How Tall Was Marilyn Monroe: The Untold Story of Family Life
Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history. Known for her stunning beauty, acting talent, and enigmatic persona, she continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide decades after her passing. From her glamorous life on-screen to her deeply personal struggles, Marilyn Monroe’s life was a mix of fame and tragedy. One of the many questions people ask about her is: “How tall was Marilyn Monroe?” In this article, we’ll answer that and explore her fascinating life, including her early years, family background, and legacy.
Quick Bio of Marilyn Monroe
| Full Name | Norma Jeane Mortenson |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Marilyn Monroe |
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1926 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Date of Death | August 4, 1962 |
| Cause of Death | Probable overdose (officially ruled as suicide) |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer, Model |
| Active Years in Career | 1945–1962 |
| Known For | “Some Like It Hot,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” |
Early Life and Background
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. Her childhood was far from the glamorous life she would later lead. Marilyn grew up in foster homes and orphanages as her mother, Gladys Pearl Baker, struggled with severe mental health issues and was unable to care for her. Marilyn never knew her biological father, which left a deep emotional impact on her throughout her life.
As a teenager, Marilyn faced numerous challenges, including poverty and a lack of stability. At the age of 16, she married James Dougherty, a neighbor, to escape the foster care system. This early marriage, however, ended in divorce after Marilyn began pursuing a career in modeling and acting.
Age and Physical Appearance
Marilyn Monroe’s physical appearance played a significant role in her rise to fame. With her hourglass figure, radiant smile, and platinum blonde hair, she became a global symbol of beauty and sensuality.
How Tall Was Marilyn Monroe?
Marilyn Monroe was 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm). Her height, combined with her curvaceous figure and graceful demeanor, gave her a commanding presence both on and off the screen. She reportedly weighed around 118–125 pounds during her career, with measurements often cited as 36-24-34, making her one of the most iconic sex symbols of her era.
Education
Marilyn Monroe’s formal education was limited due to her tumultuous upbringing. She attended Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles but did not complete her studies, dropping out at the age of 16 when she married her first husband. Later in life, however, Marilyn was an avid reader with a deep love for literature. She reportedly owned a personal library of over 400 books, which included works by James Joyce, Dostoevsky, and Hemingway. Despite her “dumb blonde” persona on screen, Marilyn was highly intelligent and curious, often striving for self-improvement.
Marilyn Monroe’s Net Worth
At the time of her death in 1962, Marilyn Monroe’s net worth was estimated to be around $800,000, which is equivalent to approximately $7 million in today’s dollars. While her earnings were significant for the time, they were relatively modest compared to her fame and the revenue her movies generated. Much of her wealth went toward living expenses, taxes, and legal fees.
In the years following her death, Marilyn Monroe’s estate has grown substantially in value. Today, her estate is worth an estimated $20–30 million, benefiting from royalties, licensing deals, and her enduring popularity as a cultural icon.
Who Was Marilyn Monroe?
Marilyn Monroe was a Hollywood actress, singer, and model who rose to fame in the 1950s. She became known for her comedic roles in films like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, as well as for her ability to exude vulnerability and charm on-screen. Beyond her public image as a glamorous bombshell, Marilyn was a deeply complex individual who struggled with personal demons, including mental health issues and an unstable sense of identity.
Despite her challenges, she worked tirelessly to improve her craft, studying acting at the prestigious Actors Studio in New York under Lee Strasberg. Her performances in dramatic roles, such as Bus Stop and The Misfits, revealed her depth as an actress and earned her critical acclaim.
Her Father: A Mystery
Marilyn Monroe’s biological father remains a mystery to this day. Although her birth certificate listed Edward Mortenson as her father, he was likely not her biological parent. It is widely believed that her father was Charles Stanley Gifford, a co-worker of her mother, Gladys. Marilyn reportedly tried to contact Gifford during her life, but he refused to acknowledge her.
This lack of a father figure profoundly affected Marilyn’s emotional well-being and relationships throughout her life.
Her Mother: Gladys Pearl Baker
Marilyn’s mother, Gladys Pearl Baker, worked as a film cutter at Consolidated Film Industries in Hollywood. Gladys suffered from severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia, and was institutionalized for much of Marilyn’s childhood. As a result, Marilyn spent most of her early years in foster homes and with family friends.
Despite their estranged relationship, Marilyn supported her mother financially once she became successful. Gladys outlived Marilyn, passing away in 1984.
Marilyn Monroe’s Children
Marilyn Monroe did not have any children. Although she longed to become a mother, she experienced multiple miscarriages and struggled with endometriosis, a painful medical condition that made it difficult for her to carry a pregnancy to term. Her inability to have children was a source of great sadness for her and is thought to have contributed to her emotional struggles.
Marilyn Monroe’s Movies
Marilyn Monroe starred in over 30 films during her career, many of which are considered classics. Here are some of her most notable movies:
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) – A musical comedy where Marilyn famously performed “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
- Some Like It Hot (1959) – A critically acclaimed comedy that showcased Marilyn’s comedic timing and charm.
- The Seven Year Itch (1955) – Known for the iconic scene of Marilyn’s white dress blowing over a subway grate.
- Bus Stop (1956) – A dramatic role that earned Marilyn critical praise.
- The Misfits (1961) – Her final film, co-starring Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift.
Marilyn’s films grossed millions at the box office and solidified her as one of the most bankable stars of her time.
Current Life and Legacy
Marilyn Monroe passed away on August 4, 1962, at the age of 36, in her Brentwood, California, home. Her death was officially ruled as a probable suicide caused by a barbiturate overdose, though theories of foul play and conspiracy continue to circulate.
Despite her tragic death, Marilyn Monroe remains a symbol of beauty, talent, and resilience. Her influence extends far beyond the film industry, as she has inspired countless artists, designers, and performers. Her image is still one of the most recognized in the world, and her life story continues to captivate audiences.
Conclusion
Marilyn Monroe was much more than a Hollywood starlet. At 5 feet 6 inches tall, she stood as a towering figure in popular culture, breaking barriers and redefining what it meant to be a leading lady in Hollywood. From her humble beginnings as Norma Jeane to becoming an international icon, Marilyn’s life was a mix of triumph and tragedy. Her legacy endures through her films, her timeless beauty, and her contributions to the entertainment industry.
1. How tall was Marilyn Monroe?
Marilyn Monroe was 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm).
2. How old was Marilyn Monroe when she died?
Marilyn Monroe was 36 years old when she passed away on August 4, 1962.
3. Did Marilyn Monroe have children?
No, Marilyn Monroe did not have any children.
4. What were Marilyn Monroe’s most famous movies?
Some of her most famous movies include Some Like It Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and The Seven Year Itch.
