| Marilyn Monroe Born June 1,1926 *Birth name Norma Jean Mortensen *Height 5' 5�" *Mini biography Her mother was a film-cutter at RKO who, widowed and insane, abandoned her to sequence of foster homes. She was almost smothered to death at two, nearly raped at six. At nine the LA Orphans' Home paid her a nickel a month for kitchen work while taking back a penny every Sunday for church. At sixteen she worked in an aircraft plant and married a man she called Daddy; he went into the military, she modeled, they divorced in 1946. She owned 200 books (including Tolstoy, Whitman, Milton), listened to Beethoven records, studied acting at the Actors' lab in Hollywood, and took literature courses at UCLA downtown. 20th Century Fox gave her a contract but let it lapse a year later. In 1948 Columbia gave her a six-month contract, turned her over to coach Natasha Lytess and featured her in the B movie "Ladies of the Chorus" for which she sang two numbers. Joseph Mankiewicz saw her in a small part in Asphalt Jungle, The (1950) and put her in "All About Eve", because of which 20th Century re-signed her to a seven-year contract. Niagara (1953) and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) launched her as a sex symbol superstar. When she went to a supper honoring her Seven Year Itch, The (1955) she arrived in a red chiffon gown borrowed from the studio (she had never owned a gown). The same year she married and divorced baseball great 'Joe Dimaggio' (their wedding night was spent in Paso Robles CA). After "Itch" she wanted serious acting to replace the sexpot image and went to New York's Actors Studio. She worked with director Lee Strasberg and also underwent psychoanalysis to learn more about herself. Critics praised her transformation in Bus Stop (1956) and the press was stunned by her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller. True to form, she had no veil to match her beige wedding dress so she dyed one in coffee; he wore one of the two suits he owned. They went to England that fall where she made "The Prince and the Showgirl" with Lawrence Olivier, fighting with him and falling further prey to alcohol and pills. Two miscarriages and gynecological surgery followed. So did an affair with Yves Montand. Work on her last picture Misfits, The (1961), written for her by departing husband Miller) was interrupted by exhaustion. She was dropped from "Something's Got to Give" due to chronic lateness and drug dependency. Four months later she was found dead in her Brentwood home of a drug overdose, adjudged suicide. IMDb mini-biography by Ed Stephan <[email protected]> *Mini biography The most celebrated of all actresses, Marilyn Monroe, was born Norma Jean Mortenson, on June 1, 1926, in the Los Angeles General Hospital, in California. Prior to her birth, Marilyn's father bought a motorcycle and headed north to San Francisco, thus abandoning the family in LA. Marilyn grew up not knowing for sure who her father really was. Her mother, Gladys, had entered into several relationships thus confusing her daughter as to who fathered her. Afterward, Gladys gave Norma Jean (Marilyn) the name of Baker, a previous suitor before Mortenson. Poverty was a constant companion. Gladys, who was extremely attractive and worked for RKO Studios as a film cutter, suffered from mental illness and therefore was in and out of mental institutions for the rest of her life. Subsequently, Marilyn spent time in foster homes. When she was nine, Marilyn was placed in an orphanage where she was to stay for the next two years. When she was released from the orphanage, she went to, yet, another foster home. In 1942, at the age of sixteen Marilyn married an aircraft plant worker by the name of James Dougherty who was 21. The marriage only lasted four years when they divorced in 1946. By this time, Marilyn began to model swim suits and bleached her hair blonde. Various shots made their way into the public eye, where some were eventually seen by RKO head, Howard Hughes. Hughes offered Marilyn a screen test, but an agent suggested that Fox Studios would be the better choice since it was bigger and more prestigious. She was signed to a contract at $125 per week for a six month period and that was increased by $25 at the end of that time when her contract was lengthened. Her first film was in 1947 with a bit part in Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (1947). Her next production was not much better. 1948 saw Marilyn in the largely forgettable, Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948). The two of the three brief scenes she appeared wound up on the cutting room floor. Later that same year, Marilyn was given a better role as Evie in Dangerous Years (1947). Twentieth Century-Fox declined to renew her contract, so she went back to modeling and acting school. Columbia Studios then picked her up to portray Peggy Martin in the film short Ladies of the Chorus (1948) where she sang two numbers. Even the notices from the critics were favorable, but Columbia dropped her after that film. Once again, Marilyn returned to modeling. In 1949, Marilyn appeared in United Artists' film Love Happy (1950). It was also the same year she posed nude for the now famous calendar shot which was later to appear in Playboy magazine in 1953 and further boost her career. She would be Playboy's first centerfold in that magazine's long and illustrious history. 1950 proved to be a good year for Marilyn. Not because she appeared in five films, but for the notices for her small ones in two of the five. they were Asphalt Jungle, The (1950) with MGM and All About Eve (1950) with Fox. Even though both roles were amounted to bit parts and the latter received Oscar nominations, movie fans remembered her dumb blonde performance. In 1951, Marilyn got a fairly sizable role in Love Nest (1951). The public was now getting to know Marilyn and was enthralled with her. She exuded an almost innocence about the aura of sexuality about her. In 1952, Marilyn appeared in Don't Bother to Knock (1952) in which she played a babysitter who was somewhat mentally unbalanced. She didn't fare well with the critics in this one. Later in the year she appeared in Monkey Business (1952) where she was seen for the first time as a platinum blonde. The look became her trademark. The next year she appeared in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) as Lorelei Lee. It was also the same year she began dating the baseball great, Joe DiMaggio. Marilyn was now a box-office drawing card. Later, she appeared with Betty Grable, Lauren Bacall and Rory Calhoun in How to Marry a Millionaire (1953). Although her co-stars got the rave reviews, it was the sight of Marilyn who excited the audience, particularly if they were men. On January 14, 1954, Marilyn wed DiMaggio, then proceeded to film There's No Business Like Show Business (1954). That was quickly followed by The Seven Year Itch which was released in 1955 and showcased her comedic talent. By October of 1954, Marilyn announced her divorce from DiMaggio. The union lasted only eight months. In 1955, Marilyn was suspended by Fox for not reporting for work on 'How To Be Very Popular'. It was her second suspension, the first being for not reporting for the production of 'The Girl In Pink Tights'. Both roles went to others. In 1955, she appeared in Seven Year Itch, The (1955) which showed one of film's most memorable scenes when she stands above a subway grate and the wind from a passing subway blowing her white dress up. It was to be the only film she appeared that year. Her work was slowing down to to her problems with being tardy to the set, being ill, whether real or imagined, and generally being unwilling to cooperate with the producers, directors, and fellow actors. In Bus Stop (1956), she finally showed the critics that she could play a dramatic role. It was also the same year she married playwright, Arthur Miller. (They divorced in 1960). In 1957, Marilyn flew to Britain to film Prince and the Showgirl, The (1957) which proved less than reliable at the box-office. Though it made money, it was thought to be slow-moving. After a year off in 1958, Marilyn returned to the silver screen the next for the delightful comedy, Some Like It Hot (1959) with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The film was an absolute smash hit with Curtis and Lemmon pretending to be females in an all girl band, so they can get work. That, again, was be the only film for the year. In 1960, Marilyn appeared in the production of George Cukor's Let's Make Love (1960), with Tony Randall and Yves Montand. Most critics considered it slow moving. The following year, Marilyn made, what was to be her final film. Misfits, The (1961) also proved to be the final film for the legendary Clark Gable who died later that year of a heart attack. The film proved to be popular with critics and the public alike. In 1962, Marilyn was chosen for the film, Something's Got to Give (1962). Again her absenteeism caused delay after delay in production and she was fired in June. It looked as though her career was finished. Studios just didn't want to take a chance on her because it would cost them thousands of dollars in delays. She went in seclusion in her home in LA. On August 5, 1962, her housekeeper found her nude and lying face down on her bed, the victim of an overdose of sedatives. She was only 36. Marilyn made only 30 films in her lifetime, but her legendary status and mysticism will remain with film history forever. IMDb mini-biography by Denny Jackson *Spouse Arthur Miller (29 June 1956 - 20 January 1961) (divorced) Joe DiMaggio (14 January 1954 - 27 October 1954) (divorced) James Dougherty (I) (19 June 1942 - 13 September 1946) (divorced) *Trade mark Lisp, breathless voice *Trivia Voted 'Sexiest Woman of the Century' by People Magazine. [1999] Was 1947's Miss California Artichoke Queen. Was a direct descendant of U.S. President James Monroe, on her mother's side. Was roommates with Shelley Winters when they were both starting out in Hollywood. Ranked #8 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997] Voted EMPIRE's (UK) "sexiest female movie star of all time" in 1995. Playboy "Sweetheart" of the Month, December 1953. When she died in 1962 at age 36, Marilyn Monroe left an estate valued at $1.6 million. In her will, Monroe bequeathed 75% of that estate to Lee Strasberg, her acting coach, and 25% to Dr. Marianne Kris, her psychoanalyst. A trust fund provided her mother, Gladys Baker Eley, with $5,000 a year. When Dr. Kris died in 1980, she passed her 25% on to the Anna Freud Centre, a children's psychiatric institute in London. Since Strasberg's death in 1982, his 75% has been administered by his widow, Anna, and her lawyer, Irving Seidman. The licensing of Marilyn's name and likeness, handled world-wide by Curtis Management Group, reportedly nets the Monroe estate about $2 million a year. Was named the Number One Sex Star of the 20th Century by Playboy magazine in 1999. Started using the name Marilyn Monroe in 1946, but did not legally change it until 1956. Appeared on the first cover of Playboy in 1953. Had a dog named Tippy when she was a child. In her final, unfinished film, Something's Got To Give, the dog was also named Tippy. Interred at Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California, USA, in the Corridor of Memories, crypt #24. Hundreds of items of Marilyn memorabilia auctioned off in late October, 1999 by Christie's, with MM's infamous JFK birthday-gown fetching over $1 million. Was a natural-born brunette. Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#2). [1995] Hugh Hefner owns the burial vault next to hers. Died with the phone in her hand. Ex-husband Joe DiMaggio put fresh roses at her memorial site for years after her death When putting her imprints at Grauman's she joked that Jane Russell was best known for her large frontside and she was known for her wiggly walk, so Jane could lean over, and she could sit in it. It was only a joke, but she dotted the "I" in her name with a diamond, which was stolen within days. The character of Ginger from TV's Gilligan's Island was loosely based on her. Her first modeling job paid only five dollars. Frequently used Nivea moisturizer. During the filming of Niagara (1953), Marilyn was still under contract as a stock actor, thus, she received less salary than her make-up man. Often carried around the book, "The Biography of Abraham Lincoln." Was an outstanding player on the Hollygrove Orphanage softball team. Because the bathing suit Marilyn wore in the movie Love Nest (1951) was so risque (for the time period) and caused such a commotion on the set, director Joseph M. Newman had to make it a closed set when she was filming. It was in Marilyn's contract that she did not have to work when she was having her menstrual cycle. Fearing blemishes, Marilyn washed her face fifteen times a day. Marilyn was suggested as a possible wife for Prince Rainier of Monaco. He later married actress Grace Kelly. Thought the right side of her face was her "best" side. The first time she signed an autograph as Marilyn Monroe, she had to ask how to spell it. Marilyn didn't know where to put the "i" in "Marilyn". Born at 9:30 am Suffered from endometriosis, a condition in which tissues of the uterus lining (endometrium) leave the uterus, attach themselves to other areas of the body, and grow, causing pain, irregular bleeding, and, in severe cases, infertility. Divorced first husband, James Dougherty, in Las Vegas, NV. Divorced last husband, Arthur Miller, in Juarez, Mexico. Wore glasses. Obtained order from the City Court of the State of New York to legally change her name from Norma Jeane Mortenson to Marilyn Monroe. [23 February 1956] Married Arthur Miller twice: the 1st time in a civil ceremony, then in a Jewish (to which she had converted) ceremony 2 days later. Won an interlocutory decree from Joe DiMaggio on 27 October 1954, but, under California law, the divorce was not finalized until exactly 1 year later. Offered to convert to Catholism in order to marry the Catholic Joe DiMaggio in a Church ceremony, but was turned down because she was divorced. Subsequently, when the divorced DiMaggio married Marilyn in a civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, he was automatically excommunicated by the Church; this edict was struck down by Pope John XXIII's Ecumenical Council (Vatican II) in 1962. Even the origin of Marilyn's name has been subject to debate. Although it's believed that her movie-crazy mother, Gladys, named her after Norma Talmadge, Gladys reportedly told her daughter, Bernice (Marilyn's half-sister), that she named Marilyn after Norma Jeane Cohen, a woman Gladys knew while she lived in Kentucky with Bernice's father. Pictured on a 32� US commemorative postage stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series, issued 1 June 1995. Went to Van Nuys High School (Los Angeles) in the early 1940s but never graduated. Elton John (British Pop/Rock Star) recorded a tribute to Marilyn Monroe entitled "Candle in the Wind". In 1997 this was re-recorded with updated lyrics in memory of Princess Diana, an equally troubled person who also met an untimely death. Her behavior on the unfinished "Something's Got to Give" dimmed her reputation in the industry, but she was still big box office at the time of her death, slated to appear in (among other projects) the splashy musical "What a Way to Go" and the stark drama "The Stripper". When told she was not the star in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) Marilyn was quoted "Well whatever I am, I'm still the blonde." The famous nude photo of her by Tom Kelley originally appeared as Anonymous on a calendar entitled "Miss Golden Dreams." In 1952, a blackmailer threatened to identify the model as Marilyn, but she shrewdly thwarted the scheme by announcing the fact herself. Hugh Hefner then bought the rights to use the photo for $500. Marilyn became "The Sweetheart of the Month" in the first issue of Hefner's magazine, Playboy. Neither Kelley or Monroe ever saw a dime of the millions the calendar made for its publisher. Formed her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions {31 December 1955) Appears on sleeve of The Beatles' "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album. Batman writer/artist Bob Kane used Marilyn as a reference when he drew Vicki Vale. She is mentioned in the song "Lady Nina" by rock band Marillion. Her USO Entertainer Identification Card listed her name as "Norma Jean DiMaggio". She was "discovered" by press photographers during a WW2 photo shoot at the Radioplane plant in California (a manufacturer of military drone targets), owned by actor Reginald Denny. She was one of the plant's employees and her attractive looks and natural charm made her a "magnet" for the photographers. Was referenced in the dialogue of Dolce vita, La (1960), in the context of dieting. *Salary Misfits, The (1961) $300,000 Seven Year Itch, The (1955) $1,500/wk Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) $1,250/wk We're Not Married! (1952) $750/wk All About Eve (1950) $500/wk, 1-wk guarantee Asphalt Jungle, The (1950) $1,050 Love Happy (1950) $100 *Biography from Leonard Maltin's Movie Encyclopedia: Probably no other movie star-certainly no female one-has had her life as documented, discussed, and dissected. Her unhappy childhood has been well reported, as has her early work as a pinup model and her eventual signing by 20th Century-Fox. She was barely visible in Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948), Ladies of the Chorus (1949), and A Ticket to Tomahawk (1950), but had a memorable bit opposite Groucho Marx in Love Happy (1949). She first turned heads with minor but well-crafted supporting roles (as mistresses) in two 1950 classics, All About Eve and The Asphalt Jungle It's difficult to pinpoint, at this late date, just who it was that first spotted the quiet blonde and saw in her a latent star quality that eluded others. (Certainly there are many whoclaimed to have recognized her talent.) In any event, her buildup began with better parts in Love Nest, Let's Make It Legal (both 1951), Clash by Night, We're Not Married and Monkey Business (all 1952). Though used most frequently as a sex object, it was clear that she had a sense of comedy and a magnetic screen presence. Her first leading role, as a psychotic baby-sitter in a 1952 programmer, Don't Bother to Knock identified Monroe as an emerging talent. She became a fullfledged star in 1953, shining as the murderous wife in Niagara the husbandhunting, not-so-dumb blonde in How to Marry a Millionaire and the delightfully scheming showgirl Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (performing the classic "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend"). She showed some real fire in the Western River of No Return (1954), and resumed singing-and-dancing chores in There's No Business Like Show Business that same year. Billy Wilder's The Seven Year Itch (1955), a funny if mildly salacious comedy featuring Monroe as the lust object of bored husband Tom Ewell, included the classic scene in which the blond bombshell stands over a subway grating and has her skirt billowed by the breeze of a passing train. Her genuine sex appeal, wholesome yet somehow unattainable, made her a natural love goddess. (Her marriage to baseball hero Joe DiMaggio in 1954 completed the larger-than-life image.) Monroe, knowing that her star was on the ascent but keenly aware of her thespic limitations, studied with the New York guru of the Actors' Studio, Lee Strasberg, and subsequently gave a powerful performance as a hapless entertainer in Bus Stop (1956), and she took a flyer as producer of the unsuccessful The Prince and the Showgirl (1957), which teamed her with Laurence Olivier (who also directed)-and revealed no chemistry between the two. Wilder cast her as ukelelestrumming band singer Sugar Kane in his energetic 1920s farce Some Like It Hot (1959) and, in spite of well-publicized onthe-set tension, again got a delicious comic performance from her. Monroe, wracked by personal problems, insecurity, and self-induced health problems, only completed two more films:Let's Make Love (1960), an entertaining if unsubstantial movie costarring Yves Montand, and The Misfits (1961), a thoughtful and powerful drama written for her by her thenhusband Arthur Miller and directed by John Huston (who'd cast her eleven years earlier in The Asphalt Jungle). Again, there was more written about the film's troubled production than about the picture itself-it was said to have brought on costar Clark Gable's fatal heart attack-but it served Monroe well, with a substantial part that indicated her still-untapped potential. Her behavior became more and more erratic, and she was fired from Fox's 1962Something's Got to Give (which was revamped and filmed the next year asMove Over, Darling with Doris Day). Soon after she was found dead, from an "accidental overdose" of pills, though her alleged affairs with both John and Robert Kennedy have brought out foul-play conspiracists by the carload. In 1963 Fox released a compilation feature,Marilyn and a list of books and articles written about her would itself fill a book. Her tragic death-and troubled life-have inspired authors, songwriters, pop psychologists, and fervent fans, some of whom weren't alive during her heyday in the 1950s. She has also been portrayed-literally and symbolically-in a number of features and TV movies, most notably by Catherine Hicks in Marilyn: The Untold Story (1980, made for TV) and Theresa Russell in Insignificance (1985). It is obvious, however, that Monroe's many portrayers, and pretenders, can only hint at the natural charisma and sex appeal she projected. Copyright � 1994 Leonard Maltin, used by arrangement with Signet, a division of Penguin Putnam, Inc. |
| *Bio,Trivia & Facts taken from the Internet Movie Database. |
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