Marilyn Monroe

By Nicole Crer
  • 1 CE

    Overarching Lesson

    Overarching Lesson
    Monroe helped pioneer the modern celebrity culture. She was one of the first actresses to become a major star through her persona and image rather than just her acting ability. She understood the power of publicity and worked tirelessly to cultivate her image as a sex symbol and a symbol of the American dream.

  • 1926

    1926
    Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jeane Mortenson) is born in Los Angeles, California, on June 1, 1926. One of the most recognizable and enduring images of American popular culture had its beginnings here. ("A Marilyn")

  • 1942

    1942
    At age 16, Marilyn marries her first husband, James Dougherty. This marriage marks the start of Marilyn's turbulent romantic life and her first step towards fame. ("Marilyn Monroe Timeline")

  • 1946

    1946
    Marilyn signs her first movie contract with 20th Century Fox. This marks the beginning of her film career and the start of her transformation into one of Hollywood's biggest stars. ("Ross, Daniel")

  • 1950

    1950
    Marilyn's breakthrough role in the movie "The Asphalt Jungle" brings her critical acclaim and a new level of fame. This marks a turning point in her career and propels her to stardom. ("Perfectlymarilynmonroe"

  • 1953

    1953
    Marilyn stars in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" alongside Jane Russell and becomes a household name with her iconic performance of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." This cements her status as a sex symbol and propels her to even greater fame. ("A Marilyn")

  • 1954

    1954
    Marilyn marries baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, but their marriage lasts only 9 months. This marks the first of Marilyn's many tumultuous marriages and highlights the intense media scrutiny that surrounded her personal life. ("Marilyn Monroe Timeline")

  • 1955

    1955
    Marilyn makes an appearance in "The Seven Year Itch" in 1955, and one of the most well-known scenes in movie history is her standing over a subway grate while her dress blows apart. As a result of this sequence and the overall impact of the film, Marilyn Monroe is further cemented as a Hollywood legend. ("Ross, Daniel")

  • 1956

    1956
    Marilyn marries playwright Arthur Miller, and their marriage lasts for 5 years. This marks another tumultuous chapter in Marilyn's romantic life and highlights the intersection between Hollywood glamour and the intellectual elite. ("Marilyn's Secret")

  • 1962

    1962
    Marilyn dies of a drug overdose at age 36, leading to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories about the cause of her death. This marks the tragic end to Marilyn's life and cements her status as a cultural icon. ("Marilyn Monroe")