Marilyn Monroe portrait

Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson, 1926 –1962) was an American model, actress, and singer, and one of the most famous women of the 20th century. She is considered one of the most iconic Hollywood stars of all time. Marilyn was born and raised in Los Angeles, USA. Although most people associate her with glamour, her private life was turbulent and unstable. Marilyn never knew for sure who her father was and her mother, who suffered from mental illness, was unable to take care of her. Because of that, Marilyn spent most of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages. In order to escape life in foster homes, she married at the age of 16. Three years later, when she began modeling, she split up with her husband and then divorced him. At that time she straightened her curly brunette hair and dyed it blonde. Within several months, by early 1946, she became a successful model appearing on 33 magazine covers.

For the young 20-year-old Norma Jeane Baker (her real name), 1946 was a pivotal year. She got divorced, signed her first movie contract, changed her name to a more glamorous stage name, and started taking drama lessons. However, until 1950 she appeared in just several minor supporting roles, mainly in low-success movies. During that period she continued modelling to earn for a living and struggled to become recognized and get better roles. One of the photos from this period further boosted her career to the stars, after Hugh Hefner bought and published it in 1953 as the centerfold sensation in the 1st issue of the men's magazine “Playboy”. Marilyn also appeared on the cover of this issue. No one asked for her permission, and she was never paid for it, except $50 for posing to the photographer, despite millions of dollars that other people made off her photos. In 1950, Marilyn managed to attract attention as an actress playing minor roles in a few critically acclaimed movies.