Born Norma Jeane Mortenson but, to everyone, she is one of the most iconic figures of all time. Known to the world much more simply as Marilyn Monroe, the Hollywood diva who would have celebrated her 100th birthday today embodied perhaps more than anyone else the glamour of the film world, with an aura and energy so unique that she was able to captivate the entire world.
Born in Los Angeles, California, on June 1, 1926, Norma Jeane spent many years of her childhood between foster homes and orphanages before moving to the home of a family friend. When the latter was forced to move, only two paths opened before Marilyn: return to the orphanage or get married. Choosing the second option, the future actress had a marriage that then lasted only a few years before signing, in 1946, her first contract with Twentieth Century Fox.
Thus, by dyeing her hair blonde and officially changing her given name, Marilyn began to lay the foundation for the successful career we all still remember today.
From Asphalt Jungle to All About Eve, via Let’s Make It Legal, As Young As You Feel or Monkey Business and Don’t Bother to Knock, the actress arrived in 1953 to star in Niagara, her ultimate stepping stone to success. Thus, later, Marilyn won leading roles in such celebrated films as Men Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire.
Innate sensuality and seductive beauty, however, were only some of the hallmarks of the Hollywood diva, who passed away prematurely on August 4, 1962 at the age of only 36.
A global phenomenon far beyond the role of mere movie star, Marilyn will forever be an inspiration to many, as well as a true icon capable of transcending the role of mere actress.
[đź“· IPA; Getty Images]
