Ever wondered how a shy, young woman named Norma Jeane Mortenson transformed into the global icon known as Marilyn Monroe? The journey from Norma Jeane to Marilyn Monroe is a testament to the power of reinvention and the enduring allure of Hollywood glamour.
This transformation wasn't overnight. It was a gradual process, a carefully constructed image built on ambition, talent, and a keen understanding of the public's desires. Norma Jeane's story is a compelling narrative of a woman who dared to dream and relentlessly pursued her goals, forever etching her name in the annals of entertainment history.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Norma Jeane Mortenson (later Baker, Dougherty, and finally, Marilyn Monroe) |
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1926 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
| Date of Death | August 4, 1962 |
| Cause of Death | Probable suicide (drug overdose) |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Singer |
| Years Active | 1945-1962 |
| Marital Status | Married three times: James Dougherty (1942-1946), Joe DiMaggio (1954), Arthur Miller (1956-1961) |
| Early Career | Model, pin-up girl |
| Breakthrough Role | Niagara (1953) |
| Notable Films | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), Some Like It Hot (1959), The Misfits (1961) |
| Singing Career Highlights | "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," Performances on Red Foley's Ozark Jubilee |
| Name Change | The name "Marilyn Monroe" was coined by Norma Jeane and 20th Century Fox executive Ben Lyon. |
| Mother's Name | Gladys Pearl Baker (ne Monroe) |
| First Husband | James Dougherty (married June 19, 1942) |
| Modeling Start | Began modeling in 1945 at age 19. |
| Official Website | MarilynMonroe.com |
