Hall of Fame: Marilyn Monroe in Life and Death

According to The Guide to United States Popular Culture, “as an icon of American popular culture, Monroe’s few rivals in popularity include Elvis Presley and Mickey Mouse … no other star has ever inspired such a wide range of emotions—from lust to pity, from envy to remorse.” Marilyn Monroe is not only an actress that defines the period in which she was alive but she is an actress who has stayed in the spotlight across all generations.

Early Life- From War Bride to Model

Monroe was born as Norma Jeane Mortenson   in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926. She spent a major part of her childhood in 12 successive foster homes and, for some time, in an orphanage. In 1942, when she was 16, she married, a fellow worker named Jimmy Dougherty. In 1943 as America’s involvement in World War II gripped the nation, Dougherty joined the Merchant Marines. He was shipped out to Shanghai one year later. With her husband overseas, Monroe took a job at the Radio Plane Munitions Factory, where she was discovered by photographer David Conover who was taking pictures of women working for the war effort. Conover’s shots of Monroe appeared in Yank magazine in 1945. Dougherty didn’t like her involvement in modelling. They divorced soon after World War II.

The Transition from Modelling to Movies

In July 1946, her photos attracted the attention of casting director Ben Lyon of 20th Century Fox, and he called Monroe for a screen test. In August, Fox studio offered Monroe a six-month contract with an option to renew every six months. She earned $125 a week. Soon after, Norma Jeane dyed her hair blonde and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe (borrowing her grandmother’s last name).

Career Struggles and Scandal

After a few brief appearances in movies made by the Fox and Columbia studios, she was again unemployed, and she returned to modelling for photographers. Her nude photograph on a calendar brought her a role in the film Scudda-Hoo! Scudda-Hay! (1948), which was followed by other minor roles. Her nude images were used as  on the cover of the first issue of Playboy. The same year, in 1954 she married baseball star Joe DiMaggio, which gained enormous publicity. Unfortunately, Marilyn’s fame and sexual image became a theme that haunted their marriage. With the end of their marriage in less than a year, she began to grow discontented with her career

Big Break

Marilyn was ready to shed her “shallow blonde” image by 1955. It had gotten her into the spotlight, but now that she had the opportunity and experience, Marilyn wanted to pursue serious acting. She took a hiatus from Hollywood and moved to New York City to study under Lee Strasberg at his Actors’ Studio. In 1956, Marilyn started her own motion picture company, Marilyn Monroe Productions. The company produced Bus Stop and The Prince and the Showgirl. On June 29, 1956, Marilyn married playwright Arthur Miller.  But sadly, their marriage ended on January 20, 1961.

Death

Monroe’s troubled private life received much attention. She struggled with addiction and mood disorders. Her marriages to retired baseball star Joe DiMaggio and to playwright Arthur Miller were highly publicized, and both ended in divorce. On August 4, 1962, she died at age 36 from an overdose of barbiturates at her home in Los Angeles. Her death was ruled a probable suicide. One thing to note about Monroe is that her work and her life were not separate. Monroe is not only the image of classic Hollywood sexuality but also the image of classic Hollywood publicity. All of Monroe’s personal relationships were torn apart by the press and everything she did was heavily publicized and scrutinized.

Legacy

She started the wave of women using their sexuality as a tool in films. Marilyn Monroe personified Hollywood glamour with an unparalleled glow and energy that enamored the world.  She was more than just a movie star or glamour queen. A global sensation in her lifetime, Marilyn’s popularity has extended beyond star status to an icon. Today, the name “Marilyn Monroe” is synonymous with beauty, sensuality and effervescence. She remains an inspiration to all who strive to overcome personal obstacles for the goal of achieving greatness.  

Vishakha

See author's posts