Marilyn Monroe's birth name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, but she was baptized as Norma Jeane Baker, taking her mother's maiden name.
Before becoming a famous actress, Monroe worked in a munitions factory during World War II, where she was discovered by a photographer, leading to her modeling career.
She was married three times, including to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller, both marriages ending in divorce.
Marilyn Monroe was the first woman to own her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, which she founded in 1955 to gain more control over her career.
Despite her public persona as a 'dumb blonde,' Monroe was an avid reader and owned a personal library of over 400 books, ranging from literature to philosophy.
She was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for her performance in 'Some Like It Hot' (1959), one of her most famous roles.
Monroe's iconic white dress from 'The Seven Year Itch' (1955) sold for $4.6 million at auction, becoming one of the most expensive pieces of movie memorabilia ever sold.
She was known for her struggles with mental health and addiction, which contributed to her untimely death at the age of 36 from an overdose in 1962.
Marilyn Monroe was the first centerfold in Playboy magazine, appearing in the inaugural issue in December 1953, which helped establish her as a sex symbol.
She was close friends with several intellectuals and artists, including Truman Capote and Ella Fitzgerald, the latter of whom Monroe helped secure a gig at a famous nightclub.
Marilyn Monroe was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, solidifying her status as a Hollywood legend.
Her breathy singing voice became her trademark, and she recorded several hit songs, including 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend' and 'I Wanna Be Loved by You.'
Monroe's estate continues to earn millions each year, making her one of the highest-earning deceased celebrities.
She was known for her method acting approach, studying at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg, where she worked to improve her acting skills.
Marilyn Monroe's image has been immortalized in art, fashion, and popular culture, with Andy Warhol's portraits of her becoming some of the most famous works of pop art.
