Enduring Freedom- America's History
Marilyn Monroe
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Norma Jean Mortenson was Born in Los Angeles, California, on June 1, 1926. Later in life, she took her mother's maiden name, Baker. Many times her mother, was confined to an asylum or mental hospital during Norma's youth. Due to her mothers instability, Norma Jean was reared by 12 sets of foster parents and even placed in an orphanage for a period of time.

In 1942 Norma married a co-worker in the aircraft factory, but they divorced soon after World War II ended. Her busty good-looks made her a popular photographer's model. In 1946 she signed a short-term contract with Twentieth Century-Fox, taking on her screen name Marilyn Monroe. After a few brief appearances in a couple of movies, she found it difficult to find work and returned to modeling for photographers. Eagar for a break in Hollywood, she was convinced to do a photograph in the nude for a calendar project. This exposure gave way to a film debut in the movie Scudda-Hoo! Scudda-Hay! in 1948.

In 1950 Monroe played a minor role in the movieThe Asphalt Jungle. Much fan mail followed, and Marilyn found herself embarking on a full-fledged career in Hollywood. She appeared in All About Eve in 1950, which won her another contract with The Fox Studios and even more recognition. A rapid series of movies, such as Let's Make It Legal and Love Nest in 1951, Clash by Night in 1952, and in 1953, Niagara gained her the title: "love goddess." Performances in movies such as: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 1953, How to Marry a Millionaire in 1953, and There's No Business Like Show Business in 1954, she became a worldwide phenomenon. Much of the world fell in love with Marilyn.

When she married Joe DiMaggio in 1954 she became one of the most acknowledged women in the world. This ill-fated marriage would end less than a year later. As she grew more depressed with her failed marriage, she began to grow unhappy with her career.

Marilyn studied with Lee Strasberg of the Actors' Studio in New York City. She began to take-on new comedic roles in movies such as: The Seven-Year Itch in 1955 and in 1956, Bus Stop. Much of the world enjoyed the new Marilyn as a sexy comedian.

In 1956 she married playwright Arthur Miller and settled-down for a short-time by retired from moviemaking. This brief exile didn't last long; Marilyn co-starred with Sir Laurence Olivier in The Prince and the Showgirl in 1957.

She once again found herself pursuing her acting career at full speed. She won the critics' hearts for the first time as a serious actress for the movie: Some Like It Hot in 1959. Her last role was in 1961 in the movie: The Misfits. This movie was written by Miller, whom she previously divorced in 1960.

Marilyn fell into depression and spent the last several months of her life as a recluse. Monroe died in her Hollywood, California, home on August 5, 1962, having taken an overdose of sleeping pills.

Marilyn made a total of 23 movies which grossed more than $200,000,000. Her fame surpassed that of any other entertainer of her time. Her vulnerability and sensuousness combined with her needless death eventually raised her to the status of an American icon.

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