Focus on: Marilyn Monroe

Her Life

• Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. She had a difficult childhood, spending much of her early years in foster homes and an orphanage.
• Started her career as a model, which led to a film contract with 20th Century Fox in 1946.
• Changed her name to Marilyn Monroe and became one of Hollywood's most famous actresses. Starred in iconic films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Some Like It Hot, and The Seven Year Itch.
• Despite her fame, Monroe struggled with mental health issues, substance abuse, and turbulent relationships, including marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller.
• Died on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36 from a barbiturate overdose, which was ruled a probable suicide.

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Her Influence on the Role of Women

• Monroe was one of the first major female sex symbols in Hollywood. While she often played "dumb blonde" roles, she used her image to challenge the restrictive norms of female sexuality.
• Monroe's public persona and career choices helped to break down barriers for women in the entertainment industry, showing that they could be both sexually appealing and intelligent.

• By embracing her sexuality and demanding better roles and pay, Monroe inspired many women to seek greater autonomy and respect in their careers.

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Her Involvement in Politics

• Monroe was a supporter of civil rights. She used her influence to help break racial barriers in the entertainment industry, including helping singer Ella Fitzgerald secure gigs at venues that had previously discriminated against Black performers.
• Though not heavily involved in politics, Monroe's relationships with influential figures, including her alleged affair with President John F. Kennedy, kept her connected to political circles.

• Monroe was one of the first women in Hollywood to start her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, giving her greater control over her career and advocating for better treatment and pay for actors.

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Her Influence on American Culture

• Monroe's image, with her blonde hair, red lips, and glamorous style, became an enduring symbol of Hollywood glamour and sex appeal.
• She set trends in fashion and beauty that are still emulated today, influencing how women dress and present themselves.
• Monroe's life and career have been the subject of countless books, movies, and songs. She remains a cultural icon whose influence extends beyond her films.
• Artists like Andy Warhol immortalised her image in their work, reflecting her lasting impact on American pop culture.

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How She Represented the American Dream

• Monroe's life story embodies the American Dream. She rose from a troubled, impoverished childhood to become one of the most famous and successful women in the world.
• Through hard work, talent, and determination, Monroe transformed herself into a global icon, representing the idea that anyone can achieve success regardless of their background.
• While she achieved great success, Monroe's personal struggles highlighted the complexities of the American Dream, showing that fame and fortune do not always equate to happiness.

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Key Terms

Sex Symbol: A person widely recognised for their sexual attractiveness.

Civil Rights: The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Rags to Riches: A person's rise from poverty to wealth and success.

Pop Culture: Modern popular culture transmitted via mass media and aimed particularly at younger people.

American Dream: The ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative.

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Timeline

• 1926: Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles.
• 1946: Signed film contract with 20th Century Fox.
• 1953: Starred in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
• 1954: Married Joe DiMaggio.
• 1956: Married Arthur Miller.
• 1962: Died from a barbiturate overdose.

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Essay Paragraph Assistance

• Early Life
• Influence on women as a sex symbol, breaking barriers and empowerment
• Her involvement in politics - civil rights, activism and labour
• Influence on culture - fashion, pop culture and art/media
• The American Dream - rags to riches, a self-made star, a complex legacy

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