Marilyn Monroe was a celebrated American actress and model who became a major sex symbol and pop culture icon during the 1950s and early 1960s. Famous for her comedic "blonde bombshell" roles, she achieved immense fame and success, with her films grossing $200 million by her untimely death in 1962. Even decades later, Monroe's legacy continues to captivate, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in entertainment history. The American Film Institute recognized her enduring impact by ranking her the sixth greatest female screen legend from Hollywood's Golden Age.
1918: Birth of Robert Kermit Baker
In 1918, Robert Kermit Baker, Marilyn Monroe's half-brother, was born to Gladys Pearl Baker and her first husband, John Newton Baker.
1919: Birth of Berniece Baker Miracle
Berniece Baker Miracle, Marilyn Monroe's half-sister, was born in 1919 to Gladys Pearl Baker and John Newton Baker.
1923: Gladys and John Baker Divorce
In 1923, Marilyn Monroe's mother, Gladys Pearl Baker, successfully filed for divorce and obtained sole custody of her two children with John Newton Baker.
1924: Gladys Baker's Second Marriage
In 1924, Gladys Pearl Baker, Marilyn Monroe's mother, entered into her second marriage with Martin Edward Mortensen. However, their union was short-lived, ending in separation just a few months later.
1925: Gladys Baker's Affair with Charles Stanley Gifford
Gladys Pearl Baker had an affair with Charles Stanley Gifford in 1925, which would later be confirmed as the event leading to Marilyn Monroe's conception.
June 1, 1926: Birth of Marilyn Monroe
On June 1, 1926, Marilyn Monroe was born as Norma Jeane Mortenson at the Los Angeles General Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
1928: Gladys Baker and Martin Mortensen Divorce
In 1928, Gladys Pearl Baker and Martin Edward Mortensen officially divorced.
1933: Death of Robert Kermit Baker
In 1933, Robert Kermit Baker, Marilyn Monroe's half-brother, passed away.
1933: Gladys Baker Purchases a Home in Hollywood
In 1933, Gladys Baker purchased a small house in Hollywood with financial assistance from the Home Owners' Loan Corporation. She moved seven-year-old Marilyn Monroe in with her, aiming to provide a more stable home environment.
January 1934: Gladys Baker's Mental Breakdown
In January 1934, Gladys Baker, Marilyn Monroe's mother, experienced a severe mental breakdown and received a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. This led to her being institutionalized, marking a turning point in Monroe's young life.
September 1935: Marilyn Monroe Placed in an Orphanage
In September 1935, Marilyn Monroe was placed in the Los Angeles Orphans Home #2, Hollygrove, marking a significant and emotionally challenging period in her childhood.
1936: Grace Goddard Becomes Marilyn Monroe's Legal Guardian
In 1936, Grace Goddard, a friend of Marilyn Monroe's mother, stepped in to become her legal guardian, assuming responsibility for her well-being.
1937: Marilyn Monroe Leaves the Orphanage
After spending time in the Los Angeles Orphans Home, Marilyn Monroe left the institution in the summer of 1937 to live with her legal guardian, Grace Goddard.
September 1938: Marilyn Monroe Moves in with Ana Lower
In September 1938, Marilyn Monroe found a more stable living situation when she moved in with Grace Goddard's aunt, Ana Lower, in the Sawtelle district.
1941: Marilyn Monroe Returns to Live with the Goddards
Around early 1941, due to Ana Lower's declining health, Marilyn Monroe returned to live with Grace and Erwin "Doc" Goddard in Van Nuys.
June 19, 1942: Marriage to James Dougherty
Just after her 16th birthday on June 19, 1942, in an effort to avoid returning to an orphanage, Norma Jeane Mortenson married 21-year-old factory worker James Dougherty.
1943: Move to Catalina Island
In 1943, after James Dougherty enlisted in the Merchant Marine and was stationed on Santa Catalina Island, Norma Jeane Dougherty moved with him.
April 1944: James Dougherty Deployed
In April 1944, James Dougherty was shipped out to the Pacific, where he would remain for the majority of the next two years.
1944: Marilyn Monroe Meets Berniece Baker Miracle
Marilyn Monroe first met her half-sister, Berniece Baker Miracle, in 1944 when Monroe was 17 or 18 years old.
January 1945: Beginning of Modeling Career
Norma Jeane Dougherty quit her job at the Radioplane Company in January 1945 and began modeling for David Conover and his friends.
August 1945: Signing with Blue Book Model Agency
Defying her deployed husband, Norma Jeane Dougherty moved out on her own and signed a contract with the Blue Book Model Agency in August 1945.
June 1946: Signing with an Acting Agency
Through Emmeline Snively, Norma Jeane Dougherty signed a contract with an acting agency in June 1946.
August 1946: Signing with 20th Century-Fox
Norma Jeane Dougherty's contract with 20th Century-Fox began in August 1946.
September 1946: Divorce and Name Change
In September 1946, Norma Jeane Dougherty divorced James Dougherty and adopted the stage name "Marilyn Monroe".
1946: Rise to Modeling Success
By early 1946, Norma Jeane Dougherty, having changed her hair to platinum blonde, appeared on 33 magazine covers for publications such as Pageant, U.S. Camera, Laff, and Peek.
February 1947: First Film Roles
Marilyn Monroe's contract with 20th Century-Fox was renewed in February 1947, and she was given her first film roles, appearing in bit parts in "Dangerous Years" (1947) and "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" (1948).
August 1947: Contract Not Renewed by Fox
In August 1947, Marilyn Monroe's contract was not renewed by Fox.
March 1948: Signing with Columbia Pictures
Joseph M. Schenck persuaded Harry Cohn, the head executive of Columbia Pictures, to sign Marilyn Monroe in March 1948.
September 1948: End of Contract with Columbia Pictures
Marilyn Monroe's contract with Columbia Pictures was not renewed in September 1948.
1948: Release of "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!"
Marilyn Monroe appeared in the film "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" which was released in 1948.
1949: Monroe's Nude Photograph Featured in Playboy
A nude photograph of Marilyn Monroe, taken in 1949, was featured as the centerfold in the first issue of Playboy in December 1953. The publication of this photo without her consent contributed to her evolving public image and the controversies surrounding her career.
1949: Marilyn Monroe's Iconic Nude Photo Shoot
In 1949, Marilyn Monroe participated in a nude photo shoot that would later become a significant point in her career. When questioned about it, she famously quipped, "I had the radio on," solidifying her image as a blend of innocence and allure.
1949: Posing for Nude Calendar
Marilyn Monroe posed for a nude calendar in 1949.
December 1950: Seven-Year Contract with 20th Century-Fox
In December 1950, Johnny Hyde negotiated a seven-year contract for Marilyn Monroe with 20th Century-Fox.
1950: Screen Test for "Born Yesterday"
Marilyn Monroe screen-tested for the lead role in the film "Born Yesterday" in 1950.
1950: Monroe Signs Initial Contract with Fox
Marilyn Monroe signed her initial contract with 20th Century-Fox in 1950. This contract would later become a point of contention as her career skyrocketed, highlighting the power imbalance between studios and actors, particularly women, during Hollywood's Golden Age.
1951: Named "Miss Cheesecake of 1951"
Marilyn Monroe was declared "Miss Cheesecake of 1951" by the army newspaper "Stars and Stripes" in 1951.
1951: Marilyn Monroe Challenges Racial Norms in "Look" Magazine
In 1951, during a time of racial segregation, Marilyn Monroe appeared in a photo shoot for "Look" magazine with African-American singing coach Phil Moore. This seemingly simple act was a subtle yet significant challenge to the prevailing racial norms of the time.
1951: Supporting Roles in Three Fox Comedies
Marilyn Monroe had supporting roles in three moderately successful Fox comedies in 1951: "As Young as You Feel", "Love Nest", and "Let's Make It Legal".
February 1952: Named "Best Young Box Office Personality"
In February 1952, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association named Marilyn Monroe the "best young box office personality".
March 1952: Public Revelation of Nude Photos
In March 1952, Marilyn Monroe found herself at the center of a scandal when she revealed publicly that she had posed for a nude calendar in 1949.
1952: Monroe's Photo at Miss America Pageant Used for Playboy Cover
A photo taken of Marilyn Monroe at the Miss America Pageant in 1952 was later used for the cover of the first issue of Playboy in December 1953. This unauthorized use of her image further contributed to her public image as a sex symbol.
1952: Monroe and DiMaggio's First Meeting
Marilyn Monroe and baseball star Joe DiMaggio first met in 1952 on a blind date in Los Angeles. This encounter marked the beginning of their high-profile relationship, which culminated in marriage two years later.
1952: Monroe's Continued Typecasting and Rise as a Sex Symbol
In 1952, Marilyn Monroe starred in three films that typecast her in comedic roles emphasizing her sex appeal: "We're Not Married!," "Monkey Business," and "O. Henry's Full House." She also garnered attention for publicity stunts such as wearing a revealing dress to the Miss America Pageant and claiming to not wear underwear, solidifying her image as a new sex symbol.
January 1953: "Niagara"'s Release and Monroe's Controversial Appearance at the Photoplay Awards
Upon "Niagara"'s release in January 1953, it sparked protests from women's clubs for being immoral. However, it was a box office success, with audiences captivated by Monroe's on-screen presence. Her revealing gold lamé dress at the Photoplay Awards, where she won "Fastest Rising Star," further fueled the controversy and drew criticism from peers like Joan Crawford.
December 1953: Monroe Featured in Playboy, Solidifying Her Sex Symbol Status
Marilyn Monroe's status as a leading sex symbol was cemented in December 1953 when she was featured on the cover and as the centerfold of the first issue of Playboy. Despite not consenting to the publication, the issue featured a photo from the 1952 Miss America Pageant and a nude photograph from 1949.
1953: "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" Solidifies Monroe's "Dumb Blonde" Persona
In 1953, Marilyn Monroe starred in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," a satirical musical comedy that cemented her "dumb blonde" persona. Despite initially being considered for Betty Grable, Monroe's performance, especially in "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," was lauded by critics and audiences alike, establishing her as a box-office powerhouse.
1953: The Kinsey Report and Shifting Sexual Morality
The release of the Kinsey Report in 1953 had a significant impact on societal views of sexuality. This coincided with Marilyn Monroe's rise as a sex symbol, and her portrayal of sexuality as natural and non-threatening contributed to changing attitudes.
1953: Premiere of "The Prince and the Showgirl" Stage Play
The stage play upon which the film "The Prince and the Showgirl" is based, written by Terence Rattigan, debuted in 1953.
1953: Monroe's Breakthrough with "Niagara" and Emergence as a Sex Symbol
1953 marked Marilyn Monroe's rise to major stardom with three films, establishing her as a top sex symbol and box-office draw. "Niagara" showcased her in a overtly sexual role, with scenes featuring her in revealing attire. The film's marketing heavily utilized a shot of Monroe's swaying hips, further cementing her allure.
January 14, 1954: Monroe Marries Joe DiMaggio
On January 14, 1954, Marilyn Monroe married baseball player Joe DiMaggio at San Francisco City Hall after two years of dating. Following a brief honeymoon in California, they traveled to Japan and Korea.
January 1954: Monroe's Contract Dispute and Suspension from Fox
Despite being one of 20th Century-Fox's biggest stars, Marilyn Monroe's contract hadn't been renegotiated since 1950, leading to significantly lower pay and limited project choices. Her attempts to take on more serious roles were stifled by studio head Darryl F. Zanuck. In January 1954, her refusal to star in another musical comedy, "The Girl in Pink Tights," led to her suspension, becoming a major news story. Monroe took immediate action to counter the negative publicity.
April 1954: "River of No Return" Release
In April 1954, Marilyn Monroe's film "River of No Return," a Western directed by Otto Preminger, premiered. Although Monroe reportedly wasn't fond of the film, it was well-received by the public.
September 1954: Filming "The Seven Year Itch" and the Iconic Subway Grate Scene
In September 1954, Marilyn Monroe began filming "The Seven Year Itch," directed by Billy Wilder. This film included the legendary subway grate scene, filmed in Manhattan, which significantly boosted Monroe's fame.
October 1954: Monroe Files for Divorce from DiMaggio
Upon returning to Hollywood in October 1954, Marilyn Monroe made the decision to file for divorce from Joe DiMaggio after nine months of marriage. The decision stemmed from his controlling behavior and jealousy, fueled by the filming of "The Seven Year Itch.
November 1954: Establishment of Marilyn Monroe Productions
Marilyn Monroe, in a bold move after concluding the filming of "The Seven Year Itch," departed from Hollywood to establish Marilyn Monroe Productions (MMP) with Milton Greene in November 1954.
1954: Monroe's Continued Box Office Success
Marilyn Monroe was listed among the Top Ten Money Making Stars in both 1953 and 1954, further solidifying her as one of Hollywood's most bankable performers. Her popularity contributed to 20th Century-Fox's success, with studio historian Aubrey Solomon considering her their "greatest asset" alongside CinemaScope.
January 1955: Legal Battle with Fox Begins
Marilyn Monroe's decision to declare herself no longer contractually bound to Fox, due to unfulfilled obligations, ignited a legal battle between the two parties starting January 1955.
June 1955: Release of "The Seven Year Itch"
"The Seven Year Itch," starring Marilyn Monroe, became a massive commercial success following its release in June 1955.
October 1955: Monroe and Arthur Miller's Relationship Intensifies
Following Marilyn Monroe's divorce finalization and Arthur Miller's separation from his wife in October 1955, their relationship grew increasingly serious, despite studio pressure and the FBI's investigation into Miller's alleged communist affiliations.
1955: A Year of Transformation: Method Acting and Psychoanalysis
Marilyn Monroe dedicated 1955 to refining her acting skills in Manhattan, taking classes with Constance Collier and participating in Lee and Paula Strasberg's Actors Studio workshops. This year also marked the beginning of Monroe's journey with psychoanalysis under Strasberg's guidance.
1955: End of Mentorship with Natasha Lytess
Marilyn Monroe's mentorship with Natasha Lytess, which began in 1948 when she signed with Columbia Pictures, ended in 1955.
June 29, 1956: Monroe and Miller Wed
On June 29, 1956, Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller exchanged vows in a civil ceremony in White Plains, New York, followed by a Jewish ceremony. The marriage garnered significant media attention, highlighting the perceived contrast between their public images.
August 1956: "Bus Stop" Released to Critical Acclaim
Marilyn Monroe's performance in "Bus Stop," released in August 1956, garnered widespread critical acclaim, solidifying her reputation as a talented actress. The film also enjoyed commercial success.
1956: Monroe's On-Set Difficulties and Growing Dependence on Substances
By 1956, Marilyn Monroe had developed a reputation for being difficult on set, often being late, struggling to remember lines, and requiring multiple takes. This behavior was attributed to perfectionism, insecurity, and stage fright. To cope with anxiety and insomnia, she began using barbiturates, amphetamines, and alcohol, exacerbating her issues. Some argue her behavior was a response to sexism and condescension from male colleagues.
1956: Monroe and Olivier Clash on Set of "The Prince and the Showgirl"
Marilyn Monroe's experience filming "The Prince and the Showgirl" in 1956 was fraught with difficulties, particularly clashes with co-star and director Laurence Olivier. His dismissive attitude towards Monroe created tension on set.
1956: A Year of Triumph and Transformation
The year 1956 marked a pivotal moment for Marilyn Monroe. Her victory over 20th Century-Fox, legally changing her name to Marilyn Monroe, was lauded by the press. However, her relationship with Arthur Miller attracted criticism.
June 1957: "The Prince and the Showgirl" Released
"The Prince and the Showgirl," released in June 1957, marked Marilyn Monroe's first independent production under her company, MMP. Despite facing numerous challenges during production, the film received a mixed reception.
1957: Hiatus, Health Concerns, and MMP Changes
Following her return from England, Marilyn Monroe stepped back from acting in 1957 to focus on her personal life. This period was marked by health challenges, including an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage, and struggles with barbiturate overdose. She also bought out Milton Greene's share of MMP.
July 1958: Filming of "Some Like It Hot"
In July 1958, Marilyn Monroe returned to Hollywood to begin filming "Some Like It Hot," directed by Billy Wilder. She accepted the role of Sugar Kane despite considering it another "dumb blonde" part, persuaded by her husband Arthur Miller and the offer of a percentage of the film's profits.
March 1959: Release of "Some Like It Hot" and Critical Acclaim
March 1959 saw the release of "Some Like It Hot," which became a critical and commercial triumph. Monroe earned a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance.
1959: Hiatus and Return for "Let's Make Love"
After completing "Some Like It Hot," Monroe took a break from acting until late 1959. She then starred in the musical comedy "Let's Make Love," directed by George Cukor.
September 1960: Release of "Let's Make Love"
Marilyn Monroe starred in the musical comedy "Let's Make Love," which was released in September 1960. Despite efforts to improve the script and the direction of George Cukor, the film was not a success, receiving negative reviews.
November 1960: Filming of "The Misfits"
From July to November 1960, Monroe filmed "The Misfits," a drama written by Arthur Miller. The shoot, located in Reno and the Nevada desert, coincided with the end of Monroe's marriage to Miller.
January 1961: Divorce and Release of "The Misfits"
Marilyn Monroe's divorce from Arthur Miller was finalized in January 1961. "The Misfits," the last film she completed, was released the following month to mixed reviews and was not a box office success.
1961: Health Issues and Personal Life
The first half of 1961 saw Monroe facing various health challenges, including a cholecystectomy, endometriosis surgery, and treatment for depression. She also reconnected with Joe DiMaggio and briefly dated Frank Sinatra.
August 4, 1962: Death of Marilyn Monroe
On August 4, 1962, at the young age of 36, Marilyn Monroe tragically passed away in her Los Angeles home. Her death was attributed to an overdose of barbiturates, and while ruled a probable suicide, the circumstances surrounding her passing continue to be a subject of much speculation and debate.
August 4, 1962: Marilyn Monroe Found Dead
On the night of August 4, 1962, Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her Brentwood home at the age of 36.
1962: Return to Public Eye and Start of "Something's Got to Give"
Monroe returned to the spotlight in the spring of 1962, receiving a Golden Globe Award and starting work on a new film, "Something's Got to Give."
1962: Return to California and Purchase of Brentwood Home
In 1962, Marilyn Monroe made California her permanent residence, buying a house in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
1963: Publication of "The Feminine Mystique"
Betty Friedan's groundbreaking book, "The Feminine Mystique", was published in 1963. This work challenged traditional gender roles and expectations, offering a stark contrast to the image Marilyn Monroe embodied during her career.
1963: Controversial Photoshoot and Firing from "Something's Got to Give"
During the filming of "Something's Got to Give," Monroe made headlines by posing nude in a swimming pool, with the photos published in Life magazine. After continued issues on set, Fox fired Monroe from the film and filed a lawsuit against her.
1964: Negotiations with Fox and Final Photoshoots
In the summer of 1964, Monroe and Fox reached an agreement for her to return to "Something's Got to Give." She also participated in high-profile interviews and a now-iconic photoshoot with Bert Stern for Vogue magazine.
1973: Publication of Norman Mailer's "Marilyn: A Biography"
In 1973, Norman Mailer's book, "Marilyn: A Biography", brought the conspiracy theories surrounding Marilyn Monroe's death into the mainstream.
1982: Los Angeles County District Attorney Conducts "Threshold Investigation"
In 1982, fueled by widespread speculation of murder, Los Angeles County District Attorney John Van de Kamp launched a "threshold investigation" into Marilyn Monroe's death to determine if a criminal investigation was warranted. However, no evidence of foul play was found.
1999: American Film Institute Recognition
In 1999, the American Film Institute recognized Marilyn Monroe's significant contributions to the film industry, ranking her as the sixth-greatest female screen legend from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
2022: DNA Confirmation of Marilyn Monroe's Paternity
In 2022, DNA testing revealed that Charles Stanley Gifford, a co-worker of Gladys with whom she had an affair in 1925, was Marilyn Monroe's biological father, challenging the long-held belief that Martin Mortensen was her father.