Marilyn Monroe a place in fame.

Norma Jeane Mortenson, known by her stage name Marilyn Monroe, was born on June 1, 1926, and passed away on August 4, 1962. She was an American actress, model, and singer, gaining fame for her portrayal of comic “blonde bombshell” characters. Monroe emerged as one of the most iconic sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, becoming a symbol of the era’s sexual revolution. As a top-billed actress for a decade, her films grossed an impressive $200 million by the time of her death in 1962 (equivalent to $2 billion in 2024).

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Monroe’s early life was marked by residence in 12 foster homes and an orphanage. At the age of sixteen, she married James Dougherty. During World War II, while working in a factory, Monroe’s life took a turn when she encountered a photographer from the First Motion Picture Unit. This meeting kickstarted her successful pin-up modelling career, leading to short-lived film contracts with 20th Century Fox and Columbia Pictures.

After a series of minor film roles, Monroe signed a new contract with Fox in late 1950. Over the next two years, she gained popularity with roles in comedies like “As Young as You Feel” and “Monkey Business,” as well as in dramas such as “Clash by Night” and “Don’t Bother to Knock.” Despite a scandal involving nude photographs from her past, Monroe’s career remained unscathed and, in fact, garnered increased interest in her films.

Even after her death, Monroe continues to be a prominent pop culture icon. In 1999, the American Film Institute recognized her as the sixth-greatest female screen legend from the Golden Age of Hollywood.