Marilyn Monroe, an immortal icon of beauty and glamour, continues to fascinate the world decades after her death. Her life, marked by ephemeral brilliance and personal tragedies, is a fertile ground for curiosities that reveal not just the Hollywood star but the woman behind the spotlight.
From her early days as Norma Jeane Mortenson to her transformation into a global symbol, Monroe defied the conventions of her time and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her graces range from encounters with high-profile personalities to surprising details about her personal life and career, revealing a complex and intriguing facet that goes beyond myths and stereotypes.
In this text, we will explore some of the most fascinating curiosities about Marilyn Monroe, uncovering the secrets and lesser-known aspects that help to better understand the woman behind the myth.
1 – NORMA JEANE MORTENSON
Marilyn Monroe’s birth certificate shows that her original name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, but her baptismal record presents her as Norma Jeane Baker. During her modeling career, she used various names, such as Jean Norman and Mona Monroe.
It was only in 1956, when she was already a recognized star, that she legally changed her name to Marilyn Monroe.
These frequent name changes caused confusion, and at the beginning of her fame, she often found herself uncertain about the position of the letter “i” in Marilyn, which led her to make mistakes on some autographs.
2 – HARD CHILDHOOD
Marilyn Monroe’s childhood was marked by difficulties and instability. Born on June 1, 1926, Marilyn had a turbulent childhood that profoundly influenced her future life and career.
Her parents, Gladys Baker and Martin Mortenson, had a problematic relationship, and Marilyn was registered under her father’s name, although he was not present in her life. Her mother, Gladys, struggled with mental health issues and was unable to care for her daughter properly. As a result, Marilyn spent most of her childhood in orphanages and foster homes.
At age 7, Marilyn was placed in an orphanage, and her life was characterized by frequent changes of home. Her mother experienced periods of mental and emotional instability, leading to intermittent care and a lack of consistency for Marilyn. She was temporarily placed under the guardianship of various relatives and acquaintances, but these circumstances were not enough to provide the stability she needed.
When she was 9, Marilyn moved in with a family friend but again faced challenges with the lack of security and stability.
After her mother’s death in 1935, Marilyn was placed in a foster home but continued to face difficulties and often felt rejected.
This environment of uncertainty and deprivation shaped Marilyn’s personality and had a lasting impact on her adult life. The experiences of abandonment and instability contributed to her insecurities and emotional problems later in life.
3 – THREE MARRIAGES
The talented artist was married three times throughout her life. At 16, she married James Dougherty to escape the orphanage where she lived. This first marriage did not last long; four years later, James fell in love with a young woman from the countryside, not with an actress.
Marilyn was also married to the famous baseball player Joe DiMaggio. Their relationship was intense and problematic, marked by the athlete’s alcohol abuse and the abusive treatment he gave her. This marriage lasted only a year.
Her last marriage was to playwright Arthur Miller, and it was with him that Marilyn stayed the longest. They were married until 1961, and the artist passed away a year after their divorce.
4 – NO CHILDREN
According to the biography titled Marilyn, written by Norman Mailer and published in 1973, Marilyn Monroe is said to have undergone at least 12 abortions before the age of 30. By the end of her short life, she had no children.
5 – PLAYBOY
In 1953, the cover of the first issue of Playboy magazine featured an image of Marilyn Monroe. However, the magazine’s founder, Hugh Hefner, never met her in person. In 1992, Hefner purchased a crypt located directly above Monroe’s burial site, paying US$ 75,000 for it. Hefner would only pass away 25 years later, at the age of 91.
Additionally, the mogul bought the rights to Monroe’s nude photos, which were taken four years before the magazine’s publication, before she gained fame. Marilyn never signed any authorization for the release of these images.
6 – CONNECTION TO COMMUNISM?
During the Cold War, Marilyn Monroe was investigated by the FBI due to a possible connection to communism. The suspicion arose after the actress applied for a visa to visit the Soviet Union. At that time, her husband, Arthur Miller, was also seen as someone with possible ties to the Communist Party. Many artists were blacklisted by the FBI and faced political persecution during that era.
7 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE PRESIDENT
Marilyn Monroe’s famous performance at John F. Kennedy’s birthday celebration became notable for the sensuality she conveyed during the presentation. With a breathy tone, she sang the song provocatively, although this was not entirely intentional.
According to Monroe’s sister-in-law at the time, she was actually out of breath because she was late to the event and had to run to arrive on time. The incident led tabloids to speculate about a possible romance between the public figures.
8 – DID SHE HAVE AN AFFAIR WITH PRESIDENT KENNEDY?
It’s no surprise that President John F. Kennedy wasn’t the most faithful of U.S. leaders. However, the most notable affair he is said to have had was with Marilyn Monroe.
According to the book These Few Precious Days by Christopher Andersen, during Jackie Kennedy’s last year alongside her husband, Monroe allegedly called the First Lady to inform her about the relationship between her and JFK.
Besides John, Marilyn was also rumored to have been involved with the president’s brother, Robert Kennedy, who was the Attorney General of the United States. However, it is important to note that this information has never been confirmed and remains just another conspiracy theory.
9 – COMPROMISING RECORDING
In 2008, a 15-minute recording showing Marilyn Monroe performing oral sex on a man whose identity was not disclosed was purchased for one and a half million dollars.
The recording was bought by a businessman who chose to remain anonymous.
The purpose of the purchase was to prevent the content from spreading on the internet and further affecting Monroe’s already controversial image.
10 – SUCCESS IN CINEMA
Marilyn made dozens of films, including: “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953), “Some Like It Hot” (1959), “A Date with Judy” (1957), and one of her greatest classics, featuring the iconic scene with the white dress blowing up: “The Seven Year Itch” (1955).
11 – SUICIDE OR MURDER?
Although the official report states that Marilyn Monroe’s death was a possible suicide, there are several theories suggesting she was brutally murdered. Some conspiracy theorists point out the apparent lack of examination of organs other than the liver.
Thomas Noguchi, one of the coroners involved, requested samples from other organs, but he was informed that the remaining parts of Monroe’s body had been destroyed.
12 – PLATINUM WIG AT THE FUNERAL
The deceased artist was buried in an open casket at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary, wearing an elegant light green dress created by Italian designer Emilio Pucci. The most notable detail, however, was the platinum blonde wig she wore, as her head was partially shaved due to the autopsy.
Marilyn Monroe remains an iconic figure whose curiosities continue to fascinate the public decades after her death. From her role as a sex symbol in the 1950s to her personal struggles with mental health and the search for an authentic identity, her life was a tangle of glamour and vulnerability.
Her famous quotes, such as “I am just a girl who wants to be loved”, reflect an emotional depth that goes beyond her public image. Monroe’s influence transcended cinema, shaping pop culture and inspiring generations.
Her presence endures through works of art, documentaries, and books that explore both her career and her complex personal legacy.
Marilyn Monroe continues to be an enigma, a muse, and a reminder that even the brightest stars can have deep shadows. Her undeniable impact is a testament to the enduring power of culture and art.