Devin Jacobs
Marilyn Monroe is one of the few names that stand out as a trademark in Hollywood’s golden age. She symbolizes beauty, grace, and enduring fascination. Beyond her glitz and glamor lies a complex woman whose life story unfolds like a classic film reel. Let’s look into these 15 compelling aspects of Marilyn Monroe’s life—revealing the real woman behind the dazzling smile and platinum blonde curls.
The Many Names of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe’s journey through names was a colorful odyssey. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson and baptized Norma Jeane Baker, she experimented with aliases like Jean Norman and Mona Monroe during her modeling days. Her creative inclinations led to brief stints as Zelda Zonk and Faye Miller, culminating in the iconic Marilyn Monroe, adopted in 1946 as she ascended to stardom.
The Iconic “Happy Birthday” Dress
The “Happy Birthday” dress is a legendary piece of fashion history. Worn by Marilyn Monroe in 1962 when she serenaded President John F. Kennedy, the glittering, nude-colored gown was adorned with 2,500 hand-stitched crystals. The dress sold for over $1.26 million in 1999 and fetched $4.8 million in 2016.
She Believed Clark Gable to be Her Father
Monroe’s childhood was a rollercoaster ride. She was the daughter of a mentally ill mother who was often hospitalized, leaving young Marilyn to bounce between foster families. At one point, she fancied that her father might be the famous actor Clark Gable, based on her mother’s photo. However, she later discovered that her father was Charles Stanley Gifford, who sadly wanted nothing to do with her.
Frank Sinatra’s Gift to Monroe
Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe were rumored to have been romantically involved, though they were close friends. Sinatra once presented her with a Maltese terrier puppy as a gift. She affectionately named the pup Mafia Honey, or Maf for short, in playful reference to Sinatra’s reputed ties to the mob. Remarkably, in 1999, two Polaroid photos of Maf were auctioned for over $220,000.
The White Dress Auctioned For Millions
The white dress Monroe had on in the 1955 film called “The Seven Year Itch” sold for $4.6 million (£2.8 million) at a Los Angeles auction. Actress Debbie Reynolds had collected it along with other film memorabilia over four decades, hoping to create a museum that never came to be. Reynolds, 79, was emotional as the auction closed as it marked the end of an era for the dress.
Secret Behind Her Famous Pout
Using five lip products, Marilyn created her famous pout by strategically applying darker colors to the edges and lighter shades to the center of her lips. This technique enhanced their fullness, while a final touch of white highlight on the lower lip and a coat of gloss added a glamorous finish to her makeup routine.
Monroe’s Transition to Modelling
In late 1944, Marilyn began working at the Radioplane Company in Van Nuys. Photographer David Conover noticed her and began photographing her and her colleagues for morale-boosting purposes. She quit her factory job in January 1945 to focus on modeling for Conover and his friends. Against her husband’s wishes, she signed with the Blue Book Model Agency in August 1945, which launched her modeling career.
Achieving That Unique Platinum Blonde
Emmeline Snively, head of the Blue Book Model Agency, suggested to Norma Jeane that she bleach her hair for more modeling opportunities, noting that blondes had greater versatility in photos. Norma Jeane’s hairstylist conducted several experiments before achieving the iconic platinum blonde shade.
Pay Gap in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”
When Marilyn Monroe starred in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” she earned a modest $18,000 for her role, while her co-star Jane Russell received $200,000. This glaring salary disparity highlighted broader industry inequities.
She Never Received an Oscar Nomination
Despite her remarkable success, Marilyn Monroe was never nominated for an Oscar throughout her career. Nevertheless, her achievements were significant, including winning three of four Golden Globe nominations. This underscored her widespread recognition and acclaim in the entertainment world.
Monroe Struggled With Memorizing Lines
She struggled with memorizing lines throughout her career. Many professionals attributed this challenge to the stress she often felt in front of the camera. Although she struggled with memorizing dialogue at times, Marilyn Monroe persevered and became a beloved figure in film and culture.
Joe DiMaggio’s Tribute to Marilyn
Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn’s husband, honored her memory by sending flowers to her grave three times a week for a remarkable twenty years. Before her death, he made a solemn promise to Marilyn that he would continue this gesture.
The First Choice For “Breakfast in Tiffany’s”
Truman Capote envisioned Marilyn Monroe as the ideal fit for the lead role in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and was impressed when she performed two scenes for him. Capote praised her performance, saying she was “terrifically good.” Ultimately, Monroe declined the role because her advisor and acting coach believed it wasn’t the right character for her to portray.
Her House Was Secretly Bugged
In the early 1970s, married actors Michael Irving and Veronica Hamel purchased Marilyn Monroe’s sole-owned property, a modest hacienda in Brentwood, California. Nearly a decade after Monroe’s passing, during renovations, the couple unearthed a sophisticated, government-grade phone-tapping system installed in the entire house.
The Tragic Death
Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her bed, clutching a telephone receiver. The toxicology report revealed acute barbiturate poisoning as the cause of death. Empty medicine bottles were discovered next to her bed, prescribed for depression.
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