Marilyn Monroe Role Model

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Marilyn Monroe was a very well known actor and model in the 1950’s. She began her career as a model before shifting into acting. Some of the movies she was most recognized for include “The Seven Year Itch”, “The Prince and the Showgirl”, “Bus Stop” and “Some like it hot.” “Some like it Hot” was her most commercially successful film. This movie was listed as the greatest American comedy film of all time by the American film Institute in 2000. She was awarded numerous awards including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actress. Marilyn Monroe displayed a unique talent and abilities in both acting and modeling.

Marilyn Monroe had many social influences. Growing up, she never knew her father. Her mother had psychiatric problems
She was born on June 1st, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. Her nationality was American. She had always been interested in Hollywood. She had always dreamed that she would someday become famous as you can imagine many little girls would. She was raised Christian. Her first foster parents were deeply religious and taught Monroe a lot about the Christian religion and its values. Later she married Jewish playwright Arthur Miller. She found an interest in the Jewish religion and soon converted. She practiced this religion from here on out. She dropped out of high school when she was only fifteen years old. Fast forward to when she was older, and after her acting career had begun. She was tired of all the dumb blonde roles. She moved to New York City to study acting with Lee Strasberg at the Actors’ Studio shop. Monroe had very few possessions. Her most prized possession was an autographed photo of Albert Einstein which read “To Marilyn, with respect and love and thanks.” (Banner, pg 16) This indicates that she was drawn to people who were educated and appreciated
Her mother-in-law got her a job at a wartime factory. Photographer David Conover immediately recognized her beauty and potential. He strongly encouraged her to quit her job and pursue a career in modeling and Monroe immediately did so. She started by taking many modeling and makeup classes. She was immediately recruited by a modeling agency and was on the cover of over thirty magazines. Her contract only paid her $75 per week for six months. Modeling led her directly into acting. Her first acting job was in 1950. She played a small role in John Huston’s crime drama “The Asphalt Jungle”. This was a huge success and more job opportunities continued to roll in. Monroe quickly became a well-known international star. Her films grossed over $200 million. Monroe’s total net worth was $27 million. (Biography.com Editors) Monroe spent all of her free time taking acting classes due to her insecurities. In March of 1948 she signed a contract with Columbia pictures and filmed “Ladies of the Chorus.” From 1950 to 1955 Monroe was in seven films for Fox. After each successful film, her paycheck was raised. The very first movie that she starred in was called “Niagara.” Following this came more lead roles. The last film she completed was “The Misfits” in 1961. Her husband, Arthur Miller had written that movie. They got divorced shortly after in the same year.

As you can see, Marilyn Monroe had a very interesting background that strongly impacted her