36 Facts About Norma Jeane Mortenson

Early Life and Family Background

Norma Jeane Mortenson, better known as Marilyn Monroe, had a tumultuous early life and family background that shaped her into the iconic figure she became.

1. Norma Jeane Mortenson was born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, to Gladys Pearl Baker and Martin Edward Mortensen. Her mother struggled with mental illness, leading to frequent confinements in an asylum.

2. Foster Care: Norma Jeane was reared by 12 successive sets of foster parents and spent time in an orphanage due to her mother's instability.

3. Gladys Pearl Baker: Born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, Gladys came from a poor Midwestern family that migrated to California. She married John Newton Baker at age 15, had two children, and later divorced him due to his abusive nature.

4. Paternity Revelation: In 2022, DNA testing revealed that Norma Jeane's father was Charles Stanley Gifford, a co-worker of Gladys, challenging the belief that her father was Martin Edward Mortensen.

Early Marriages and Personal Life

Norma Jeane's early marriages and personal life were marked by a series of relationships that influenced her journey to stardom.

5. First Marriage: At 16, Norma Jeane married James Dougherty in 1942. The marriage lasted four years until their divorce in 1946.

6. Joe DiMaggio: She married baseball star Joe DiMaggio in 1954, but their marriage ended in less than a year.

7. Arthur Miller: Her third marriage was to playwright Arthur Miller in 1956, which ended in divorce in 1961.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a Hollywood star, Norma Jeane's career had humble beginnings that set the stage for her future success.

8. Munitions Factory: During World War II, she worked at a munitions factory, where photographer David Conover discovered her, leading to her modeling career.

9. Modeling: Conover's photographs led to her signing with the Blue Book Modeling Agency, marking the start of her modeling career.

10. Screen Name: In 1946, she signed a short-term contract with Twentieth Century-Fox and adopted the screen name Marilyn Monroe.

Rise to Fame

Marilyn Monroe's rise to fame in the 1950s was marked by a series of successful films and iconic roles.

11. Early Film Roles: Her first major break came with Scudda-Hoo Scudda-Hay! (1948), followed by The Asphalt Jungle (1950) and All About Eve (1950).

12. Commercial Success: Films like Let’s Make It Legal (1951), Love Nest (1951), Clash by Night (1952), and Niagara (1953) boosted her fame.

13. Iconic Roles: Her performances in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), and There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954) cemented her status as a star.

Personal Struggles and Triumphs

Despite her glamorous image, Marilyn Monroe faced numerous personal struggles and triumphs throughout her life.

14. Stage Fright: She struggled with stage fright, often experiencing nervous stomach, shaking hands, and vomiting before live performances.

15. Athleticism: Marilyn enjoyed various physical activities, including weightlifting and tandem surfing.

16. Skin Whitening: She used hormone cream to whiten her skin, which encouraged the growth of blonde down on her face, adding to her natural beauty.

17. Nudity: Marilyn preferred to go naked, often doing so among female studio employees and during interviews.

Relationships with Writers and Intellectuals

Marilyn Monroe had intriguing relationships with writers and intellectuals, showcasing her depth and complexity.

18. Jean-Paul Sartre: The philosopher wanted her to play a hysterical patient in the film Freud, for which he wrote the first draft of a screenplay.

19. Truman Capote: Capote's first choice for the role of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s was Marilyn Monroe.

20. Albert Einstein: Marilyn and actress Shelley Winters reportedly fantasized about Einstein, indicating her high standards in romantic interests.

Controversies and Mysteries

Marilyn Monroe's life was surrounded by controversies and mysteries, adding to her enigmatic legacy.

21. Death Investigation: Her death was ruled a “probable suicide,” but toxicology tests were only carried out on her liver. Other organs were reportedly destroyed.

22. Wire-Taps: After her death, actress Veronica Hamel discovered an extensive system of wire-taps in Marilyn’s home, suggesting surveillance.

23. Paternity Claims: Both Charles Stanley Gifford and Edward Mortensen claimed paternity of Marilyn on their deathbeds.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Marilyn Monroe's legacy continues to inspire and captivate generations, making her an enduring cultural icon.

24. Hero: Her hero was Abraham Lincoln, whom she admired for his resilience and humble beginnings.

25. Books: At the time of her death, she was reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Captain Newman MD by Leo Rosten.

26. Conversion to Judaism: In 1956, Marilyn converted to Judaism before marrying Arthur Miller, marking a significant personal journey.

27. Comedic Roles: She emerged as a talented comedian with roles in The Seven Year Itch (1955) and Bus Stop (1956).

28. Athletic Achievements: Marilyn studied weightlifting with Olympic champion Howard Corrington and enjoyed tandem surfing.

29. Hormone Cream Side Effects: The hormone cream she used for skin whitening encouraged the growth of blonde down on her face.

30. Nudity in Interviews: She often gave interviews in the nude and sometimes went out wearing nothing under a black mink coat.

31. Writers’ Preferences: Writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Truman Capote preferred her for significant roles in their works.

32. Death Investigation Controversy: Toxicology tests were only carried out on her liver, and other organs were reportedly destroyed.

33. Wire-Taps in Her Home Discovery: Actress Veronica Hamel discovered wire-taps in Marilyn’s home during renovations.

34. Hero: Abraham Lincoln: Marilyn admired Lincoln for his resilience and humble beginnings.

35. Books at the Time of Death: She was reading To Kill a Mockingbird and Captain Newman MD at the time of her death.

36. Legacy: Marilyn Monroe left an indelible mark on American culture, inspiring generations and becoming one of Hollywood's most enduring figures.

The Enduring Legacy of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, remains a symbol of glamour, talent, and complexity. Her journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a Hollywood icon is nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing numerous personal challenges, she captivated audiences with her performances in classics like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch. Her marriages to James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller, along with her conversion to Judaism, reflect her search for stability and identity. Monroe's untimely death at 36 left many questions unanswered, but her influence endures. From her athletic pursuits to her love for Abraham Lincoln, Monroe was a multifaceted individual. Her legacy continues to inspire and fascinate, making her one of the most enduring figures in American culture. Marilyn Monroe's life, filled with both triumphs and tragedies, ensures she will never be forgotten.