The Untold Story of Marilyn Monroe: Her Biography, Age, Height, Figure, and Net Worth

Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic actresses of all time. Her captivating beauty and exceptional talent made her a legend in Hollywood, and her influence is still felt today. Despite her tragic death at a young age, her legacy lives on, and people continue to be fascinated by her life, her struggles, and her achievements. In this article, we will delve into the many facets of Marilyn's life, including her early years, her rise to fame, her personal relationships, her health issues, and her untimely death. We will also explore her physical attributes, such as her height and figure, and discuss how they contributed to her immense appeal. Additionally, we will examine Marilyn's net worth, both during her lifetime and in the years since her passing. From her humble beginnings to her status as a global icon, Marilyn Monroe's story is one that continues to captivate people around the world. Join us as we explore the fascinating life of this Hollywood legend.

Early Life and Career

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, had a tumultuous childhood. Her mother, Gladys Baker, was mentally unstable, and thus, Marilyn spent most of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages. During her school years, she was shy and felt like she didn't belong, often dreaming of becoming a movie star.

At the age of 16, she married Jim Dougherty, and they moved to Santa Catalina Island. Dougherty was later drafted into the military, and Marilyn started working in a munitions factory. It was at the factory that she was discovered by a photographer and started her modeling career. Her full lips, blonde hair, and curvaceous figure made her an instant success.

In 1947, Marilyn signed her first movie contract with Twentieth Century Fox, where she was groomed to become a star. Her first few movies were small parts or cameos, but in 1950, she had her breakthrough role in the movie, "The Asphalt Jungle." Her performance was noticed by the studio, and she was given the lead role in the movie "All About Eve" the following year.

Rise to Stardom

Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, Marilyn Monroe’s journey to stardom was fraught with challenges and obstacles. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, Marilyn grew up in a troubled household, spending much of her childhood in foster homes. Despite these early setbacks, Marilyn was determined to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.

In 1944, Marilyn was discovered by a US Army photographer during a photoshoot at a Los Angeles munitions factory. The photographs caught the eye of talent scout Ben Lyon, who helped her secure her first contract with Twentieth Century Fox. However, Marilyn’s initial roles were small and unremarkable, and she struggled to make an impact in the industry.

It wasn't until the early 1950s that Marilyn’s career began to take off. Her breakthrough performance as a leading lady came in 1950’s “The Asphalt Jungle”. However, it was her unforgettable turn as Lorelei Lee in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” that truly cemented her as a star. Marilyn’s unique blend of sex appeal, humor, and vulnerability made her an instant fan favorite, and she quickly became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.

Throughout her career, Marilyn continued to challenge herself and push boundaries. She broke new ground with performances in “Bus Stop” and “Some Like It Hot” and became known as much for her off-screen persona as her on-screen talent. Despite the pressures of fame and personal struggles, Marilyn continued to captivate audiences and remains an icon to this day.

Personal Life and Controversies

Marriages and Relationships

Marilyn Monroe married three times during her lifetime. She first married James Dougherty in 1942 when she was just 16 years old. The marriage lasted for four years. In 1954, she married baseball legend, Joe DiMaggio, but the marriage lasted only nine months. Her last marriage was to Arthur Miller, a playwright, in 1956. They were married for five years until their divorce in 1961. Monroe had numerous relationships with famous men, including Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and Yves Montand. Her most controversial relationship was with President John F. Kennedy. It is rumored that she had an affair with Kennedy while he was in office, and some even speculate that her death was a result of their involvement.

Drug Use and Mental Health

Monroe struggled with mental health issues throughout her life. She was known to suffer from depression, anxiety, and insomnia. She turned to prescription drugs to cope with her mental health struggles. In fact, she famously said, "I’m a long way from being a drug addict. I only take pills when it’s absolutely necessary." However, her drug use became a problem and she had multiple overdoses throughout her career.

Controversial Career

Monroe's career was filled with controversy. She was known for her sensual image and her roles in films that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for women at that time. She was criticized for playing dumb blonde characters and many accused her of being a "sex symbol" rather than a serious actress. Additionally, she was involved in a highly-publicized feud with actress Joan Crawford. Crawford believed that Monroe was stealing the spotlight from her and even went so far as to call her a "tart." Despite these controversies, Monroe remains an icon and her personal life struggles have only added to her legend.

Physical Appearance and Figure

Marilyn Monroe was known for her iconic beauty and figure. Standing at a height of 5’5”, she had a curvaceous body with an hourglass figure. Her measurements were reported to be 36-23-36, making her a true embodiment of beauty and femininity.

Her face was often described as angelic, with her soft features, porcelain skin, and a beauty mark placed above her lip. Marilyn was also known for her blonde hair, which she often styled in a variety of ways, from glamorous curls to a simple, straight style.

She often wore form-fitting clothing that highlighted her curves, and she was a style icon of her time. Her signature clothing item was the white halter dress from the film "The Seven Year Itch," which became an iconic piece of fashion history.

Overall, Marilyn Monroe's physical appearance and figure were incredibly important to her image and success as an actress and cultural icon.

Net Worth and Legacy

Despite passing away at a young age of 36, Marilyn Monroe left behind an enduring legacy that continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. Her attractiveness, talent, and charisma made her one of the most iconic Hollywood stars of all time. However, her financial success was not as significant as one might expect.

According to various sources, Marilyn Monroe's estimated net worth at the time of her death ranged from $1 million to $2 million. Adjusting for inflation, this amount would be roughly equivalent to $10 million to $20 million today. While this might seem like a substantial amount, it was relatively modest compared to other Hollywood stars of her time.

Despite her relatively modest financial success, Marilyn Monroe's cultural impact has stood the test of time. She remains an enduring symbol of beauty, glamour, and female empowerment, with numerous tributes and homages paid to her in popular culture. Her legacy is a testament to the impact that one individual can have on the world around them.

FAQ

What was Marilyn Monroe's height?

Marilyn Monroe's height was 5 feet 5.5 inches (166.4 cm).

What was Marilyn Monroe's net worth at the time of her death?

At the time of her death in 1962, Marilyn Monroe's net worth was estimated to be $10 million.

What was Marilyn Monroe's figure like?

Marilyn Monroe was known for having an hourglass figure with measurements of 36-24-34 inches (91-61-86 cm).

How old was Marilyn Monroe when she died?

Marilyn Monroe was 36 years old when she died.

What did Marilyn Monroe's early life look like?

Marilyn Monroe's early life was marked by instability and hardship. She was born in 1926 in Los Angeles and spent much of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage. She began modeling at the age of 19 and later became an actress, earning her first major role in 1950's "The Asphalt Jungle".