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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Screen & Stage • Actress

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model, and singer who became one of the most recognizable screen icons of the 1950s and early 1960s.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model, and singer who became one of the most recognizable screen icons of the 1950s and early 1960s. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles, she starred in popular films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, and Some Like It Hot.

What it is

Marilyn Monroe was a major Hollywood star known for her comedic and dramatic roles. She changed her legal name to Marilyn Monroe in 1956 and won a Golden Globe for Some Like It Hot. Her filmography includes Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, Bus Stop, and The Misfits.

Why it matters

Monroe's impact extends beyond her films. She became a lasting sex symbol and pop culture icon, influencing fashion, beauty standards, and entertainment. Her legacy continues to be studied and celebrated decades after her death.

Key details

Monroe was born in Los Angeles in 1926 and had a difficult early life. She married three times: James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller. She died in Los Angeles in 1962 at age 36, with her death ruled a probable suicide.

In short

  • Marilyn Monroe was a top Hollywood star of the 1950s and early 1960s.
  • She won a Golden Globe for Some Like It Hot and was nominated for a BAFTA.
  • Her image as a sex symbol and cultural icon persists today.
  • She died in 1962 at age 36 under circumstances ruled a probable suicide.

Quick questions

What was Marilyn Monroe’s birth name?
Her birth name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, later also known as Norma Jeane Baker.
What are Marilyn Monroe’s most famous films?
Her best-known films include Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, Bus Stop, Some Like It Hot, and The Misfits.
When did Marilyn Monroe die?
Sources give August 4 or August 5, 1962, in Los Angeles; she was 36 years old.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marilyn-Monroe
    Supports: Birth, original name, major films, marriages, death, and overview of her significance.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marilyn_Monroe
    Supports: Legal name change, film career details, awards, and last completed film.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/marilyn-monroe
    Supports: Birth name, date and place of birth, death, and general career overview.
  4. PBS American Masters — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/marilyn-monroe-career-timeline/62/
    Supports: Career timeline and early-life background.