Norma Jeane Baker’s transformation into Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson) is among the stories that captures the essence of the Hollywood dream — and the darker aspects that can come with it. Born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, she had an unstable childhood, moving between foster homes and orphanages.
In 1944, while working at the Radioplane Munitions Factory during World War II, she was discovered by photographer David Conover. Encouraged by agent Emmeline Snively of the Blue Book Modeling Agency, the budding brunette model lightened her hair to attract more bookings. Clearly, it worked.
In 1946, she signed her first contract with Twentieth Century Fox. The studio head, Ben Lyon, suggested the stage name Marilyn, after Broadway star Marilyn Miller, and Monroe, her mother’s maiden name. Her early roles included minor parts in “Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!” and “Dangerous Years” in 1947. The following year, Monroe went platinum blonde, and soon came her big break.
In 1950, she had notable performances in “The Asphalt Jungle” and “All About Eve.” By 1953, she had become a major star with leading roles in “Niagara,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “How to Marry a Millionaire.” While she adopted Marilyn Monroe as her stage name in 1946, it wasn’t until 10 years later in 1956 that she legally changed it.
Monroe, known for playing the “blonde bombshell” and defining an era of beauty, seemed capable of achieving anything. However, the smiling face adored on the silver screen concealed a challenging reality. Monroe struggled with significant mental health issues and heartache, including her tumultuous relationship with baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. On Aug. 5, 1962, the world was heartbroken to learn that Monroe had died of an overdose in her bedroom at the age of 36.
Over 60 years after her death, she remains a cultural icon. In fact, Authentic Brands Group has owned her intellectual property since 2011, and Monroe can be seen in a variety of products, including intimates, jewelry, beauty and more.
In honor of what would have been her 98th birthday today, here are photos chronicling Norma Jeane’s transformation into Marilyn Monroe, from model to actress.
Hair Product Advertisement (1945)
Monroe appeared in a hair product advertisement in 1945.
Beachside Portrait (1946)
Monroe posed for a portrait in a red, yellow, and light blue bikini in 1946 in Los Angeles.
Portrait (1946)
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait wearing a crochet vest in 1946.
Portrait (1947)
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait wearing a romper and top in 1947.
Publicity Portrait (1947)
Marilyn Monroe takes part in a publicity campaign in 1947.
The Red Velvet Series of Nudes (1949)
In 1949, 22-year-old Monroe received $50 to pose nude for a Los Angeles photographer against a red velvet backdrop. Monroe had initially refused to pose until financial desperation led her to agree, according the Monroe biography “Marilyn: Her Life in Her Own Words.” “I was desperate,” Monroe explained. “What else could I do?” She insisted on anonymity and used the alias “Mona Monroe.”
Although recognizable in the pictures, she wasn’t yet famous. When a 1952 calendar featured her nude photo, Monroe admitted it was her, boosting her name. Hugh Hefner later purchased the photo for the debut issue of “Playboy” in 1953, leading to a sellout.
Photoplay Magazine’s Dream House Content (1949)
In June 1949, Monroe wore a white dress featuring crochet detail while congratulating Photoplay Magazine’s “Dream House” contest winner Virginia McAllister and her son with a key to their new house in Warrenburg, New York. She had been in New York City at the time to promote her film, “Love Happy,” directed by David Miller and Leo McCarey.
Filming Break on the Beach (1950)
Monroe in a moment of playfulness on the beach near her Hollywood home during a quick break from filming in January 1950.
Promotional Portrait (1950)
Marilyn Monroe in a white bikini and matching skirt coverup.
Entering the Blonde Bombshell Era (1952)
In the early 1950s, Norma Jeane’s transformation into Marilyn Monroe accelerated along with her rising stardom. Here, she has her signature blonde bombshell hair style as she wears a halter sun dress.
Some Like It (Red) Hot (1954)
After a string of box office successes in 1953, Monroe become a household name. Here she is wearing an all-red ensemble, complete with her signature red lip and curled blonde bob.
Below, see Marilyn Monroe’s influence as a cultural icon.
