Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe, otherwise known as Norma Jean Mortenson, was an inspiration to everyone she encountered. Norma Jean was born on June 1st 1926 in Los Angeles California. Other than being known for her innate sensuality, Monroe had a soft, vulnerable side that brought a new flavor to Hollywood. Growing up in and out of foster homes, Marilyn Monroe encouraged others to pursue their dreams and to never give up. "She was an inspiration to all who strive to overcome personal obstacles for the goal of achieving greatness"(Marilyn Monroe - About Marilyn Monroe). During the time when the Hollywood industry was dominated by men, Marilyn Monroe established herself as an entertainment icon. After overcoming poverty, Monroe broke into the industry as a prominent female actress and a famous cover model.

Growing up in Los Angeles as an orphan, Marilyn Monroe overcame many obstacles and learned from her experiences. "I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together”(Monroe). Soon after Norma Jeane's birth, her mother was hospitalized from mental instability. The future actress and model grew up to be a beautiful but lonely girl as she was constantly being moved from home to home. “In an interview years later, Monroe remarked that she play-acted all the time to escape from the dreariness of her life” (Baughman). Even as a child Monroe would pretend as though she was somewhere else to remove herself from the hardships she experience day in and day out. Marilyn’s strong personality and charming beauty got her through most of her emotional turmoil. Once Marilyn Monroe was 18, after years of role playing, she decided to take a risk and make a career in acting.

Marilyn Monroe catapulted to success. She broke barriers by establishing a leading role in female entertainment. Being on the very first cover of both LIFE and playboy magazine, Marilyn Monroe put herself on the map as one of the most popular females in Hollywood. “When she stood over a subway grate in The Seven Year Itch (1955), her white pleated dress billowing above her waist, and squealed, "Isn't it delicious?," she created a legendary image”(Baughman). One of Monroe’s most memorable scenes was the mouth dropping cover for the movie The Seven year Itch. Monroe’s subtlety still had people from all over talking about her style and spunk. Even after Monroe faded away from the life of Hollywood she remained an icon. “Decades after Marilyn Monroe's death, the film actress and model has remained one of Hollywood's greatest sex symbols with her eye-catching style, champagne blonde hair, and breathless manner of speaking”(Monk). Monroe Marilyn Monroe’s career may have ended, but her legacy as the original Hollywood starlet lives on.

Marilyn was named female World Film Favorite at the 1962 Golden Globes. Yet again, Monroe demonstrated her widespread career. Shockingly, on the morning of “August 5, 1962, 36-year-old Marilyn was found dead at her Brentwood, California home” (Simmons). Marilyn Monroe's vibrant spirit had the world second guessing her disappearance.