Marilyn Monroe Images

Marilyn Monroe was a legendary American actress, model, and singer, born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. Her real name at birth was Norma Jeane Mortenson, but she later took the stage name Marilyn Monroe. Monroe is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential sex symbols in the history of Hollywood.

Monroe grew up in a series of foster homes and orphanages after her mother abandoned her family when she was just six years old. She spent most of her childhood in and out of various foster homes, and her early teenage years were marked by a series of menial jobs and a brief stint in an institution for wayward girls.

At the age of 16, Monroe married James Dougherty, a neighbor and friend of her family. The couple divorced just two years later, and Monroe moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling. She struggled to make ends meet, and it wasn't until she posed for a series of nude photographs for a calendar that she began to gain some attention.

Monroe's big break came in 1946 when she was discovered by a 20th Century Fox executive while working as a bit player at a film studio. She was signed to a contract and began appearing in small roles in films. Her first major role came in 1948 in the film "Ladies of the Chorus," and she quickly gained a reputation as a talented and charismatic actress.

Monroe's career took off in the 1950s, and she became one of the most popular and successful actresses in Hollywood. She starred in a string of hit films, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "The Seven Year Itch," and "Some Like It Hot." Monroe's performances were marked by her unique blend of sex appeal, vulnerability, and comedic timing.

Monroe's personal life was often the subject of tabloid headlines. She was married three times, and her relationships with famous men, including Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller, were the stuff of legend. Monroe struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout her career, and her death from an overdose of barbiturates in 1962 at the age of 36 shocked the world.

Despite her tragic end, Monroe's legacy as a Hollywood icon endures. She remains a symbol of glamour, sex appeal, and the American Dream. Monroe's films continue to be popular, and she is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of all time. Her impact on popular culture is immeasurable, and she remains a source of inspiration and fascination for generations of fans.