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Marilyn Monroe Timeline
(June 1, 1926 – August 4, 1962)Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962) was an American actress, model, and singer who became one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, she rose from a difficult childhood to become Hollywood's premier sex symbol and a major box-office star, known for films such as 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,' 'Some Like It Hot,' and 'The Seven Year Itch.' Her life, marked by personal struggles and professional triumphs, ended tragically at age 36. More Less
Early Life
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles
Jun 1, 1926
Norma Jeane Mortenson was born at Los Angeles County Hospital to Gladys Pearl Monroe, a film cutter at Consolidated Industries. She would later be baptized Norma Jeane Baker, and her early childhood was marked by instability and her mother's mental illness.
Image source: Marilyn Monroe
Spends childhood in foster homes and orphanages
Jan 1, 1933 - Jun 19, 1942
After her mother suffered a mental breakdown in 1934 and was institutionalized, Norma Jeane spent years moving between foster homes and the Los Angeles Orphans' Home Society, an experience that left lasting emotional scars.
Begins working at Radioplane munitions factory
Jan 1, 1944
During World War II, Norma Jeane worked at the Radioplane Company factory in Van Nuys, spraying airplane parts. It was there that army photographer David Conover spotted her, launching her modeling career.
Signs with Blue Book Modeling Agency
Aug 1, 1945
Norma Jeane signed with Emmeline Snively's Blue Book Model Agency and became one of its most successful models, appearing on dozens of magazine covers and bleaching her hair blonde.
Image source: James Dougherty (police officer)
Marriages & Relationships
Marries James Dougherty at age 16
Jun 19, 1942
To avoid returning to an orphanage, sixteen-year-old Norma Jeane married neighbor James Dougherty, a Merchant Marine. The marriage lasted until 1946, when she chose to pursue her modeling and acting career.
Divorces James Dougherty
Sep 13, 1946
Norma Jeane divorced Dougherty as her Hollywood career began, later saying that marriage had not fulfilled her ambitions and that she needed freedom to pursue acting.
Marries baseball legend Joe DiMaggio
Jan 14, 1954 - Oct 27, 1954
Monroe wed former New York Yankees star Joe DiMaggio at San Francisco City Hall. Their marriage was strained by his jealousy and her career demands; they divorced after nine months but remained close friends.
Image source: Joe DiMaggio
Performs for troops in Korea
Feb 16, 1954 - Feb 19, 1954
During her honeymoon, Monroe entertained thousands of American servicemen in Korea over four days, performing songs from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The trip boosted morale and her popularity enormously.
Marries playwright Arthur Miller
Jun 29, 1956 - Jan 24, 1961
Monroe married Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Arthur Miller, converting to Judaism before their civil wedding. The intellectual partnership inspired Miller's work, including After the Fall, though the marriage ended in divorce amid personal strains.
Image source: Arthur Miller
Divorces Arthur Miller
Jan 24, 1961
Monroe and Miller divorced in Mexico after nearly five years of marriage. The relationship had been strained by miscarriages, professional tensions, and Monroe's struggles with mental health and substance dependence.
Key Facts
- Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, and spent much of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage.
- She signed her first film contract with 20th Century Fox in 1946 and adopted the stage name Marilyn Monroe.
- Her breakthrough came in the early 1950s with films like 'Niagara' (1953) and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' (1953), cementing her status as a Hollywood star.
- In 1955, she studied at the Actors Studio in New York under Lee Strasberg, seeking recognition as a serious dramatic actress.
- She died on August 4, 1962, in Los Angeles from a barbiturate overdose at the age of 36, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a pop culture icon.
Source
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