Marilyn Monroe personified Hollywood glamour with an unparalleled glow and energy that enamored the world. The curvy Monroe was much more than a sex symbol. Vulnerable and pure, yet sultry and sensual, she was treasured by audiences worldwide. She trumped all other film stars on her way to becoming one of the most celebrated women in contemporary times.

Marilyn's real name was Norma Jeane Mortenson. She was born on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. As the identity of her father is undetermined, she was later baptized Norma Jeane Baker. Gladys, Norma Jeane's mother, eventually wound up in a psychiatric ward.

Because of this, Norma Jeane became an orphan. She lived in orphan homes and foster care up until 1937 when she was brought in by family friend Grace Goddard. Financial burdens forced the Goddards to abandon Norma Jeane when she was 16, after Mr. Goddard was transferred to the East for work. Norma Jeane could either go back to being an orphan, or become a bride. So, in 1942, Norma Jeane married her 21 year old neighbor Jimmy Dougherty. Jimmy and Norma Jeane had been dating for around 5 months. By all accounts Norma Jeane loved Jimmy, and they were happy together until he joined the Merchant Marines and was sent to the South Pacific in 1944.

While Jimmy was off at war, Norma Jeane took a job working on an assembly line. This is where photographer David Conover first laid eyes on her. He was working on an assignment for Yank magazine that depicted women working during the war. After using her for his piece in Yank magazine, David Conover started sending modeling gigs to Norma Jeane. The camera loved Norma Jeane, and within two years she was a reputable model with many popular magazine covers to her credit. Norma then took the plunge into acting by enrolling in drama classes. However, Jimmy's return in 1946 meant Norma Jeane had to make another choice- this time between her marriage and her career.

A divorce between Norma Jeane and Jimmy became concrete in 1946, leaving Norma Jeane free to sign her first studio contract with 20th Century Fox Studios. Shortly following, Norma Jeane colored her hair blonde and switched her name to Marilyn Monroe (after her grandmother). The rest, as the saying goes, is history.

Her first film role was in 1947 in The Shocking Miss Pilgrim. She played a series of inconsequential characters until 1950, when John Huston's thriller The Asphalt Jungle provided her with a small but influential role. Also in 1950, Marilyn portrayed Claudia Caswell in   All Bout Eve . The movie starred Bette Davis, but Marilyn received a lot of attention for her role in the film. Marilyn then had a string of roles in a variety of films, such as 'Don't Bother to Knock', 'As Young As You Feel' and 'Monkey Business'. However, it was the 1953 film 'Niagara' in which Monroe was catapulted into stardom. In 'Niagara', Marilyn played a young married woman who was scheming to murder her older, overbearring husband played by Joe Cotten.

With her triumph in Niagara, more leading roles followed for Monroe. She starred in 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' and 'How to Marry a Millionaire'. In 1953, Photoplay magazine crowned Marilyn the Best New Actress of the year. She was finally a bonafied Hollywood superstar. 

The Sports world and Hollywood collided in 1954 when Marilyn married star Yankees outfielder Joe DiMaggio. Joe D and Marilyn had already been dating for 2 years when they were married. The marriage was plagued with troubles, as Joe was extremely uncomfortable with all of the attention Marilyn received from men. Nine months later on October 27, 1954, Marilyn and Joe divorced. When pressed, the couple said their breakup was due to 'conflict of careers'. However, the couple would stay as close friends.

In the year 1955, Marilyn Monroe was looking to put her 'dumb blonde' stereotype behind her. Marilyn wanted to be taken seriously as an actress. To accomplish this, she took a break from the Hollywood grind and went to New York City, to study in a famous Actors' Studio. Marilyn then started up her own movie company in 1956, christening it 'Marilyn Monroe Productions'. 'Bus Stop' and 'The Prince and the Showgirl' were 2 of the films produced by Marilyn Monroe Productions. These two films allowed her to demonstrate her talent and versatility as an actress. Marilyn won the Golden Globe for Best Actress In A Comedy with 1959's 'Some Like It Hot'.

On June 29, 1956, Marilyn wed playwright Arthur Miller. Sadly, the marriage between Marilyn and Arthur ended on January 20, 1961.

Marilyn's popularity was evident again in 1962 when she won Golden Globe for Female Film Favorite.

Hollywood was changed forever on the morning of August 5, 1962. Marilyn Monroe had passed away in her sleep. She was in her Brentwood, California home. Everyone was in a state of bewilderment. Marilyn's vibrant spirit and beauty made it impossible to believe she was gone.

During her career, Marilyn made 30 films and left one, Something's Got to Give, unfinished. Marilyn was much more than a movie star. A global sensation in her lifetime, Marilyn's popularity has extended beyond star status to icon.