Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1926. Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson) grew up mostly in foster homes. She started a career as a model and then landed a film contract with Twentieth Century Fox in 1946, appearing in films such as All About Eve (1950), Niagra (1953), and The Seven Year Itch (1955). Monroe broadened her range by studying at Actors Studio, leading to critically acclaimed performances in films such as Bus Stop (1956) and Some Like It Hot (1959). Monroe died in 1962 at age 36 after overdosing on barbiturates. Today, she remains a cultural icon and American sex symbol.