Remembering Marilyn Monroe: A Look at Her Film, Fashion, Marriages, and Tragic Death

Norma Jeane Mortenson, born on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, became a prominent actress of the 1950s and her legacy continues today.

Monroe, who spent her childhood in foster homes and orphanages, eventually found success as a model and actress. Her early roles in films like "The Asphalt Jungle" and "All About Eve" eventually led her to become a leading lady.

In 1951, she starred in "Let's Make It Legal" and "Love Nest," followed by "Clash by Night" in 1952 and "Niagara" in 1953. Her roles continued with films such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953), "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953), and "There's No Business Like Show Business" (1954). This led to "The Seven Year Itch" (1955), where the iconic photo of Monroe was taken. In the photo, her dress flies up while she is standing over a subway grate.

From 1956 to 1957, she appeared in "Bus Stop" and "The Prince and the Showgirl."

In 1959, she starred in "Some Like It Hot" before her final role in "The Misfits" in 1961.

Monroe had three marriages in her life. She first married James Dougherty from 1942 to 1946. She later married Joe DiMaggio in 1954, but they divorced in 1955. Her final marriage was to playwright Arthur Miller, whom she was married to from 1956 to 1961.

In May 1962, she famously sang "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy in New York City, just a few months after her split from Miller.

On August 5, 1962, Marilyn Monroe passed away at the age of 36. Her death was classified as "probable suicide," with the cause being acute barbiturate poisoning. However, there have been numerous theories surrounding her mysterious demise.