Early Life and Education of Marilyn Monroe: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Marilyn Monroe. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

1923: Gladys divorces John Newton Baker

In 1923, Gladys, Marilyn Monroe's mother, successfully filed for divorce and sole custody of her two oldest children.

1924: Gladys marries Martin Edward Mortensen

In 1924, Gladys, Marilyn Monroe's mother, married Martin Edward Mortensen. The union lasted only a few months.

June 1, 1926: Marilyn Monroe's Birth

On June 1, 1926, Marilyn Monroe, originally named Norma Jeane Mortenson, was born. She became a famous American actress and model.

Others born on this day/year

1933: Gladys buys a house

In the summer of 1933, Gladys bought a small house in Hollywood and moved seven-year-old Monroe in with her.

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.

September 1935: Placement in orphanage

In September 1935, Grace Goddard placed Monroe in the Los Angeles Orphans Home #2, Hollygrove.

1936: Grace becomes legal guardian

In 1936, Grace Goddard became Marilyn Monroe's legal guardian.

1937: Monroe's second stay with Goddards

In the summer of 1937, Marilyn Monroe's second stay with the Goddards only lasted a few months.

September 1938: Living with Ana Lower

In September 1938, Marilyn Monroe began living with Grace's aunt, Ana Lower, in Sawtelle and was enrolled at Emerson Junior High School.

1941: Attending Van Nuys High School

Around early 1941, Marilyn Monroe returned to live with the Goddards in Van Nuys and began attending Van Nuys High School.

June 19, 1942: Marriage to James Dougherty

On June 19, 1942, just after her 16th birthday, Norma Jeane married James Dougherty to avoid returning to the orphanage.

1943: Dougherty enlists in Merchant Marine

In 1943, James Dougherty enlisted in the Merchant Marine and was stationed on Santa Catalina Island, where Marilyn Monroe moved with him.

April 1944: Dougherty shipped out to Pacific

In April 1944, Dougherty was shipped out to the Pacific.

September 1946: Divorce from James Dougherty

In September 1946, Marilyn Monroe divorced James Dougherty.

1949: Posed for a Nude Calendar

In 1949, Marilyn Monroe posed for a nude calendar. This information was revealed publicly in March 1952.

March 1952: Public Revelation of Nude Calendar Photos

In March 1952, Marilyn Monroe publicly revealed that she had posed for a nude calendar in 1949. This revelation, strategized with the studio, gained her public sympathy and increased interest in her films.

January 14, 1954: Marriage to Joe DiMaggio

On January 14, 1954, Marilyn Monroe married retired New York Yankees baseball star Joe DiMaggio at the San Francisco City Hall, in an effort to counter negative publicity surrounding her suspension.

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.

November 1954: Founded Marilyn Monroe Productions (MMP)

In November 1954, after filming for The Seven Year Itch wrapped up, Marilyn Monroe left Hollywood for the East Coast, where she and photographer Milton Greene founded their own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions (MMP).

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.

1955: Building film company and acting studies

In 1955, Monroe dedicated her time to building her film company and began studying method acting under Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio. Fox awarded her a new contract.

February 23, 1956: Name Change to Marilyn Monroe

On February 23, 1956, she legally changed her name to Marilyn Monroe. The press reacted favorably to her decision to fight the studio. Time called her a "shrewd businesswoman" and Look predicted that the win would be "an example of the individual against the herd for years to come".

June 29, 1956: Marriage to Arthur Miller

On June 29, 1956, Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller were married in a civil ceremony in White Plains, New York. Following the wedding Monroe converted to Judaism, resulting in Egypt banning all her films. The media viewed the marriage as a mismatch.

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.

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.

January 1961: Divorce from Arthur Miller

In January 1961, Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller officially divorced in Mexico, marking the end of their marriage.

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.

May 19, 1962: Singing "Happy Birthday, Mr. President"

On May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe sang "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" at President John F. Kennedy's birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden. She wore a beige, skintight, rhinestone-covered dress, creating a memorable and controversial moment.