Marilyn Monroe

1926 – 1962

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, was an American actress and model who became one of the most celebrated film stars and cultural icons of the 20th century. Her films, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), and Some Like It Hot (1959), grossed an estimated $200 million in their original releases, and she earned a Golden Globe Award and BAFTA nomination across her career. She died of a barbiturate overdose at her Brentwood home on 4 August 1962 at age 36 under circumstances that remain the subject of public scrutiny six decades on.

Last checked: May 10, 2026, 1:06 PM