and began making movies almost immediately. She quickly became one of the most sought-after models in the United States.
Rise to Fame
In reality, actress Marilyn Monroe lifetime story took a decisive turn when she entered the Hollywood film industry. So, 20th Century Fox bought her contract from her modeling agency for $50,000 and immediately put her to work as an actress.
However, her film debut came in 1950 with Love Happy. But it was 1953’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes that launched Marilyn into international stardom.
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend became one of cinema’s most iconic tunes ever when she sang it to Jane Russell in that movie. Despite it all, Marilyn became a bona fide star and set out on several impressive achievements.
The 1950s was an especially difficult time for women in Hollywood. However, Marilyn managed to make a name for herself as one of Hollywood’s most well-known actresses.
Marilyn Monroe Movies
Marilyn Monroe’s most popular movies are;
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,
- How to Marry a Millionaire,
- The Seven Year Itch, Some Like it Hot, and
- The Misfits.
Her first movie was Ladies of the Chorus, in which she only had one line. She played as an extra in several other films such as Asphalt Jungle, All About Eve, and Love Happy.
Monroe’s first leading role was in a film called Niagara alongside Joseph Cotten in 1953. As a result, she received critical acclaim for her performance as Rose Loomis and won Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival.
Hollywood’s most glamorous star
Actress Marilyn Monroe lifetime story is incomplete without talking about her exceptional beauty. Undoubtedly, Marilyn was the most beautiful woman in Hollywood during her era.
She had such flawless skin and a beautiful figure, and she often posed boldly to prove that she was more than just an attractive face.
Marilyn often wore red lipstick and had a signature look, which she achieved by using pancake makeup to cover her freckles. She also used eyeliner to make her eyes appear larger and more doe-like.
It took 14 hours to create Marilyn’s makeup before shooting, and she knew how to use the makeup artist’s help wonderfully.
Similarly, she used blusher on her cheeks, mascara on her eyelashes, and eye shadow with grey tones. Marilyn also liked using shimmering powders on her face but preferred foundation as a makeup base.
Also Read: Liza Minnelli A Living Legend
Actress Marilyn Monroe lifetime relationships
From John to Robert, Marilyn was romantically linked to both. Her marriage to Joe DiMaggio is one for the ages. The couple married on January 14, 1954, and divorced in October 1954 after being apart for six months.
It happened due to DiMaggio’s jealousy over Monroe’s rising fame and his distance from her while he played baseball in Florida.
In February 1956, Marilyn became engaged to playwright Arthur Miller. On June 29, 1956, at a private ceremony in White Plains, New York.
Marilyn Monroe’s relationship with Miller profoundly influenced her acting and helped create some most memorable performances (e.g., Bus Stop). She divorced Miller in 1961 but maintained a close friendship with him.
Awards
Marilyn Monroe’s breakthrough role came in the 1950s movie All about Eve when she was nominated for an Oscar® for Best Supporting Actress. She earned her first award, an Academy Award that same year in the performance of Sugar Kane Kowalczyk in Billy Wilder’s and Some like It Hot.
On September 23, 1962, Monroe was given a plaque by Los Angeles mayor Sam Yorty proclaiming Marilyn Monroe Day. Similarly, she was in the Times Magazine as Woman of the Year the same year.
In 1999, Billboard magazine ranked her No. 22 on its list of Top 100 Entertainers of the 20th Century. And in 2002, she was named one of America’s best-loved entertainers as part of a Gallup/USA Today poll to determine people’s Favourite American.
Google dedicated doodle
In 2016, Google celebrated Marilyn Monroe’s 87th birthday with a video retrospective. The video features many of her most famous movie scenes, including some rare footage that has never been released publicly.
They also unveiled a doodle (tribute page) in which Marilyn Monroe appears to be surfing along on a yellow surfboard over pictures of the most iconic events in her life and career.
The doodle shows pink and red colors from her white dress and blonde hair as she gets ready to jump into the water.
She did charity work
In 1956, Marilyn’s schedule was so tight that she told Arthur Miller, I can’t give to charities. I don’t have time. Miller suggested that instead of contributing her name and presence, she could donate money and stay anonymous.
She said, how would you like it if I gave anonymously? How would you feel? He replied it’d be wonderful. From then on, she kept her word.
Her envelopes always contained just a plain brown flap without a letter. There was no note on the envelope other than Marilyn Monroe’s wishes to give $1,000 or $2,500.
Mysterious End
Several conspiracy theories popped up after she died in 1962 about what happened to Ms. Marilyn Monroe. However, experts have put forth a new theory that Ms. Monroe died from an overdose of prescription drugs in recent years. Marilyn Monroe took pills to relieve her pain from earlier surgeries and mental health issues.
Conclusion
American actress, model, and singer Marilyn Monroe achieved worldwide fame for her performances in Hollywood movies. She remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic performers.
Marilyn Monroe’s portrayals are still celebrated to date, and especially her singing voice is considered one of Hollywood’s best.
Actress Marilyn Monroe lifetime story is full of glamour, love, and fame, but her fans still wonder about her demise at 36.