Say the name, “Marilyn,” and only one woman comes to mind: The stunning, sultry, and iconic Ms. Monroe. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson (baptized Norma Jean Baker) on June 1, 1926, she was taken to a foster home when she was only two-weeks-old by her mother, Gladys Baker. Gladys had a history of mental instability and was often hospitalized. Norma spent her childhood in a series of foster homes, dropping out of high school at 15. She worked in a munitions factory during WWII, where she was discovered, and began a career as a pin-up model. In 1946, she signed her first movie contract, shortly thereafter adopting her new stage name and dying her brunette hair blonde.
In a matter of a few years, Marilyn would become one of the world’s most famous actresses, known for her blonde bombshell looks as well as her tumultuous relationships with famous men. Despite her unsettled personal life, Marilyn endeared herself to fans around the world with her soft voice, gentle demeanor, and beautiful smile. She was also a savvy businesswoman who revolutionized the film industry. Here’s a look at her life through the decades.
1926: Being held by her mom
Here, Gladys Baker holds her daughter, Norma. She took the baby to her first foster home when she was only two weeks old. She visited Norma and even lived with her daughter briefly before Gladys was hospitalized for a time due to paranoid schizophrenia. She would be in and out of hospitals for most of her life.
1950: Going to an audition
Marilyn always wanted to be taken seriously as an actress. Here, she's at an audition for a play. This same year, she received attention for her small role in John Huston's crime drama, The Asphalt Jungle and also impressed audiences and critics when she appeared in All About Eve, with Bette Davis.
1953: Talking with her acting coach on set
Marilyn's career began to skyrocket in the early '50s with her roles in Niagara (1953), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), and There's No Business Like Show Business (1954). She soon became a household name and an international sex symbol.
1953: Attending a party at Bob Hope's house
Marilyn attended a holiday party at Bob Hope's house. She's surrounded by Hope, General William Dean (who had addressed the U.S. troops in Korea the night before on Hope's show), and baseball great Joe DiMaggio, who will soon become Marilyn's second husband.
1956: Smiling at a press conference
Marilyn was signed to star in The Prince and the Showgirl (1957) with Laurence Olivier, who also directed and produced the film. Unfortunately, her erratic behavior on set caused tension with the cast and crew. The film received mixed reviews.
1959: Returning to comedic films
Marilyn returned to her most successful genre, romantic comedy, in the huge hit, Some Like it Hot. Here, she's with director Billy Wilder at a press conference for the film. She won a "Best Actress in a Comedy" Golden Globe for her role.
1960: Waiting for filming to begin on set
Film photographers set up a shot for Marilyn and her co-stars Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift during the shooting of The Misfits. The screenplay was written by her husband, Arthur Miller. It was Marilyn's last completed film.
1962: Remembering a legend
On August 5, 1962, Marilyn died in her Los Angeles home just months after her 36th birthday. Empty bottles of prescription medications were found in the room, with her death ruled a "probable suicide." Despite her complex history, Marilyn has remained a beloved icon of beauty, style, and enduring sex appeal around the world. To this day, she has no equal.
