Beyond the Blonde Bombshell: Marilyn Monroe
In the world of Hollywood, there is one name that has etched itself into history like no other — Marilyn Monroe. We have seen people of all ages admiring her. I remember seeing her iconic photographs since childhood but it was a few years back when I dove deep into her life. Studying her tragic life made me realize that MM was more than just a piece of the male gaze. It is a fact that people only remember her as a “Sex Symbol” and Hollywood continues to exploit her legacy even after years of her untimely death.
With her charismatic beauty and captivating charm, she became an everlasting symbol of the silver screen. However, behind the glamour and allure lies a heartbreaking tale of abuse, tragedy, and exploitation that shaped her life and legacy.
“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” Marilyn Monroe
Not many people know that her real name was Norma Jeane Mortenson. Marilyn Monroe’s early life was marred by a series of unfortunate events. She never knew her father, and her mother struggled with mental health issues, leaving her to be raised in foster homes and orphanages. These early experiences of abandonment and instability had a lasting impact on her emotional well-being and love life.
As a young girl, Marilyn suffered from sexual abuse, a haunting secret that would haunt her throughout her life. She encountered several instances of abuse in her foster homes. This traumatic past contributed to her insecurities and fueled her desperate need for love and acceptance. It was these very vulnerabilities that Hollywood would exploit. Marilyn Monroe also authored an article in the January 1953 issue of Motion Picture and Television Magazine called “Wolves I Have Known”. The article mentioned casting couch that is relevant in the film industry even today. You can read the article here!
At just 16, she married her first husband, James Dougherty, in an attempt to escape foster care. But the marriage didn’t last, and a few years later, she found herself divorced and pursuing a career in modeling and acting. She was discovered by a photographer while working in a California munitions factory, and she was soon launched into a successful modeling career. It was during this time that she adopted her famous stage name, Marilyn Monroe, combining the name of Broadway star Marilyn Miller with her mother’s maiden name.
With her newfound identity, Marilyn quickly rose to stardom, becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. Her iconic roles in movies like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “Some Like It Hot,” and “The Seven Year Itch” showcased her comedic talent and undeniable charisma. She was not a true blonde but a redhead. In 1950, Marilyn purchased herself a bottle of peroxide dye before heading to a screen test. Entering her bathroom a natural curly-haired redhead, she came out as the most iconic blonde of all time. Who knew her unintentional move would make her a symbol of Blonde Hair?
While her career soared, the dark side of Hollywood was never far behind. Marilyn was continually objectified and sexualized, reduced to being nothing more than a sex symbol. The industry exploited her innocence and vulnerability, promoting an image that often overshadowed her remarkable acting talent. If you wish to see her true acting talent then I would recommend you to watch “The Misfits”. The movie portrays her true acting prowess in her dramatic performance, a powerful and underrated film that deserves more recognition.
Amid her meteoric rise to fame, Marilyn’s personal life was a whirlwind of tumultuous relationships and three marriages. Her highly publicized affairs, including a rumored linkup with President John F. Kennedy, further fueled the media frenzy surrounding her. The rumors about the President sparked when she gave a performance on John F Kennedy’s birthday singing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” in a sensuous voice. Conspiracy theories still abound about the circumstances of her death, with some suggesting she was silenced due to her alleged affair with Kennedy. While the truth remains elusive, the speculation only adds to the enigma of her legacy.
In 1954, during the filming of “The Seven Year Itch,” Marilyn experienced a traumatic incident when her second husband, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, slapped her on set during the iconic blowing dress scene. Their tumultuous marriage eventually ended in divorce, but after Marilyn’s untimely death, DiMaggio honored her by placing flowers on her grave for many years, revealing the depth of his affection for her.
Her third marriage to playwright Arthur Miller seemed like a chance at stability, but even that union faced challenges. Marilyn’s struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse added to the strain on their relationship. Despite the hardships she faced in her personal life, Marilyn’s talent and allure continued to shine brightly on the silver screen.
Beyond her acting career, Marilyn Monroe dared to challenge the norms of Hollywood. In 1955, she established her own production company, becoming the first woman in Hollywood to do so. This bold move showcased her determination to have greater control over her career and the stories she wanted to tell.
Marilyn also used her platform to advocate for important causes. At a time when racism against black people was rampant, she formed a close friendship with African-American singer Ella Fitzgerald, even helping her secure a performance contract despite racial prejudices. Marilyn Monroe also supported the LGBTQ community before it was widely accepted, expressing empathy and understanding for those facing discrimination and prejudice.
Hollywood only chooses to show her as a weak and abused star while she has so much more to offer than just being a sex symbol. No matter how Hollywood depicts Marilyn Monroe, it is her image as a sweet and empathetic woman that will forever overshadow it. She was a complex yet strong individual who faced adversity with strength and resilience.
Also Read
There’s so much more to MM’s story that I would love to add to my upcoming blogs. Thanks for reading.
