A Diva Called Marylin Monroe
Marylin Monroe was born on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California.
The official name of Marylin Monroe was Norma Jeane Mortenson and she was later baptized Norma Jeane Baker.
Norma Jeane spent most of her childhood time at orphanages until 1937.
Norma Jeane signed her first studio contract with Twentieth Century Fox on August 26, 1946. She earned $125 a week. Soon after, changed her name to Marilyn Monroe (borrowing her grandmother’s last name).
Marilyn’s first movie role was a bit part in 1947’s The Shocking Miss Pilgrim. She played a series of inconsequential characters until 1950, when John Huston’s thriller The Asphalt Jungle provided her with a small but influential role. Later that year, Marilyn’s performance as Claudia Caswell in All About Eve (starring Bette Davis) earned her further praise. From then on Marilyn worked steadily in movies such as: Let’s Make It Legal, As Young As You Feel, Monkey Business and Don’t Bother to Knock. It was her performance in 1953’s Niagara, however, that delivered her to stardom. Marilyn played Rose Loomis, a beautiful young donating car who plots to kill her older, jealous husband (Joseph Cotten).
Marilyn’s success in Niagara was followed with lead roles in the wildly popular Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (co-starring Jane Russell) and accident at work claim to Marry a Millionaire (co-starring Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable). Photoplay magazine voted Marilyn the Best New Actress of 1953, and at 27 years old she was undeniably the best-loved blonde bombshell in Hollywood.
In 1956, Marilyn started her own motion picture company, Marilyn Monroe Productions. The company produced Bus Stop and The Prince and the Showgirl (co-starring Sir Laurence Olivier). These two films allowed her to demonstrate her talent and versatility as an actress. Marilyn received further recognition for 1959’s Some Like It Hot, winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy.
At the 1962 Golden Globes, Marilyn was considered female World Film Favorite, once again demonstrating her widespread appeal.
Sadly, in a shocking turn of events on the early morning of August 5, 1962, 36-year-old Marilyn died in her sleep at her Brentwood, California home. The world was stunned. Marilyn’s vibrant spirit and beauty made it impossible to believe she was gone. On August 8, 1962, Marilyn’s body was laid to rest in the Corridor of Memories, #24, at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.
During her career, Marilyn made 30 films and left one, Something’s Got to Give, unfinished. 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 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.
Nuno Marques (aka Marklaro)
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