|
|
Marilyn Monroe personified Hollywood glamour with an unparalleled glow and energy that enamored the world. Though an alluring beauty with voluptuous curves and a generous pout, Marilyn Monroe was more than a 50s sex goddess. Her apparent vulnerability and innocence in combination with an innate sensuality has endeared her to the global consciousness for more than half a century. Marilyn’s life demonstrated the effects of her personal struggles as well as the triumph of her spirit, a part of her that continues to survive alongside her image as the legendary Hollywood diva. Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles General Hospital, her mother, Gladys, listed the father’s address as unknown and Marilyn grew up without a real fatherly figure in her life. “All I really wanted from him was to let me call him my father . . .oh, how I wished I had a dad . . .”(Barris 6). She was placed in the foster home of Albert and Ida Bolender. It was here she lived the first 7 years of her life. "They were terribly strict...they didn't mean any harm...it was their religion. They brought me up harshly." (Monroe 1). In 1933, Norma Jeane lived briefly with her mother, but Gladys begin to show signs of mental depression and in 1934 was admitted to a rest home in Santa Monica, California. Grace McKee, a close friend of her mother, took over the care of Marilyn. Until Grace, no one had ever given her compliments, and all she longed for was to feel special. "No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they are pretty, even if they aren't." (Monroe 1). To reassure Marilyn of her uniqueness, she would tell her “Don't worry, Norma Jeane. You're going to be a beautiful girl when you get big...an important woman, a movie star." (McKee 1). Grace was captivated by Jean Harlow, a superstar of the twenties, and Marilyn would later say..."and so Jean Harlow was my idol." (Monroe 1). In 1935, Marilyn was hit with another burden when Grace was to be married; she was placed in an orphanage because of financial difficulties (September, 1935 to June, 1937).
|
