Hidden Facts about Marilyn Monroe, the Phenomenal Actress who was Once the Epitome of Beauty in her Era

Kapanlagi.com - Marilyn Monroe, also known as Norma Jeane, was an actress from America. She was one of the highest-paid actresses of her time. Born in 1926, her career and life were short-lived as she passed away at the age of 36. However, she is still remembered as a legendary icon. Until now, she is remembered as a sex symbol, a pop culture icon, and a symbol of sexual revolution in her era.

A young Marilyn Monroe admitted that her past bad experiences motivated her to aspire to become an actress, as a way out of the reality of her life. In 1946, she signed her first contract with the acting studio 20th Century Fox and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe.

At that time, she also chose her stage name to be Marilyn Monroe, which later became widely known. It was also marked by her iconic appearance with blonde hair; she dyed her hair to resemble the famous style of Rita Hayworth at that time.

1. Having a Baptismal Name

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

Marilyn Monroe was born with the baptismal name Norma Jeane Baker. When she was young, she lived in an orphanage and had 11 sets of foster parents.

2. First Marriage at the Age of 16

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

When she was 15 years old, she lived with the Goddard family. However, when the family was about to move to Virginia, they couldn't take Monroe with them. The only way to stay with them was to get married, otherwise, she would be sent back to the orphanage.

A 20-year-old neighbor, James Dougherty, then proposed marriage. Although still very young, it was the only option available. So, their marriage took place 18 days after Monroe turned 16.

3. Has Undergone Plastic Surgery

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

Her agent, Johnny Hyde, revealed that she had undergone two plastic surgeries, namely correcting the cartilage of her nose and placing a chin implant.

4. Never Received an Oscar Nomination

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

Although her acting abilities had been proven, she never received a nomination for an Academy Award. However, she did win a Golden Globe Award for her role as Sugar Kane in Some Like It Hot.

5. Married 3 Times

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

Marilyn Monroe's marriage to her husband, Jimmy Dougherty, was not as smooth as her career in the modeling world. Their marriage broke apart in 1946, reportedly due to her fame as a photo model.

At the peak of her fame in 1954, Marilyn Monroe married baseball star Joe DiMaggio. However, their second marriage only lasted for nine months.

On June 29, 1956, the star married playwright Arthur Miller. However, the marriage ended in 1961.

6. Writing Autobiography

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

When at the peak of her career, Monroe wrote her autobiography My Story with her friend, Ben Hecht. The book was not published until a decade after her death.

7. Having a Film Production Company

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

Marilyn Monroe became the first woman to have her own production company, called Marilyn Monroe Productions. Although the company only released one film, The Prince and the Showgirl (1957).

8. Experiencing Difficulty in Speaking

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

Monroe had always struggled with speaking, which greatly affected her work. To overcome her stuttering problem, she would always clear her throat, which later became her trademark. Her stuttering issue resurfaced when Monroe starred in her final film, Something's Got to Give. This led to her immediate dismissal.

9. Taking Acting Classes at the Peak of Her Career

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

At the peak of her career as an actress, she still wanted to improve her acting skills by taking classes at Malin Studios. According to Vanity Fair, she always attended without makeup and participated in the classes attentively.

10. Enjoys Reading Books

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

Marilyn had around 400 books in her private library. The books she read most often were works by James Joyce and Heinrich Heine. Her love for books also inspired Monroe to try writing poetry. She often wrote poems to express her feelings.

11. Strong Dislike for Being in Front of the Camera

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

Apparently, despite having extraordinary skills, Marilyn really disliked being the center of attention in front of the camera. An actor named Don Murray revealed that Monroe was truly uncomfortable when in the spotlight.

In fact, she could easily lose focus and various other technical aspects. Who would have thought that even Marilyn Monroe could feel insecure, but few knew.

12. Skilled Cook and Food Lover

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

Marilyn really loved food. According to Taste of Home, her favorite food was various types of steak with raw carrots on the side. As a food lover, Monroe could also cook several types of dishes. She often cooked for herself. One of the dishes she frequently made was lamb chop.

13. There is Still Debate About Her Death

(Source: Instagram @marilynmonroe)

There are many rumors circulating about Monroe's death, claiming that she died of an overdose. Additionally, the speculation that she intentionally consumed drugs also became a major news at that time. Monroe was known to have problems such as depression and fear.

On the morning of August 5, 1962, a psychiatrist came to Monroe's room and found her body after being informed by the housekeeper.

It is estimated that she died during the night and was reported to have suffered from acute barbiturate poisoning. This was reinforced by the discovery of empty bottles next to her bed. It is suspected that uncontrollable mood swings may have caused her to unintentionally consume drugs and overdose.

14. What is special about Marilyn Monroe?

Initially, Marilyn was a dumb and flirtatious blonde woman, but in the following years, she transformed into a tragic figure of a sensitive and insecure woman who couldn't escape the pressures of Hollywood. Her vulnerability and sensuality, combined with an unnecessary death, eventually elevated her to the status of an American cultural icon.

15. Is Marilyn Monroe a good actress?

Monroe was actually a talented actress, even though she didn't believe in her own abilities. She also appeared in classic films that not only reflected the pinnacle of the Hollywood film industry but also told some of the most amazing stories ever depicted in film.

16. How did Marilyn Monroe become famous?

On screen, she is known for her sex appeal and her ability in both comedic and serious acting in classic films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Bus Stop, Seven Year Itch, Some Like It Hot, and How to Marry a Millionaire.

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