Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in the charity ward of a Los Angeles hospital in 1926. Her career as an actor and singer made her an icon of the twentieth century. Her trademark looks helped her become one of Hollywood’s greatest ever sex symbols. Her death in 1962 remains a mystery; officially it was suicide but many say she was murdered.

 

Norma Jeane had a poor childhood and grew up in foster homes and orphanages. She married at 16 to escape life in government care but divorced four years later. In 1946, she joined a modelling agency and took singing and acting lessons. She soon caught the eye of a Hollywood movie executive, who offered her a six-month acting contract. 

 

Norma Jeane changed her name to Marilyn Monroe. She spent seven years taking on small roles and doing part-time modelling. In 1953, she starred in the film ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ and sang the legendary ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’. She became a Hollywood sensation. All her movies were instant box office hits. She won a Golden Globe Award in 1959 for ‘Some Like It Hot’.

 

Monroe became an American superstar. She married baseball great Joe Di Maggio and then playwright Arthur Miller. Many believe she was involved with President John F. Kennedy. Her last significant appearance was singing "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" at a televised birthday party for him in New York. Monroe’s looks and personality have inspired  generations of performers since her death.