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The life story of Marilyn Monroe

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The Life Story of Marilyn Monroe

INTRODUCTION

She is perhaps one of the greatest familiar faces in the world, even 40 years after her

death. Her image has been immortalized in classic films, advertising campaigns, and the

collective consciousness of people worldwide (DiMaggio, 2018). Most people see her as a

symbol of glamour, beauty, and fame. Nevertheless, beneath the glitz and the gold of her public

persona lies a complex woman with a troubled past. She was much more than just an iconic

image. Marilyn Monroe was an actress, model, and singer who captured the hearts of millions

with her beauty, talent, and charisma. This is the story of the real Marilyn Monroe, the woman

who existed beyond the public figure.

BODY

Jeane Baker was her real name. She was a Hollywood sweetheart. On June 1st, 1926, in

Los Angeles, California, Norma Jeane Mortenson began her life as Marilyn Monroe. At RKO

Studios, her mother worked as a film cutter, while her father, Edward Mortenson, is primarily

considered a Canadian salesman. She was the third child to her mother, Gladys, and the first to

survive infancy (Holzmann,2018). She was placed in orphanages, foster homes, and living with

relatives. At the same time, her mother battled depression. She had periods of institutionalization

when her mother was finally able to take her back, where a family friend and a neighbor sexually

abused her.

Norma Jeane moved in with Grace McKee Goddard and her husband, whom she referred

to as her "Auntie and Uncle," when she was 16 years old. She was introduced to the film industry

through them and was given her first screen test. When she arrived in Hollywood, they asked her

to change her life. First, she died her hair blonde; secondly, she divorced her ex-husband James
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(Ingham,2020). She was born to be a star because she got signed with Fox Studios right away.

She was eventually cast as an extra in films, and it was during this time in 1946 that she adopted

the stage name, Marilyn Monroe.

While Marilyn Monroe's attractiveness and seductive demeanor in cinema helped her

become well-known, it also led to her being stereotyped as a sex symbol. Monroe, who thought

she was only being perceived as a sexual object and not a serious performer, felt frustrated and

insecure. She started to criticize the business, which only served to solidify her image as an

iconic figure (DiMaggio, 2018). Using her celebrity to advocate for civil rights and speak out

against the abuse of women in the entertainment industry, Monroe turned to politics.

The actress also had a difficult personal life where she was married three times to James

Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller. The first marriage to James Dougherty was at the

age of sixteen, who was the son of one of her neighbors. However, that marriage did not last too

long. They stayed together for four years because he did not like the idea of Marilyn going into

Hollywood; he wanted her to remain a housewife and eventually take care of their children. All

of her marriages ended in divorce. (Reichert,2020). Additionally, she struggled with depression

and anxiety and had a well-documented history of substance abuse and addiction.

Despite her struggles, she created a legacy that has endured for more than half a century

after her death. She lived a glamorous yet tragic life. She was a remarkably gifted person

renowned for her timeless beauty, acting career, and contribution to the entertainment business.

She was also recognized for her misfortunes, such as her unhappy marriages, her battles with

depression, and her use of drugs. Despite these obstacles, she inspired many people by standing

in for beauty, bravery, and hope. Finally, she was an inspiration to many, and she remains an
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important figure in pop culture, her image has been used in countless art pieces, movies, and

books, and her impact can still be felt today.

Her death has been surrounded by mystery and intrigue for many years. There has been

much speculation about the circumstances surrounding her death, with some believing that it was

a suicide and others believing that an accidental overdose may have caused it. The official cause

of death is listed as an overdose of barbiturates, but some believe it was an intentional overdose

or murder (Ford,2020). Marilyn Monroe's death has had a lasting impact on the entertainment

industry and the world. Her passing sparked a conversation about mental health and the

importance of understanding and helping those who suffer from mental health issues. She

inspired many, and her legend and legacy still lives on today.

What inspired me to write this essay about Marilyn is that although she was more of a sex

symbol than a fashion icon, she was certainly a major trendsetter. Her red lipstick, blonde hair,

and wing liner are what we know her for (Ingham,2020). The "Happy Birthday Mr. President"

outfit she wore in 1962 during a performance for then-President John F. Kennedy was probably

her most famous clothing. The outfit, which at the time seemed scandalous, caught everyone's

attention and has since become a fashion classic. Even today, references to the dress may be

found in pop culture, and in 2022 Kim Kardashian made history at the Met Gala by wearing a

dress that was a duplicate of Marilyn Monroe's. This demonstrates how Marilyn Monroe's

distinctive style has endured more than 50 years later.

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CONCLUSION

Marilyn Monroe was a woman ahead of her time and made an indelible mark on the

entertainment industry that has stood the test of time. Her work, and her life, will continue to be

remembered for many years to come. She inspired many, and her legacy of beauty, strength, and

hope will remain for generations to come. Marilyn Monroe's life, death, and legacy will never be

forgotten, and her impact on the entertainment industry and the world will live on. The legacy of

Marilyn Monroe lives on today, even more than half a century after her premature death. She is

remembered not just as a beautiful and iconic figure of the twentieth century but also as a

pioneering force in the entertainment industry. In her short time on earth, Marilyn Monroe

achieved tremendous success and broke down barriers, becoming one of the first female

superstars of the twentieth century.

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References

DiMaggio, C. (2018). The marriages of Marilyn Monroe. The New York Times. Retrieved from

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/02/arts/marilyn-monroes-marriages.html.

Ford, C. (2020). Marilyn Monroe’s Death: The Mystery, the Speculation and the Legacy.

Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/news/marilyn-monroe-death-the-mystery-

the-speculation-and-the-legacy.

Holzmann, M. (2018). Marilyn Monroe: The Tragic Story of Her Death. Mental Floss.

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/509890/what-really-happened-marilyn-monroes-

death.

Ingham, C. (2020). The early life of Marilyn Monroe. Retrieved from

https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/marilyn-monroe-14.php.

Reichert, T. (2020). Marilyn Monroe: Biography, movies, & death. Biography. Retrieved from

https://www.biography.com/actor/marilyn-monroe.