Biography & Filmography for: 
Name: Norma Jean Baker
Born: June 1, 1926 Los Angeles, CA
Died: August 4th, 1962 or August 5th 1962
Married To: Jimmy Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, Arthur Miller
Measurements: 37-23-36
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926. She was later baptized as Norma Jeane Baker. Her mother, Gladys, had little money and suffered from mental problems, and the identity of Marilyn's father is unknown. Desiring a better life for her daughter, Gladys sent Norma Jeane to live with a foster family. Marilyn lived with several families during her childhood and, in 1935 at age nine, entered an orphanage where she lived until June 1937. On June 19, 1942 the 16-year-old Norma Jeane wed Jimmy Dougherty, a young man five years her senior that she had met while working at an aircraft plant. The couple divorced in June of 1946.
In 1944, Marilyn was photographed at work by a journalist as part of an Army promotion demonstrating women's contributions to the war effort. The photographer asked to take more pictures of her, and soon she had launched a modeling career. By 1945, Norma Jeane Dougherty’s glowing beauty had made her immensely popular, and she graced the covers of 33 major magazines. By 1946, she had quit her job at the aircraft plant and was working as a full-time model while pursuing a career in film.
On July 23, 1946, Marilyn signed a contract with 20th Century-Fox, which entitled her to $125 a week. Soon after signing with Fox, Norma Jeane began using the name ‘Marilyn Monroe.’ The last name was her grandmother's and the first name was copied from the actress Marilyn Miller. Marilyn's first role was a bit part in the 1947 film The Shocking Miss Pilgrim. She continued to play inconsequential characters until 1950 when John Huston’s thriller Asphalt Jungle provided her with a small but influential role. Her performance in the film All About Eve later the same year earned her greater notoriety.
On Jan. 14, 1954, Marilyn embarked on her second marriage, this time with baseball superstar Joe DiMaggio. Only nine months later, on Oct. 27, 1954, Monroe and DiMaggio divorced. During a press conference on Oct. 6, Monroe's attorney attributed the split to a "conflict of careers."
After making several movies that cast her as just another Hollywood pretty face, Monroe was ready to shed her "shallow blonde" image to pursue serious acting. In 1956, she began studying under Lee Strasberg at New York's Actors Studio. That year, Monroe also launched Marilyn Monroe Productions with photographer Milton Greene. The company produced Bus Stop (1956) and The Prince and the Showgirl (1957), two films that allowed Monroe to demonstrate her abilities as a serious actress.
On June 29, 1956, Monroe married playwright Arthur Miller. 1961’s The Misfits was written by Miller for Monroe, and was her last completed film. The Miller-Monroe marriage ended in divorce on Jan. 20, 1961.
In 1962, Monroe was named “World's Most Popular Star” by Golden Globe, demonstrating her widespread appeal. On the night of August 4 or the early morning of August 5 of the same year, Monroe died in her sleep in her Brentwood, California home, at the early age of 36. The world was stunned, and her loss is still grieved today. Marilyn was laid to rest in Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles, Corridor of Memories, #24.
Marilyn Monroe made 30 films and left one, Something's Got to Give, unfinished. But she was more than just a movie star or glamour queen. A global sensation in her lifetime, Marilyn's popularity has extended beyond star status to icon. Today, the name ‘Marilyn Monroe’ is synonymous with beauty and glamour. Marilyn will remain an inspiration to all who strive to overcome personal obstacles for the goal of achieving greatness.
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Films
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Year
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Film
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Role
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1962
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Something's Got to Give
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Ellen Arden
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1961
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The Misfits
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Roslyn Taber
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1960
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Let's Make Love
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Amanda Dell
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1959
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Some Like It Hot
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Sugar Kane
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1957
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The Prince and the Showgirl
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Elsie Marina
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1956
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Bus Stop
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Cherie
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1955
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The Seven Year Itch
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The Girl
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1954
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River of No Return
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Kay Weston
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1954
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There's No Business Like Show Business
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Vicky
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1953
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How to Marry a Millionaire
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Pola Debevoise
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1953
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Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
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Lorelei Lee
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1953
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Niagara
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Rose Loomis
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1952
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Don't Bother to Knock
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Nell Forbes
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1952
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We're Not Married!
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Anabel Norris
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1952
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Clash by Night
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Peggy
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1952
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Monkey Business
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Lois Laurel
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1952
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O. Henry's Full House
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Streetwalker
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1951
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As Young as You Feel
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Harriet
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1951
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Hometown Story
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Iris Martin
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1951
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Let's Make It Legal
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Joyce Mannering
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1951
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Love Nest
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Roberta Stevens
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1950
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All About Eve
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Claudia Caswell
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1950
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The Asphalt Jungle
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Angela Phinlay
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1950
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Love Happy
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Grunion's Client
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1950
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The Fireball
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Polly
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1950
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Right Cross
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uncredited
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1950
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A Ticket to Tomahawk
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Clara
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1949
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Ladies of the Chorus
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Peggy Martin
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1948
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Dangerous Years
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Evie
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1948
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Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!
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uncredited
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1947
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The Shocking Miss Pilgrim
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uncredited
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*Please note* This Biography and Films list is property of the Marilyn Monroe Estate. In no way shape or form is this information rightfully mine. For more information on Marilyn Please visit MarilynMonroe.com Although some of this has been altered by me only to fit my page better. Thank you.
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