Marilyn Monroe – the global superstar and pop culture icon
on the 99th anniversary of her birth
99 years ago, an icon was born! Join us as we explore the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe on what would have been her birthday.
On 1 June 1926, Norma Jeane Mortenson was born in Los Angeles, California. No one could have imagined at the time how this newborn baby girl would go on to become one of the world’s most recognisable figures in history, with an enduring legacy that would see her still hugely popular almost a century on from her birth!
Norma Jeane had an unconventional upbringing, with long, tumultuous periods of time spent away from her mother in foster homes and orphanages. But despite her hardships, Norma Jeane had a deep love for movies and aspired to one day be an actress.
As the Second World War raged, a teenage Norma Jeane was working in a munitions factory when photographer David Conover, who was at the factory to capture images of women contributing to the war effort, spotted her and was struck by her beauty. Seeing her potential, he helped her to secure modelling jobs - and from there her career flourished.
In 1946, Norma Jeane signed her first contract with 20th Century Fox, and her big break was on the horizon. Taking inspiration from actress Marilyn Miller, with whom she was often compared, Norma Jeane restyled herself as Marilyn Monroe – and a world-renowned icon was born.
Her talent and sensual charisma captured the attention of Hollywood, and she was catapulted into the spotlight. Her glamorous and striking appearance and her undeniable charm were a perfect fit for the silver screen, and her ‘Blonde Bombshell’ persona in classics such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and The Seven Year Itch (1955) saw her rise to become a titan of Hollywood. From her 23 movies in which she played the starring role, Marilyn Monroe made over $200 million at the box office; and she was, without doubt, the most famous entertainer of her time.
At the height of her career, Marilyn was the most in-demand and most photographed woman in the world! Alongside her glittering accolades in film, she also had a trailblazing career in modelling and became an overnight fashion phenomenon - she was a force to be reckoned with. A revolutionary of 1950s Hollywood glamour, Marilyn’s beauty, wit and magnetic stage presence secured her place amongst legends.
But Marilyn strived for more. She grew dissatisfied with continually being typecast as the ‘dumb blonde’ character and set up her very own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions – quite the courageous move for a woman in 1950s Hollywood! Finally, she had greater artistic freedom over the roles she took, and her tenacity pushed her even further into the realms of stardom.
Her tragic death in 1962 aged 36 marked the end of a dazzling chapter in Hollywood history. As one of the most iconic stars of the 20th century, her legacy helped pave the way for women in the film industry and was hugely influential in shaping celebrity pop culture. She was the ultimate global superstar, and the enigma of Hollywood’s Golden Girl transcends generations.
To this day, the allure of Marilyn Monroe continues to enchant the world, embodying the magic and glamour of Old Hollywood almost six decades on from her death.
In celebration of the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe, you can now own a brand-new and exclusive gold-layered coin, in official partnership with the Estate of Marilyn Monroe. Click Here to order yours today!
