There is and old saying that states: Imitation is
the highest form of flattery. If this is true then
Marilyn Monroe has to be the most remembered women in
the history of films. Even today, after more than 45
years after her untimely death,her legendary likeness
still appears on T.V.,in magazines and books.
I remember ,even back then, how women[and maybe a few
men] would dress like her, walk like her, and even
try and sound like her. They would constitutionally talk
about her. They would try and outdo each other when
the least bit of gossip would appear in one of those
supermarket tabloids. I think that to really know her
one must know the history of this unique individual.
Her apparent vulnerability and innocence, in
combination with an innate sensuality, has endeared
her to the global consciousness.
She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in
Los Angeles, California, to Gladys Baker. As the
identity of her father is undetermined, she was later
baptized Norma Jeane Baker. Gladys had been a film
cutter at RKO studios, but psychological problems
prevented her from keeping the job and she was
eventually committed to a mental institution.
On June 19, 1942 she wed her 21-year-old neighbor
Jimmy Dougherty, whom she had been dating for six
months. "She was a sweet, generous and religious
girl," Jimmy said. After he shipped out to the
merchant marines, Marilyn got a job on an assembly
line and caught the eye of photographer David
Conover. After only 2 years she was doing steady
modeling jobs and also taking drama classes.
She started making a few films and in 1947 she
appeared with Betty Davis in "All About Eve" but
it was her performance in " Niagara' that
delivered her to stardom. And could ever forget
"Gentlemen Perfer Blonds" 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. On January 14, 1954, Marilyn
married baseball superstar Joe DiMaggio. It lasted
only 9 months. Marilyn received further recognition
for 1959's Some Like It Hot, winning a Golden Globe
for Best Actress in a Comedy.
On June 29, 1956, Marilyn wed playwright Arthur
Miller.Arthur wrote the part of Roslyn Taber in
1961's The Misfits especially for Marilyn.
Unfortunately the marriage ended on Jan. 20th, 1961
The misfits was to be Marilyn's last completed film.
At the 1962 Golden Globes, Marilyn was named female
World Film Favorite And if you were alive back then,
you would surely remember her singing happy birthday
to President John F. Kennedy. But sadly on the
morning of August 5, 1962 the 36 year old Marilyn
died in her sleep at her home in Brentwood
California.
Marilyn's popularity has extended beyond star status
to icon. Today, the name "Marilyn Monroe" is
synonymous with beauty,and sensuality. The legendary
Marilyn Monroe will be remembered long after most
of us are no longer here.
the highest form of flattery. If this is true then
Marilyn Monroe has to be the most remembered women in
the history of films. Even today, after more than 45
years after her untimely death,her legendary likeness
still appears on T.V.,in magazines and books.
I remember ,even back then, how women[and maybe a few
men] would dress like her, walk like her, and even
try and sound like her. They would constitutionally talk
about her. They would try and outdo each other when
the least bit of gossip would appear in one of those
supermarket tabloids. I think that to really know her
one must know the history of this unique individual.
Her apparent vulnerability and innocence, in
combination with an innate sensuality, has endeared
her to the global consciousness.
She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in
Los Angeles, California, to Gladys Baker. As the
identity of her father is undetermined, she was later
baptized Norma Jeane Baker. Gladys had been a film
cutter at RKO studios, but psychological problems
prevented her from keeping the job and she was
eventually committed to a mental institution.
On June 19, 1942 she wed her 21-year-old neighbor
Jimmy Dougherty, whom she had been dating for six
months. "She was a sweet, generous and religious
girl," Jimmy said. After he shipped out to the
merchant marines, Marilyn got a job on an assembly
line and caught the eye of photographer David
Conover. After only 2 years she was doing steady
modeling jobs and also taking drama classes.
She started making a few films and in 1947 she
appeared with Betty Davis in "All About Eve" but
it was her performance in " Niagara' that
delivered her to stardom. And could ever forget
"Gentlemen Perfer Blonds" 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. On January 14, 1954, Marilyn
married baseball superstar Joe DiMaggio. It lasted
only 9 months. Marilyn received further recognition
for 1959's Some Like It Hot, winning a Golden Globe
for Best Actress in a Comedy.
On June 29, 1956, Marilyn wed playwright Arthur
Miller.Arthur wrote the part of Roslyn Taber in
1961's The Misfits especially for Marilyn.
Unfortunately the marriage ended on Jan. 20th, 1961
The misfits was to be Marilyn's last completed film.
At the 1962 Golden Globes, Marilyn was named female
World Film Favorite And if you were alive back then,
you would surely remember her singing happy birthday
to President John F. Kennedy. But sadly on the
morning of August 5, 1962 the 36 year old Marilyn
died in her sleep at her home in Brentwood
California.
Marilyn's popularity has extended beyond star status
to icon. Today, the name "Marilyn Monroe" is
synonymous with beauty,and sensuality. The legendary
Marilyn Monroe will be remembered long after most
of us are no longer here.