Marilyn Monroe

Died at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood, California.

She was discovered dead at her home at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, Brentwood, California. She had a phone in one of her hands, her body was completely nude and face down, on her bed.

Her USO Entertainer Identification Card (#129778) listed her name as "Norma Jeane DiMaggio".

When budding actresses Shelley Winters and Marilyn were roommates in the late 1940s in Hollywood, Shelley said that one day she had to step out and asked Marilyn to "wash the lettuce" for a salad they were to share for dinner. When she got back to the apartment, Marilyn (aparently new to the art of cooking) had the leaves of lettuce in a small tub of soapy water and was scrubbing them clean.

Went to Van Nuys High School (Los Angeles) in the early 1940s but never graduated.

When budding actresses Shelley Winters and Marilyn were roommates in the late 1940s in Hollywood, Shelley said that one day she had to step out and asked Marilyn to "wash the lettuce" for a salad they were to share for dinner. When Shelley got back to the apartment, (Marilyn was apparently new to the art of cooking) had the leaves of lettuce in a small tub of soapy water and was scrubbing them clean. She had not heard of the phrase before either, or did not know it's true meaning.

In 1946, she signed her first studio contract with 20th Century Fox and dyed her hair.

Started using the name Marilyn Monroe in 1946, but did not legally change it until 1956.

In 1947, while briefly involved with Orson Welles, she joined Welles in his popular magic stage show, the Mercury Wonder Show, being sawed in half by Welles using the "Buzz Saw" illusion he had previously used on both Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich.

Was 1947's Miss California Artichoke Queen.

Was 1947's Miss California Artichoke Queen.

Discovering her dress was torn at the 1950 Academy Awards, she burst into tears.

After discovering her dress was torn, at the 1950 Academy Awards, she burst into tears.

Although she was perhaps the most famous actress of the 1950s decade, she never made more than $100,000 per picture upfront. Actresses such as Elizabeth Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck were earning significantly more.

Because the bathing suit she wore in the movie Love Nest was so risque (for the time period) and caused such a commotion on the set, director Joseph M. Newman had to make it a closed set when she was filming.

Because the bathing suit she wore in the movie Love Nest (1951) was so risque (for the time period) and caused such a commotion on the set, director Joseph M. Newman had to make it a closed set when she was filming.

Don't Bother to Knock (her 18th film) was an attempt to prove to critics that she could act.

The famous nude photo of her by Tom Kelley originally appeared as anonymous on a calendar entitled "Miss Golden Dreams." In 1952, a blackmailer threatened to identify the model as Marilyn, but she shrewdly thwarted the scheme by announcing the fact herself. Hugh M. Hefner then bought the rights to use the photo for $500. She became "The Sweetheart of the Month" in the first issue of Hefner's magazine, Playboy. Neither Kelley or Monroe ever saw a dime of the millions the calendar made for its publisher.

The famous nude photo of her by Tom Kelley originally appeared as anonymous on a calendar entitled "Miss Golden Dreams." In 1952, a blackmailer threatened to identify the model as Marilyn, but she shrewdly thwarted the scheme by announcing the fact herself. Hugh M. Hefner then bought the rights to use the photo for $500. She became "The Sweetheart of the Month" in the first issue of Hefner's magazine, Playboy. Neither Kelley or Monroe ever saw a dime of the millions the calendar made for its publisher.

Don't Bother to Knock (1952) (her 18th film) was an attempt to prove to critics that she could act successfully. Because some earlier films took numerous takes and much longer time to complete. Especially, The Seven Year Itch (1955) which took numerous extra takes, for her character role, alone.

In How to Marry a Millionaire , her character Pola is reading a book called "Murder By Strangulation" on the plane. Coincidentally, this is how her character was murdered in Niagara .

When told she was not the star in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Marilyn was quoted "Well whatever I am, I'm still the blonde."

Appeared on the first cover of Playboy in 1953.

Playboy "Sweetheart" of the Month, December 1953.

During the filming of Niagara , she was still under contract as a stock actor, thus, she received less salary than her make-up man. This was also the only film in which her character died. The film was reworked to highlight her after Anne Bancroft withdrew.

She was Playboy's first "Sweetheart of the Month" in December 1953.

During the filming of Niagara (1953), she was still under contract as a stock actor, thus, she received less salary than her make-up man. This was also the only film in which her character died. The film was reworked to highlight her after Anne Bancroft withdrew.

When she was told that she was not the star in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) she verbally said "Well whatever I am, I'm still the blonde.".

In How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), her character Pola is reading a book called "Murder By Strangulation" on the plane. Coincidentally, this is how her character was murdered in Niagara (1953).

Won an interlocutory decree from Joe DiMaggio on 27 October 1954, but, under California law, the divorce was not finalized until exactly 1 year later.

Won an interlocutory decree from Joe DiMaggio on Wednesday, October 27th, 1954, but, under California law, the divorce was not finalized until exactly one year later.

Was in consideration for the part of Adelaide in Guys and Dolls , but Vivian Blaine was cast instead.

Her lifelong bouts with depression and self-destruction took their toll during filming The Seven Year Itch . She frequently muffed scenes and forgot her lines, leading to sometimes as many as 40 takes of a scene before a satisfactory result was produced. Her constant tardiness and behavioral problems made the budget of the film swell to $1.8 million, a high price for the time. The film still managed to make a nice profit. The classic shot of her dress blowing up around her legs as she stands over a subway grating in this film was originally shot on Manhattan's Lexington Avenue at 52nd St., On Wednesday, September 15th, 1954, at 1:00 a.m. Five thousand onlookers whistled and cheered through take after take as Marilyn repeatedly missed her lines. This occurred in presence of an increasingly embarrassed and angry Joe DiMaggio (her husband at the time; the nine-month-old marriage officially ended during the shooting of this film). The original footage shot on that night in New York never made it to the screen; the noise of the crowd had made it unusable. Director Billy Wilder reshot the scene on the 20th Century-Fox lot, on a set replicating Lexington Avenue, and got a more satisfactory result. However, it took another 40 takes for Marilyn to achieve the famous scene. Amazingly, her very narrow spike heels don't get stuck or break in the subway grating, although this was a universal problem at the time for the countless women wearing that very popular style heel in New York City in that era. An important promotional campaign was released for this mainstream motion picture, including a 52-foot-high cutout of Marilyn (from the blowing dress scene) erected in front of Loews State Theater, in New York City's Times Square. The movie premiere was on Wednesday, June 1st, 1955, which was also her 29th birthday.

Formed her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, with Milton H. Greene, on Saturday, December 31st, 1955.

Formed her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, with Milton H. Greene, on December 31, 1955.

Her lifelong bouts with depression and self-destruction took their toll during filming The Seven Year Itch (1955). She frequently muffed scenes and forgot her lines, leading to sometimes as many as 40 takes of a scene before a satisfactory result was produced. Her constant tardiness and behavioral problems made the budget of the film swell to $1.8 million, a high price for the time. The film still managed to make a nice profit. The classic shot of her dress blowing up around her legs as she stands over a subway grating in this film was originally shot on Manhattan's Lexington Avenue at 52nd St., On Wednesday, September 15th, 1954, at 1:00 a.m. Five thousand onlookers whistled and cheered through take after take as Marilyn repeatedly missed her lines. This occurred in presence of an increasingly embarrassed and angry Joe DiMaggio (her husband at the time; the nine-month-old marriage officially ended during the shooting of this film). The original footage shot on that night in New York never made it to the screen; the noise of the crowd had made it unusable. Director Billy Wilder re-shot the scene on the 20th Century-Fox lot, on a set replicating Lexington Avenue, and got a more satisfactory result. However, it took another 40 takes for Marilyn to achieve the famous scene. Amazingly, her very narrow spike heels don't get stuck or break in the subway grating, although this was a universal problem at the time for the countless women wearing that very popular style heel in New York City in that era. An important promotional campaign was released for this mainstream motion picture, including a 52-foot-high cutout of Marilyn (from the blowing dress scene) erected in front of Loews State Theater, in New York City's Times Square. The movie premiere was on June 1, 1955, which was also her 29th birthday.

Was in consideration for the part of Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (1955), but Vivian Blaine was cast instead.

On Thursday, February 23rd, 1956, she obtained order from the City Court of the State of New York to legally change her name from Norma Jeane Mortenson to Marilyn Monroe.

Became pregnant twice (in July 1957 and November 1958) during her marriage to Arthur Miller; on both occasions she suffered miscarriages.

The Emily Ann Faulkner/Rita Shawn character (played by Kim Stanley) in the John Cromwell film The Goddess was based on her.

The Emily Ann Faulkner/Rita Shawn character (played by Kim Stanley) in the John Cromwell film The Goddess (1958) was based on her.

In Italy, her films were dubbed at the beginning of her career by Miranda Bonansea. As she matured she was dubbed by the marvellous and prolific Rosetta Calavetta with immense success, particularly in Some Like It Hot . Zoe Incrocci lent her voice to Monroe once: in All About Eve .

In Italy, her films were dubbed at the beginning of her career by Miranda Bonansea. As she matured she was dubbed by the marvellous and prolific Rosetta Calavetta with immense success, particularly in Some Like It Hot (1959). Zoe Incrocci lent her voice to Monroe once: in All About Eve (1950).

Was referenced in the dialogue of La Dolce Vita , in the context of dieting.

Was referenced in the dialogue of La dolce vita (1960), in the context of dieting.

In 1961, after her divorce from Arthur Miller, she purchased a 2900 square foot hacienda style house in Brentwood, for $77,500.

Was originally set to play Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's , but Audrey Hepburn played the role instead.

The punk band 'The Misfits' got their name from her last movie, The Misfits .

The punk band The Misfits created or picked their name from the last movie title she acted in, The Misfits (1961).

Was originally set to play Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), but Audrey Hepburn played the role instead.

Her last film. Something's Got to Give , was finally released in 2003. In the swimming pool scene, Marilyn reveals much more to the camera than she did in her then controversial calendar photo from the early '50s.

On May 19, 1962 she performed for president John F. Kennedy at his 45th birthday tribute in his honor at Madison Square Garden. She sang "Happy Birthday".

Her behavior on the unfinished Something's Got to Give dimmed her reputation in the industry, but she was still big box office at the time of her death. What a Way to Go! and The Stripper were being developed for her.

Offered to convert to Catholism in order to marry Joe DiMaggio in a Church ceremony, but she was turned down because she was divorced. Subsequently, when the divorced DiMaggio married Marilyn in a civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, he was automatically excommunicated by the Church; this edict was struck down by Pope John XXIII's Ecumenical Council (Vatican II) in 1962.

Given a dog she named Tippy by foster father Albert Bolender. Her final, unfinished film, Something's Got to Give , the dog was also named Tippy.

When she died in 1962 at age 36, she left an estate valued at $1.6 million. In her will, Monroe bequeathed 75% of that estate to Lee Strasberg, her acting coach, and 25% to Dr. Marianne Kris, her psychoanalyst. A trust fund provided her mother, Gladys Baker Eley, with $5,000 a year. When Dr. Kris died in 1980, she passed her 25% on to the Anna Freud Centre, a children's psychiatric institute in London. Since Strasberg's death in 1982, his 75% has been administered by his widow, Anna, and her lawyer, Irving Seidman.

When she died in 1962 at age 36, she left an estate valued at $1.6 million. In her will, Monroe bequeathed 75% of that estate to Lee Strasberg, her acting coach, and 25% to Dr. Marianne Kris, her psychoanalyst. A trust fund provided her mother, Gladys Baker Eley, with $5,000 a year. When Dr. Kris died in 1980, she passed her 25% on to the Anna Freud Centre, a children's psychiatric institute in London. Since Strasberg's death in 1982, his 75% has been administered by his widow, Anna, and her lawyer, Irving Seidman.

Given a dog she named Tippy by foster father Albert Bolender. In her final, unfinished film Something's Got to Give (1962), the dog was also named Tippy.

Offered to convert to Catholism in order to marry Joe DiMaggio in a Church ceremony, but she was turned down because she was divorced. Subsequently, when the divorced DiMaggio married Marilyn in a civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, he was automatically excommunicated by the Church; this edict was struck down by Pope John XXIII's Ecumenical Council (Vatican II) in 1962.

Her behavior on the unfinished Something's Got to Give (1962) dimmed her reputation in the industry, but she was still big box office at the time of her death. What a Way to Go! (1964) and The Stripper (1963) were being developed for her.

The dress Marilyn Monroe wore to serenade John F. Kennedy, on May 19, 1962 at his birthday celebration was so tight, that it had to be sewn onto her. She had to sit still for approximately an hour.

Her last film Something's Got to Give (1962), was finally released in 2003. In the swimming pool scene, Marilyn reveals much more to the camera than she did in her then controversial calendar photo from the early 1950s.

Ten days in advance, on Saturday, May 19th, 1962, she performed for U.S. President John F. Kennedy at his 45th birthday tribute in his honor at Madison Square Garden. She sang "Happy Birthday". (Kennedy's real birthday was May 29th).

What a Way to Go! initially intended as a vehicle for her, Shirley MacLaine played Louisa May Foster instead. Producer Arthur P. Jacobs was her publicist and J. Lee Thompson was on her list of approved directors.

The character of red-head actress, "Ginger Grant", portrayed by 'Tina Louise' (I)' in TV's "Gilligan's Island" was loosely based on her personality.

Redheaded actress Tina Louise played the character role of Ginger Grant on the television series "Gilligan's Island" (1964), was loosely based on her personality, but a different hair color.

What a Way to Go! (1964) initially intended as a vehicle for her, Shirley MacLaine played Louisa May Foster instead. Producer Arthur P. Jacobs was her publicist and J. Lee Thompson was on her list of approved directors.

In 1972, actress Veronica Hamel and her husband became the new owners of Marilyn's Brentwood home. They hired a contractor to replace the roof and remodel the house, and the contractor discovered a sophisticated eavesdropping and telephone tapping system that covered every room in the house. The components were not commercially available in 1962, but were in the words of a retired Justice Department official, "standard FBI issue." This discovery lent further support to claims of conspiracy theorists that Marilyn had been under surveillance by the Kennedys and the Mafia. The new owners spent $100,000 to remove the bugging devices from the house.

In 1972, actress Veronica Hamel and her husband became the new owners of Marilyn's Brentwood home. They hired a contractor to replace the roof and remodel the house, and the contractor discovered a sophisticated eavesdropping and telephone tapping system that covered every room in the house. The components were not commercially available in 1962, but were in the words of a retired Justice Department official, "standard FBI issue." This discovery lent further support to claims of conspiracy theorists that Marilyn had been under surveillance by the Kennedys and the Mafia. The new owners spent $100,000 to remove the bugging devices from the house.

Nearly 11 years after her death, she appeared on the cover of the Tuesday, July 17th, 1973 edition of "Time Magazine" in a full-color portrait taken by Bert Stern, from the last photographic sitting before her death. The cover-story heralds the publication of "Marilyn," the biography of her by Norman Mailer. On the cover, her image dwarfs a black & white photo of Mailer. Mailer reportedly was displeased that "Time" chose to play up Monroe and diminish him, visually on the cover. The publication of the coffee table biography, which contained many photographs including several by Stern, was a major event of that publishing season. The book retailed for $19.95, which is approximately $100 in 2008 money, when factored for inflation.

"Time Magazine" reported in 1973 that Los Angeles County coroner Thomas Noguchi, the doctor who performed Monroe's autopsy, said that contrary to rumors, Monroe's stomach was never pumped after her death. The level of Nembutal in her bloodstream was 4.5 milligrams per 100, which is the equivalent of 40 or 50 capsules indicating suicide.

Nearly 11 years after her death, she appeared on the cover of the Tuesday, July 17th, 1973 edition of "Time Magazine" in a full-color portrait taken by Bert Stern, from the last photographic sitting before her death. The cover-story heralds the publication of "Marilyn," the biography of her by Norman Mailer. On the cover, her image dwarfs a black & white photo of Mailer. Mailer reportedly was displeased that "Time" chose to play up Monroe and diminish him, visually on the cover. The publication of the coffee table biography, which contained many photographs including several by Stern, was a major event of that publishing season. The book retailed for $19.95, which is approximately $100 in 2008 money, when factored for inflation.

"Time Magazine" reported in 1973 that Los Angeles County coroner Thomas Noguchi, the doctor who performed Monroe's autopsy, said that contrary to rumors, Monroe's stomach was never pumped after her death. The level of Nembutal in her bloodstream was 4.5 milligrams per 100, which is the equivalent of 40 or 50 capsules indicating suicide.

Portrayed by 'Misty Rowe (I)' in Goodbye, Norma Jean .

A 1982 review into the original inquest of Marilyn's death, conducted on its 20-year anniversary, concluded that the actress committed suicide or accidentally overdosed, and was not murdered--rumors that were fueled by the sloppy handling of evidence, the delay in securing the scene and the disappearance of tissue samples.

A 1982 review into the original inquest of Marilyn's death, conducted on its 20-year anniversary, concluded that the actress committed suicide or accidentally overdosed, and was not murdered--rumors that were fueled by the sloppy handling of evidence, the delay in securing the scene and the disappearance of tissue samples.

Def Leppard's 1983 #1 hit single "Photograph" from their Pyromania album was written about her.

Def Leppard's 1983 #1 hit single "Photograph" from their "Pyromania" album was written about her.

Sergei Parajanov made collages of Monroe, Charles Chaplin, Mona Lisa, and other famous personages and many were featured in Mikhail Vartanov's Parajanov: The Last Spring .

Sergei Parajanov made collages of Monroe, Charles Chaplin, Mona Lisa, and other famous personages and many were featured in Mikhail Vartanov's Parajanov: The Last Spring (1992).

The first stamp released in the USPS's Legends of Hollywood series, issued on Friday, June 1st, 1995.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#2).

Voted Empire's (UK) "sexiest female movie star of all time" in 1995.

Voted Empire's (UK) "sexiest female movie star of all time" in 1995.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#2). [1995]

The first stamp released in the USPS's Legends of Hollywood series, issued on Friday, June 1st, 1995.

Is portrayed by Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd in Norma Jean & Marilyn (TV).

Portrayed by: by Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd in Norma Jean & Marilyn (1996) (TV); 'Misty Rowe (I)' in Goodbye, Norma Jean (1976); Barbara Niven in The Rat Pack (1998) (TV); Holly Beavon in James Dean (2001) (TV); Constance Forslund in This Year's Blonde (1980) (TV); Susan Griffiths in Marilyn and Me (1991) (TV); Catherine Hicks in Marilyn: The Untold Story (1980) (TV); Sophie Monk in _Mystery of Natalie Wood, The (2004) (TV)_; Poppy Montgomery in "Blonde" (2001); Kerri Randles in Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999) (TV); Heather Thomas in Hoover vs. the Kennedys: The Second Civil War (1987) (TV); Melody Anderson in Marilyn & Bobby: Her Final Affair (1993) (TV); Eve Gordon (I)' in "A Woman Named Jackie" (1991); Mary Gross on "Saturday Night Live" (1975).

Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote a tribute to her entitled "Candle in the Wind". In 1997 it was re-recorded with updated lyrics in memory of Princess Diana.

Ranked #8 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list.

Ranked #8 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997]

Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote a tribute to her entitled "Candle in the Wind". In 1997, it was re-recorded with updated lyrics in memory of Princess Diana.

"Candle in the Wind", Elton John's song, was originally written about her, and was lyrically re-changed to fit Princess Diana upon her death, in 1997. Coincidentally, both legends died at age 36.

Featured in "Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film" by Karen Burroughs Hannsberry (McFarland, 1998).

Portrayed by: Barbara Niven in The Rat Pack (TV); Holly Beavon in James Dean (TV); Constance Forslund in This Year's Blonde (TV); Susan Griffiths in Marilyn and Me (TV); Catherine Hicks in Marilyn: The Untold Story (TV); Sophie Monk in _Mystery of Natalie Wood, The (TV)_; Poppy Montgomery in Blonde (TV); Kerri Randles in Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (TV); Heather Thomas in Hoover vs. the Kennedys: The Second Civil War (TV); Melody Anderson in Marilyn & Bobby: Her Final Affair (TV); Eve Gordon (I)' in "A Woman Named Jackie" ; Samantha Morton in _Mister Lonely _; Mary Gross on "Saturday Night Live" .

Featured in "Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film" by Karen Burroughs Hannsberry (McFarland, 1998).

Her personal library contained over 400 books on topics ranging from art to history, psychology, philosophy, literature, religion, poetry, and gardening. Many of the volumes, auctioned in 1999, bore her pencil notations in the margins.

Hundreds of items of memorabilia auctioned off in late October, 1999 by Christie's, with her infamous 'JFK' birthday-gown fetching over $1 million.

Was named the Number One Sex Star of the 20th Century by Playboy magazine in 1999.

Voted 'Sexiest Woman of the Century' by People Magazine.

In 1999, a make-up kit that she had owned sold for $266,500.

Voted 'Sexiest Woman of the Century' by People Magazine. [1999]

Hundreds of items of memorabilia auctioned off in late October 1999 by Christie's, with her infamous 'JFK' birthday-gown fetching over $1 million.

In 1999, a make-up kit that she personally owned, sold for $266,500.

Featured on a 1.11 euro postage stamp issued by French Post Office on Saturday, November 8th, 2003.

The very popular version of "Santa Baby" (also found in the film, Party Monster ) thought to be sung by her was instead recorded by Cynthia Basinet for Jack Nicholson as a Christmas gift.

The first Playboy magazine cover, featuring her, is pictured on one of six stamps issued in a souvenir sheet, issued by Grenada & the Grenadines on 1 December 2003 to celebrate Playboy's 50th anniversary.

The first Playboy magazine cover, featuring her, is pictured on one of six stamps issued in a souvenir sheet, issued by Grenada & the Grenadines on Saturday, December 1st, 2003 to celebrate Playboy's 50th and golden anniversary.

The very popular version of "Santa Baby" (also found in the film, Party Monster (2003)) thought to be sung by her was instead recorded by Cynthia Basinet for Jack Nicholson as a Christmas gift.

James Dougherty, her fist husband, died of complications of leukemia in San Rafael, California, at age 84, on Monday, August 15th, 2005.

Ranked #3 in Men's Health 100 Hottest Women of all Time (2011).