The Life and Death Marilyn Monroe Everyone has heard of Marilyn Monroe, she was America's sweetheart, notorious mistress, the blonde bombshell, but she was also troubled. Monroe was an actress, staring in over 30 films, struggling with addiction, and anxiety. Monroe was a troubled person, but she knew what she wanted, and did whatever it took to get it. Monroe's early life was a difficult one at best. Born Norma Jean Mortenson on June 1, 1996 in Los Angeles, California. She was born to Gladys Mortensen who became mentally ill after Monroe's birth. “[Gladys] develop psychiatric problems and was eventually placed in a mental institution.” (“Marilyn”, 1). her childhood was no better, placed into the foster system at two weeks old. Monroe was passed through several foster homes and orphanages throughout her life. “Monroe recalls being sexually assaulted on many occasions, and raped when she was 11 years old.” (“Marilyn”, 1). Things started to turn around for Monroe in 1937, when she went to go live with a family friend, and her husband. Her mother paid $25 a week for her to stay with Grace and Doc Goddard. The couple were very religious, and ironically Monroe was prohibited from going to the movies. But in 1942, Doc transfer jobs, and they couldn't afford to take Monroe with them. Monroe knew she wouldn't make it in the foster system again. Monroe decided to get married, and on June 19, 1942 she tied the knot with Jimmy Dougherty. While Dougherty was away serving in WWII, Monroe worked in a munitions factory in Burbank, California. Army photographers who had arrived at the plant to take commercial and military pictures of female war workers discovered her. By the time Dougherty returned in 1946, Monroe had a successful career as a model, and had changed her name to Marilyn Monroe in preparation for an acting career. Soon after Dougherty's, him return and Monroe divorced so that she could focus on her career. That same year, 1946, was also the year Monroe signed her first movie contract with 20th
Century-Fox. Although, roles were few, and her contract was not renewed. Monroe signed another movie contract with Fox in 1948, but her first notable role were not seen until 1950. Monroe was type-cast as the “dumb blonde”, an unfair stereotype that bothered her whole career. Monroe broke that stereotype in 1950 with the films The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve. Working with two of the most recognized directors of the era, John Huston and Joseph Mankiewicz, “[Monroe] brought humanity and intelligence to her small roles in these films.” (“Monroe”, 1). Monroe's personal life wasn't s personal to the media, by the time she dies in 1962, she had been married and divorced three times. Her marriages didn't last very long either. Monroe was first married to Jimmy Dougherty lasted from June 19, 1942 to September 13, 1946. Monroe's second marriage to famed baseball player Joe DiMaggio lasted from Janurary 14, 1954 to October 5, 1954, saying it was a “conflict of careers”. Monroe's last marriage to playwright Arthur Miller lasted from June 29, 1956 to January 20, 1961. Although, Monroe was no saint when when it came to being faithful, she was a most notorious for being a mistress to the 35th president of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy. Monroe struggled from addiction as well. Addiction to