Marilyn Monroe came into the world on June 1, 1926, the third child born to Gladys Pearl Baker. She had two step-siblings from her mother's first marriage. Her birth certificate stated that her father was Martin Edward Mortensen, whom Marilyn's mother married in 1924 and split from him before the birth of her daughter.
Marilyn's real name at birth was Norma Jeane Mortenson and she was given into foster care shortly after birth by her mother. She lived with Ida and Albert Bolender until she was seven. In 1933, Marilyn went to live with her mother until her mother suffered a nervous breakdown a few months later and was removed to a state mental hospital.
The child was taken in by Grace McKee, who cared for her until 1935, when Grace married Doc Goddard. Grace took Marilyn back to live with her, but Doc Goddard attempted to sexually molest Marilyn on several occasions. Grace sent the young Marilyn live with her great-aunt, Olive Brunings, where she was molested by one of Olive's sons.
Once again, Marilyn sent to live with yet another aunt, Ana Lower, where she stayed until 1942. Marilyn went back to live with the Goddards, where she met and eventually married James Dougherty.
Marilyn signed up with the Blue Brook Modeling Agency and proceeded to become one of its most successful models. She divorced Dougherty in 1946, changing her name form Norma Jean to Marilyn Monroe after she signed a contract with 20th Century Fox. Marilyn dyed her brunette hair blond. Her first movie role was a part in "The Shocking Miss Pilgrim" in 1947.
In 1948, she was crowned the first Miss California Artichoke Queen at the annual artichoke festival that took place in Castroville. She also posed for some nude photos and signed a six-month contract with Columbia Pictures. At the expiration of this contract, she signed a seven-year-contract with 20th Century Fox.
Marilyn first achieved success and mainly good reviews with "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Her other successful movies include "The Seven Year Itch," "How to Marry a Millionaire," "Monkey Business," "There's no Show Like Show Business," "The Prince and The Showgirl," "Some Like it Hot" and "Bus Stop."
Monroe's last completed film was "The Misfits." Her health began to deteriorate and she experienced insomnia and an increased dependence on prescription drugs and alcohol. She was dismissed from the set of her last project "Something's Got to Give" because of extreme tardiness. She was eventually reinstated by 20th Century Fox but died before she resumed filming again. On Aug. 5, 1962, at age 36, she was found dead in her apartment.