Marilyn Monroe: A Life of Fame and Stardom
Marilyn Monroe is an iconic and legendary figure in Hollywood. She was the blonde bombshell that represented the beauty and sensualitity of the 50s and 60s, with a captivating voice, contagious laugh and magnetic presence on the silver screen. But how did Marilyn Monroe start her career?
Early Life
Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortensen in Los Angeles on June 1st 1926. Her parents, Gladys and Edward Motesenson, were not married, so her mother placed her in an orphanage shortly after her birth. Monroe’s mother suffered from psychological issues, and was unable to properly care for her, so she was placed in foster homes for much of her childhood.
Finding Her Path
Despite her unstable upbringing, Monroe began looking for work in her teens. She married for the first time at age 16, in order to escape a life of poverty. She divorced her first husband soon after. Monroe found a job as a pin-up model, which she used to make enough money to start acting classes at the Actor’s Lab in Los Angeles. She became a smalll-time actress, appearing in minor roles in both commercials and films.
Her Big Break
Monroe’s big break finally came in 1953 when she was cast as “the girl” in the movie Niagra. She went on to appear in several other films, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, and The Seven Year Itch. These films were instant hits, and Monroe’s fame skyrocketed. She quickly became a major Hollywood star, and the world’s first modern sex symbol.
The Legacy of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic and beloved figures in Hollywood. Her sex symbol status and sparkling personality made her a household name in the 50s and 60s. Her legacy endures today, and for many, she will remain as the quintessential symbol of glamour, beauty, and Hollywood stardom.
Key Takeaways:
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- Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortensen
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- Monroe took up modeling and acting classes while in her teens
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- She became a star after appearing in 1953’s Niagra
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- Monroe is now remembered as an iconic and beloved figure in Hollywood
