TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to suicide and drug abuse.As Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday rolled around, fans from across the world remembered the iconic star for her work and her presence on screen. Monroe had come a long way from being a foster child to Hollywood icon. Beyond that, she was known for her philanthropic efforts and for how she became a trend setter in the industry for women.
Who was Marilyn Monroe?
Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles. From a young age, she lived a turbulent childhood. Her mother, Gladys, moved Monroe with evangelical Christian foster parents Albert and Ida Bolender while she moved back to the city for work. After her mother was placed in a state hospital diagnosed with schizophrenia, Monroe was declared a ward of the state and placed in an orphanage.She married her neighbour shortly after her 16th birthday and remained in the union for a few years. In 1945, after working at a factory to help with the war efforts, she quit everything and started working as a model.Although her earlier years were filled with ups and downs, she still managed to persevere and enter the acting industry. In the late 1940s, after training to become an actor, she scored minor roles in ‘Dangerous Years,’ released in 1947, and ‘Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!’, which was released in 1948. She ended up gaining more and more attention later on with films such as ‘The Asphalt Jungle’ and ‘All About Eve.’As she rose to fame and success, one role after another, Monroe slowly became known as a sex symbol in the industry. In 1954, while filming ‘The Seven Year Itch,’ Monroe filmed a scene where she stood over a subway grate as a passing train blew a gust of wind upwards, lifting the skirt of her iconic white dress. Monroe is best remembered for this specific scene, and to date, many people dress up in the same manner to celebrate the icon.
Marilyn Monroe’s life beyond acting
Beyond her career as an actress, Monroe was actively involved in learning about arts and spending time on her philanthropic actions. She continued to train as an actress and picked up an interest in reading all forms of literature, including subjects such as politics, art, and psychoanalysis. Over the years, it has been reported many times that the actress would often keep books in her cars and bags and read at any chance she could get. She was also viewed as a feminist icon, in 1954, she opened her own production company because she wanted more control over her work and contracts.Monroe passed away in 1962 at age 36, with the official ruling citing a drug overdose. Her demise was ruled to be a case of probable suicide.DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, or mental illness, please seek professional help immediately from a doctor, mental health expert, or NGO. Helplines are also available.
