Challenges Faced by Marilyn Monroe: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 28, 2025

Life is full of challenges, and Marilyn Monroe faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Marilyn Monroe was an iconic American actress and model who rose to fame in the 1950s and early 1960s. Renowned for her portrayal of comedic "blonde bombshell" characters, she became a major sex symbol and a symbol of the era's changing attitudes toward sexuality. As a leading actress for a decade, her films earned $200 million by the time of her death in 1962, solidifying her status as a pop-culture icon.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

January 1934: Gladys's Mental Breakdown

In January 1934, Gladys had a mental breakdown and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, leading to Marilyn Monroe becoming a ward of the state.

August 1947: Fox contract not renewed

In August 1947, Fox did not renew Marilyn Monroe's contract, and she returned to modeling.

September 1948: Contract not renewed

In September 1948, Marilyn Monroe's contract with Columbia was not renewed.

January 1954: Suspension from 20th Century-Fox

In January 1954, Marilyn Monroe was suspended by 20th Century-Fox when she refused to begin shooting another musical comedy, The Girl in Pink Tights, due to dissatisfaction with her contract and roles.

October 1954: Filed for Divorce from Joe DiMaggio

In October 1954, after returning from New York City to Hollywood, Marilyn Monroe filed for divorce from Joe DiMaggio after only nine months of marriage, citing his jealousy, controlling attitude, and physical abuse.

1954: Suspension from film project

In early 1954, Monroe was briefly suspended for refusing a film project but returned to star in 'The Seven Year Itch'.

January 1955: Legal Battle with Fox Begins

In January 1955, a year-long legal battle began between Marilyn Monroe and Fox, after she asserted that she was no longer under contract as Fox had not fulfilled its duties, such as paying her the promised bonus.

1956: Started Using Barbiturates, Amphetamines, and Alcohol

In 1956, Marilyn Monroe began using barbiturates, amphetamines, and alcohol to alleviate anxiety and chronic insomnia, which exacerbated her existing problems.

1956: Filming 'The Prince and the Showgirl'

Throughout 1956, Marilyn Monroe was filming MMP's first independent production, 'The Prince and the Showgirl', at Pinewood Studios in England. Difficulties arose due to conflicts between her and Laurence Olivier. Despite the challenges, filming was completed by the end of 1956.

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1957: Hiatus and Health Issues

In 1957, after returning from England, Marilyn Monroe took an 18-month hiatus to focus on family life. She experienced an ectopic pregnancy. She was also briefly hospitalized due to a barbiturate overdose.

July 1958: Filming 'Some Like It Hot'

In July 1958, Marilyn Monroe returned to Hollywood to star in Billy Wilder's comedy, 'Some Like It Hot'. The production was difficult, with Monroe demanding numerous retakes and struggling to remember her lines. There were disagreements with Wilder on how she should play the role.

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September 1960: Release of 'Let's Make Love'

In September 1960, 'Let's Make Love' was released but was unsuccessful. Critics found Marilyn Monroe appearing "rather untidy" and "lacking the old Monroe dynamism".

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November 1960: Filming of 'The Misfits' concludes

Between July and November 1960, Marilyn Monroe filmed 'The Misfits' in the Nevada desert. The filming process was complicated due to personal and health problems. By November 1960, filming for 'The Misfits' concluded.

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1961: Focus on Health and Well-being

In 1961, Marilyn Monroe did not film any new projects. Instead, she focused on her health, undergoing surgery for endometriosis and gall bladder problems, and receiving hospital treatment for depression. She was erroneously placed on a ward meant for people with psychosis, where she was locked in a padded cell at the Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic.

1961: Starring in 'The Misfits'

In 1961, Marilyn Monroe's last completed film, 'The Misfits', was released. The filming, which took place between July and November 1960, was difficult due to her failing health and struggles with drug addiction.

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