Marilyn Monroe: The Life and Legacy of Norma Jeane

Norma Jeane Mortenson, known as Marilyn Monroe, was born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Gladys, named her after actress Norma Talmadge. In 1943, at age 16, she married James Dougherty to avoid returning to an orphanage; they divorced in 1946. By the time she married baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, she was already Marilyn Monroe. The iconic subway scene from 'The Seven Year Itch' was filmed on September 19, 1955, in Lexington Avenue, New York, directed by Billy Wilder. DiMaggio reportedly assaulted her after the scene, leading to separation after nine months. Monroe's career soared with films like 'Niagara', 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', 'How to Marry a Millionaire' (all 1953), 'River of No Return' (1954), 'The Prince and the Showgirl' (1957), and 'Some Like It Hot' (1959). In 1956, she married playwright Arthur Miller, but suffered three miscarriages. Their marriage ended during the filming of 'The Misfits' (1961), written by Miller. Monroe also had alleged affairs with women and the Kennedy brothers. Her final, unfinished film was 'Something's Got to Give' (1962), during which she famously swam nude. She died on August 5, 1962, at her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, at age 36.