Marilyn Monroe

Birthday: 1 June 1926, Los Angeles, California, USA

Birth Name: Norma Jeane Mortenson

Height: 166 cm

Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson at the Los Angeles County Hospital on June 1, 1926. Her mother Gladys Pearl Baker was a film-cutter at Consolidated Film Industries. Marilyn's father's identity was never known. Because Gladys was mentally and financially unable to care for young Marilyn, Gladys placed her in the care of a foster family, The Bolenders. Although the Bolender family wanted to adopt Marilyn, Gladys was eventually able to stabilize her lifestyle and took Marilyn back in her care when Marilyn was 7 years old. However, shortly after regaining custody of Marilyn, Gladys had a complete mental breakdown and was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic and was committed to a state mental hospital. Gladys spent the rest of her life going in and out of hospitals and did not have contact with Marilyn ever again. Gladys outlived her daughter, dying in 1984.Marilyn was then taken in by Gladys' best friend Grace Goddard, who, after a series of foster homes, placed Marilyn into the Los Angeles Orphan's Home in 1935. Marilyn was traumatized by her experience there despite the Orphan's Home being an adequate living facility. Grace Goddard eventually took Marilyn back to live with her in 1937 although this stay did not last long as Grace's husband began molesting Marilyn. Marilyn went to live with Grace's Aunt Ana after this incident, although due to Aunt Ana's advanced age she could not care properly for Marilyn. Marilyn once again for the third time had to return to live with the Goddard's. The Goddard's planned to relocated and according to law, could not take Marilyn with them. She only had two choices: return to the orphanage or get married. Marilyn was only 16 years old.She decided to marry a neighborhood friend named James Dougherty; he went into the military, she modeled, they divorced in 1946. She owned 200 books (including Tolstoy, Whitman, Milton), listened to Beethoven records, studied acting at the Actors' lab in Hollywood, and took literature courses at UCLA downtown. 20th Century Fox gave her a contract but let it lapse a year later. In 1948, Columbia gave her a six-month contract, turned her over to coach Natasha Lytess and featured her in the B movie Ladies of the Chorus (1948) in which she sang three numbers : "Every Baby Needs a Da Da Daddy", "Anyone Can Tell I Love You" and "The Ladies of the Chorus" with Adele Jergens (dubbed by Virginia Rees) and others. Joseph L. Mankiewicz saw her in a small part in The Asphalt Jungle (1950) and put her in All About Eve (1950), resulting in 20th Century re-signing her to a seven-year contract. Niagara (1953) and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) launched her as a sex symbol superstar.When she went to a supper honoring her in the The Seven Year Itch (1955), she arrived in a red chiffon gown borrowed from the studio (she had never owned a gown). That same year, she married and divorced baseball great Joe DiMaggio (their wedding night was spent in Paso Robles, California). After The Seven Year Itch (1955), she wanted serious acting to replace the sexpot image and went to New York's Actors Studio. She worked with director Lee Strasberg and also underwent psychoanalysis to learn more about herself. Critics praised her transformation in Bus Stop (1956) and the press was stunned by her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller. True to form, she had no veil to match her beige wedding dress so she dyed one in coffee; he wore one of the two suits he owned. They went to England that fall where she made The Prince and the Showgirl (1957) with Laurence Olivier, fighting with him and falling further prey to alcohol and pills. Two miscarriages and gynecological surgery followed. So did an affair with Yves Montand. Work on her last picture The Misfits (1961), written for her by departing husband Miller was interrupted by exhaustion. She was dropped from the unfinished Something's Got to Give (1962) due to chronic lateness and drug dependency.On August 4, 1962, Marilyn Monroe's day began with threatening phone calls. Dr. Ralph Greenson, Marilyn's physician, came over the following day and quoted later in a document "felt it was possible that Marilyn Monroe had felt rejected by some of the people she had been close to". Apart from being upset that her publicist slept too long, she seemed fine. Pat Newcombe, who had stayed the previous night at Marilyn's house, left in the early evening as did Greenson who had a dinner date. Marilyn was upset he couldn't stay, and around 7:30pm she telephoned him while she was to tell him that her second husband's son had called him. Peter Lawford also called Marilyn, inviting her to dinner, but she declined. Lawford later said her speech was slurred. As the dark and depressing evening for Marilyn wore on there were other phone calls, including one from Jose Belanos, who said he thought she sounded fine. According to the funeral directors, Marilyn died sometime between 9:30pm and 11:30pm. Her maid unable to raise her but seeing a light under her locked door, called the police shortly after midnight. She also phoned Ralph Greenson who, on arrival, could not break down the bedroom door. He eventually broke in through French windows and found Marilyn dead in bed. The coroner stated she had died from acute barbiturate poisoning, and it was a 'probable suicide'. Hide

The public doesn't mind people living together without being married, providing they don't overdo it Show more The public doesn't mind people living together without being married, providing they don't overdo it. Hide

Suicide is a person's privilege. I don't believe it's a sin or a crime, it's your right if you do. T Show more Suicide is a person's privilege. I don't believe it's a sin or a crime, it's your right if you do. Though it doesn't get you anywhere. Hide

When you're young and healthy you can plan on Monday to commit suicide, and by Wednesday you're laug Show more When you're young and healthy you can plan on Monday to commit suicide, and by Wednesday you're laughing again. Hide

I've often stood silent at a party for hours listening to my movie idols turn into dull and little p Show more I've often stood silent at a party for hours listening to my movie idols turn into dull and little people. Hide

[on her early marriage to James Dougherty] Grace McKee arranged the marriage for me, I never had a c Show more [on her early marriage to James Dougherty] Grace McKee arranged the marriage for me, I never had a choice. There's not much to say about it. They couldn't support me, and they had to work out something. And so I got married. Hide

I used to say to myself, "What the devil have you got to be proud about, Marilyn Monroe?" And I'd an Show more I used to say to myself, "What the devil have you got to be proud about, Marilyn Monroe?" And I'd answer, "Everything, everything". Hide

What the world really needs is a real feeling of kinship. Everybody: stars, laborers, Negroes, Jews, Show more What the world really needs is a real feeling of kinship. Everybody: stars, laborers, Negroes, Jews, Arabs. We are all brothers. Please don't make me a joke. End the interview with what I believe. Hide

I have always felt comfortable in blue jeans. I have found it interesting, however, that people also Show more I have always felt comfortable in blue jeans. I have found it interesting, however, that people also whistle at blue jeans. I have to admit that I like mine to fit. There's nothing I hate worse than baggy blue jeans. Hide

I have feelings too. I am still human. All I want is to be loved, for myself and for my talent. I have feelings too. I am still human. All I want is to be loved, for myself and for my talent.

In Hollywood a girl's virtue is much less important than her hairdo. You're judged by how you look, Show more In Hollywood a girl's virtue is much less important than her hairdo. You're judged by how you look, not by what you are. Hollywood's a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for kiss, and fifty cents for your soul. I know, because I turned down the first offer often enough and held out for the fifty. Hide

I love to do things that censors won't pass. I love to do things that censors won't pass.

[on why her marriage to Joe DiMaggio didn't work] I didn't want to give up my career, and that's wha Show more [on why her marriage to Joe DiMaggio didn't work] I didn't want to give up my career, and that's what Joe wanted me to do most of all. Hide

[on Peter Lawford] I have a need to be frightened and nothing really in my personal relationships an Show more [on Peter Lawford] I have a need to be frightened and nothing really in my personal relationships and dealings lately have been frightening me, except for him. I felt very uneasy at different times with him, the real reason I was afraid of him is because I believe him to be homosexual...Peter wants to be a woman and would like to be me, I think. Hide

I did what they said and all it got me was a lot of abuse. Everyone's just laughing at me. I hate it Show more I did what they said and all it got me was a lot of abuse. Everyone's just laughing at me. I hate it. Big breasts, big ass, big deal. Hide

If I had observed all the rules, I'd never have gotten anywhere. If I had observed all the rules, I'd never have gotten anywhere.

[on James Joyce and the character of Molly Bloom in Ulysses] Here is Joyce writing what a woman thin Show more [on James Joyce and the character of Molly Bloom in Ulysses] Here is Joyce writing what a woman thinks to herself. Can he, does he really know her innermost thoughts? But after I read the whole book, I could better understand that Joyce is an artist who could penetrate the souls of people, male or female. It really doesn't matter that Joyce doesn't have...or never felt a menstrual cramp. To me Leopold Bloom is a central character. He is the despised Irish Jew, married to an Irish Catholic woman. It is through them Joyce develops much of what he wants to say. Do you agree that the scene where Bloom is looking at the little girl on the swing is the most erotic in the book? Hide

For the first family I lived with, to go to a movie was a sin. Every night I was told to pray that I Show more For the first family I lived with, to go to a movie was a sin. Every night I was told to pray that I would not wake up in hell. Hide

It stirs up envy, fame does. People you run into feel that, well, who does she think she is, Marilyn Show more It stirs up envy, fame does. People you run into feel that, well, who does she think she is, Marilyn Monroe? They feel fame gives them some kind of privilege to walk up to you and say anything to you, you know, of any kind of nature - and it won't hurt your feelings. Hide

[on Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift] Marlon's kinda hard to tie down, they say. He's never sure w Show more [on Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift] Marlon's kinda hard to tie down, they say. He's never sure what he wants to do. He and Monty Clift have a lot in common, though they're totally different people, but they don't plan their careers too well and they're not ambitious enough for their talents. Hide

Drugs pull you down and shut the lid on life. Pot opens everything up. All the anxieties, the creepy Show more Drugs pull you down and shut the lid on life. Pot opens everything up. All the anxieties, the creepy crawly blues, it all just drifts away and you can slowly remember what it feels like to be alive. Even more importantly, you can take a step back from the crap that's flying and see what really is important, which of the many things in your life really deserves worrying about. Not much! Hide

[why she converted to Judaism] I believe in everything a little, and if I have kids, I think they sh Show more [why she converted to Judaism] I believe in everything a little, and if I have kids, I think they should be Jewish. Anyway, I can identify with the Jews. Everybody's out to get them no matter what they do. Hide

It was the creative part that kept me going, trying to be an actress. I enjoy acting when you really Show more It was the creative part that kept me going, trying to be an actress. I enjoy acting when you really hit it right. Hide

[on Arthur Miller's script for 'The Misfits'] Arthur did this to me. He could have written anything Show more [on Arthur Miller's script for 'The Misfits'] Arthur did this to me. He could have written anything and he comes up with this. If that's what he thinks of me, well, then I'm not for him and he's not for me. Arthur says it's his movie. I don't think he even wants me in it. Hide

The trouble with censors is they worry if a girl has cleavage. They ought to worry if she hasn't any Show more The trouble with censors is they worry if a girl has cleavage. They ought to worry if she hasn't any. Hide

I want the world to see my body. I want the world to see my body.

I've been on a calendar, but never on time. I've been on a calendar, but never on time.

Wouldn't it be nice to be like men and get notches in your belt and sleep with most attractive men a Show more Wouldn't it be nice to be like men and get notches in your belt and sleep with most attractive men and not get emotionally involved? Hide

I love a natural look in pictures. I like people with a feeling one way or another - it shows an inn Show more I love a natural look in pictures. I like people with a feeling one way or another - it shows an inner life. I like to see that there's something going on inside them. Hide

Who said nights were for sleep? Who said nights were for sleep?

It might be kind of a relief to be finished. It's sort of like you don't know what kind of a yard da Show more It might be kind of a relief to be finished. It's sort of like you don't know what kind of a yard dash you're running, but then you're at the finish line and you sort of sigh - you've made it! But you never have. You have to start all over again. Hide

I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but Show more I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but because I never had belonged to anything or anyone else. Hide

I have always been deeply terrified to really be someone's wife since I know from life one cannot lo Show more I have always been deeply terrified to really be someone's wife since I know from life one cannot love another, ever, really. Hide

Some people have been unkind. If I say I want to grow as an actress, they look at my figure. If I sa Show more Some people have been unkind. If I say I want to grow as an actress, they look at my figure. If I say I want to develop, to learn my craft, they laugh. Somehow they don't expect me to be serious about my work. Hide

Executives can get colds and stay home and phone in - but the actor? How dare you get a cold or a vi Show more Executives can get colds and stay home and phone in - but the actor? How dare you get a cold or a virus! I wish they had to act a comedy with a temperature and a virus infection! I'm there to give a performance, not to be disciplined by a studio. This isn't supposed to be a military school, after all. Hide

I won't be satisfied until people want to hear me sing without looking at me. I won't be satisfied until people want to hear me sing without looking at me.

I'm a failure as a woman. My men expect so much of me, because of the image they've made of me and t Show more I'm a failure as a woman. My men expect so much of me, because of the image they've made of me and that I've made of myself, as a sex symbol. Men expect so much, and I can't live up to it. Hide

[on drifting in and out of orphanages when she was little] The world around me then was kind of grim Show more [on drifting in and out of orphanages when she was little] The world around me then was kind of grim. I had to learn to pretend in order to - I don't know - block the grimness. The whole world seemed sort of closed to me . . . [I felt] on the outside of everything, and all I could do was to dream up any kind of pretend game. Hide

[on Frank Sinatra] He is a man at the top of his profession and is a fine actor as well. You know, h Show more [on Frank Sinatra] He is a man at the top of his profession and is a fine actor as well. You know, he got an Oscar for From Here to Eternity (1953). He has helped more people anonymously than anybody else. And the miserable press smears him with lies about his being involved with the Mafia and gangsters. And Frank just takes it. Hide

People had a habit of looking at me like I was some kind of mirror instead of a person. They didn't Show more People had a habit of looking at me like I was some kind of mirror instead of a person. They didn't see me, they saw their own lewd thoughts, then they white-masked themselves by calling me the lewd one. Hide

I want to be an artist... not an erotic freak. I don't want to be sold to the public as a celluloid Show more I want to be an artist... not an erotic freak. I don't want to be sold to the public as a celluloid aphrodisiacal. Hide

When it comes down to it, I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I Show more When it comes down to it, I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I'm already better than them. Hide

I want to be a big star more than anything. It's something precious. I want to be a big star more than anything. It's something precious.

[on Marlon Brando] He's very sweet and tender, not at all the Stanley Kowalski rapist people think h Show more [on Marlon Brando] He's very sweet and tender, not at all the Stanley Kowalski rapist people think he is. Hide

[on Laurence Olivier on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)] Olivier came into my dressing Show more [on Laurence Olivier on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)] Olivier came into my dressing room to give me hell for screwing up. I soothed him by telling him I thought his Hamlet (1948) was one of the greatest films ever made. You know he won an Oscar for it. Hide

I'm not interested in money, I just want to be wonderful. I'm not interested in money, I just want to be wonderful.

[on John F. Kennedy] When he has finished his achievements, he will take his place with Washington, Show more [on John F. Kennedy] When he has finished his achievements, he will take his place with Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and [Franklin D. Roosevelt] as one of our greatest Presidents. I'm glad he has [Robert F. Kennedy]. It's like the Navy. The President is the Captain and Bobby is his Executive Officer. Bobby would do absolutely anything for his brother. And so would I. I'll never embarrass him. As long as I have memory, I have John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Hide

You know, when you grow up you can get kind of sour, I mean, that's the way it can go. You know, when you grow up you can get kind of sour, I mean, that's the way it can go.

It's often just enough to be with someone. I don't need to touch them. Not even talk. A feeling pass Show more It's often just enough to be with someone. I don't need to touch them. Not even talk. A feeling passes between you both. You're not alone. Hide

I want to be an artist, an actress with integrity. I want to be an artist, an actress with integrity.

[on why Joe DiMaggio didn't accompany her on one of her USO tours] Joe hates crowds and glamor. [on why Joe DiMaggio didn't accompany her on one of her USO tours] Joe hates crowds and glamor.

Fame will go by and, so long, I've had you, Fame. If it goes by, I've always known it was fickle. Fame will go by and, so long, I've had you, Fame. If it goes by, I've always known it was fickle.

[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe] said, "Talent is developed in privacy", you know? And it's really true. Show more [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe] said, "Talent is developed in privacy", you know? And it's really true. There is a need for aloneness which I don't think most people realize for an actor. It's almost having certain kinds of secrets for yourself that you'll let the whole world in on only for a moment, when you're acting. Hide

The truth is I've never fooled anyone. I've let people fool themselves. They didn't bother to find o Show more The truth is I've never fooled anyone. I've let people fool themselves. They didn't bother to find out who and what I was. Instead they would invent a character for me. I wouldn't argue with them. They were obviously loving somebody I wasn't. When they found this out, they would blame me for disillusioning them---and fooling them. Hide

I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, thing Show more I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Hide

I'm for the individual as opposed to the corporation. The way it is the individual is the underdog, Show more I'm for the individual as opposed to the corporation. The way it is the individual is the underdog, and with all the things a corporation has going for them the individual comes out banged on her head. The artist is nothing. It's really tragic. Hide

[on her favorite actress] Jean Harlow was my idol. [on her favorite actress] Jean Harlow was my idol.

It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone. It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone.

Men who think that a woman's past love affairs lessen her love for them are stupid. A woman can brin Show more Men who think that a woman's past love affairs lessen her love for them are stupid. A woman can bring a new love to each man that she loves, providing that there are not too many. Hide

To put it bluntly, I seem to have a whole superstructure with no foundation. But I'm working on the Show more To put it bluntly, I seem to have a whole superstructure with no foundation. But I'm working on the foundation. Hide

[about Montgomery Clift] He's the only person I know that is in worse shape than I am. [about Montgomery Clift] He's the only person I know that is in worse shape than I am.

No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they're p Show more No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they're pretty, even if they aren't. Hide

[on meeting Joe DiMaggio for the first time] I was surprised to be so crazy about Joe. I expected a Show more [on meeting Joe DiMaggio for the first time] I was surprised to be so crazy about Joe. I expected a flashy New York sports type, and instead I met this reserved guy who didn't make a pass at me right away! He treated me like something special. Joe is a very decent man, and he makes other people feel decent, too. Hide

Creativity has got to start with humanity and when you're a human being, you feel, you suffer. Creativity has got to start with humanity and when you're a human being, you feel, you suffer.

Boys think girls are like books, If the cover doesn't catch their eye they won't bother to read what Show more Boys think girls are like books, If the cover doesn't catch their eye they won't bother to read what's inside. Hide

I used to think as I looked at the Hollywood night, "There must be thousands of girls sitting alone Show more I used to think as I looked at the Hollywood night, "There must be thousands of girls sitting alone like me, dreaming of becoming a movie star. But I'm not going to worry about them. I'm dreaming the hardest." Hide

There was my name up in lights. I said, "God, somebody's made a mistake!" But there it was in lights Show more There was my name up in lights. I said, "God, somebody's made a mistake!" But there it was in lights. And I sat there and said, "Remember, you're not a star". Yet there it was up in lights. Hide

I've never liked the name Marilyn. I've often wished that I had held out that day for Jean Monroe. B Show more I've never liked the name Marilyn. I've often wished that I had held out that day for Jean Monroe. But I guess it's too late to do anything about it now. Hide

There is nothing positive about being fat. And there is nothing positive about loving yourself. We a Show more There is nothing positive about being fat. And there is nothing positive about loving yourself. We all need to conform to society's expectations of who we are and if we don't, who will? Life is more enjoyable when you are thin and pretty. I was never fat a day in my life and I never will. Hide

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely b Show more Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. Hide

[on John F. Kennedy] It would be so nice to have a president who looks so young and good-looking. [on John F. Kennedy] It would be so nice to have a president who looks so young and good-looking.

I have favorite motion-picture stars, like everyone else. You know who mine are? My favorite is Marl Show more I have favorite motion-picture stars, like everyone else. You know who mine are? My favorite is Marlon Brando. I mean, really, I believe we'd be an interesting combination. I've said that about Marlon for a long time, but we haven't found the right story. Can you imagine us on the big screen? I hope something happens soon. Greta Garbo, I've never met her. It really bugs me when I miss one of her films on TV. Oh, if you could only get me to meet her! I've also heard wonderful things about Jeanne Eagels and Laurette Taylor. And the one they called the Blond Bombshell: Jean Harlow. Kay Kendall was a great comedian. She was really talented. I would have loved working with Gerard Philipe, the handsome French star- his films I've been told were a huge success in France, as were his stage plays. I was told he wanted to make films with me. Oh, what a shame we never got the opportunity. We would have made an interesting team. What a shame. He was so young to die; he was thirty-six. He had been ill and apparently died of a heart attack. Hide

I was never used to being happy, so that wasn't something I ever took for granted. I did sort of thi Show more I was never used to being happy, so that wasn't something I ever took for granted. I did sort of think, you know, marriage did that. You see, I was brought up differently from the average American child because the average child is brought up expecting to be happy - that's it, successful, happy, and on time. Hide

I remember when I got the part in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Jane Russell, she was the brunette in it Show more I remember when I got the part in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Jane Russell, she was the brunette in it and I was the blonde. She got $200,000 for it, and I got my $500 a week, but that to me was, you know, considerable. She, by the way, was quite wonderful to me. The only thing was I couldn't get a dressing room. I said, finally, I really got to this kind of level, I said, "Look, after all, I am the blonde, and it is Gentlemen Prefer Blondes!" Because still they always kept saying, "Remember, you're not a star." I said, "Well, whatever I am, I am the blonde!" Hide

My problem is that I drive myself... I'm trying to become an artist, and to be true, and sometimes I Show more My problem is that I drive myself... I'm trying to become an artist, and to be true, and sometimes I feel I'm on the verge of craziness, I'm just trying to get the truest part of myself out, and it's very hard. There are times when I think, 'All I have to be is true'. But sometimes it doesn't come out so easily. I always have this secret feeling that I'm really a fake or something, a phony. Hide

Fame is fickle, and I know it. It has it's compensations but it also has it's drawbacks, and I've ex Show more Fame is fickle, and I know it. It has it's compensations but it also has it's drawbacks, and I've experienced them both. Hide

I think that sexuality is only attractive when it's natural and spontaneous. I think that sexuality is only attractive when it's natural and spontaneous.

I sleep in the nude but I pull the sheets up. I sleep in the nude but I pull the sheets up.

Arthur Miller wouldn't have married me if I had been nothing but a dumb blonde. Arthur Miller wouldn't have married me if I had been nothing but a dumb blonde.

[on Sigmund Freud] I read his "Introductory Lectures," God, what a genius. He makes it so understand Show more [on Sigmund Freud] I read his "Introductory Lectures," God, what a genius. He makes it so understandable. And he is so right. Didn't he say himself that [William Shakespeare] and [Fyodor Dostoevsky] had a better understanding of psychology than all the scientists put together? Damn it, they do. Hide

[on why she divorced James Dougherty] My marriage didn't make me sad, but it didn't make me happy ei Show more [on why she divorced James Dougherty] My marriage didn't make me sad, but it didn't make me happy either. My husband and I hardly spoke to each other. This wasn't because we were angry. We had nothing to say. I was dying of boredom. Hide

[on living with the Bolenders when she was a little girl] They were terribly strict. They didn't mea Show more [on living with the Bolenders when she was a little girl] They were terribly strict. They didn't mean any harm . . . it was their religion. They brought me up harshly. Hide

Talent is developed in privacy... but everybody is always tugging at you. They'd all like sort of a Show more Talent is developed in privacy... but everybody is always tugging at you. They'd all like sort of a chunk at you. They'd kind of like to take pieces out of you. Hide

I restore myself when I'm alone. A career is born in public -- talent in private. I restore myself when I'm alone. A career is born in public -- talent in private.

People had a habit of looking at me as if I were some kind of mirror instead of a person. They didn' Show more People had a habit of looking at me as if I were some kind of mirror instead of a person. They didn't see me, they saw their own lewd thoughts, then they white-masked themselves by calling me the lewd one. Hide

Speaking of Oscars, I would win overwhelmingly if the Academy gave an Oscar for faking orgasms. I ha Show more Speaking of Oscars, I would win overwhelmingly if the Academy gave an Oscar for faking orgasms. I have done some of my best acting convincing my partners I was in the throes of ecstasy. Hide

[on Sunday being the loneliest day of the week for her] All the men I know are spending the day with Show more [on Sunday being the loneliest day of the week for her] All the men I know are spending the day with their wives and families, and all the stores in Los Angeles are closed. You can't wander through looking at all the pretty clothes and pretending to buy something. Hide

[on shooting the famous scene in The Seven Year Itch (1955) where wind from the subway beneath blows Show more [on shooting the famous scene in The Seven Year Itch (1955) where wind from the subway beneath blows her skirt up] At first it was all innocent and fun, but when Billy Wilder kept shooting the scene over and over the crowd of men kept on applauding and shouting, 'More, more Marilyn - let's see more.' What was supposed to be a fun scene turned into a sex scene. Hide

If I play a stupid girl, and ask a stupid question, I've got to follow it through. What am I suppose Show more If I play a stupid girl, and ask a stupid question, I've got to follow it through. What am I supposed to do, look intelligent? Hide

[on homosexuality] No sex is wrong if there's love involved. [on homosexuality] No sex is wrong if there's love involved.

[on Mae West] A nice lady even though she turned down making a picture with me. That just shows how Show more [on Mae West] A nice lady even though she turned down making a picture with me. That just shows how smart she is. Hide

Let yourself go, the pleasure of physical movement is so important. If that's a problem, you say to Show more Let yourself go, the pleasure of physical movement is so important. If that's a problem, you say to yourself, what is there that I am afraid of, or hiding? Maybe your libido! Hide

A dollar for your thoughts... A dollar for your thoughts...

Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you $50,000 for a kiss and 50c for your soul. Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you $50,000 for a kiss and 50c for your soul.

People always ask me if I believe diamonds are a girl's best friend. Frankly, I don't. People always ask me if I believe diamonds are a girl's best friend. Frankly, I don't.

When Clark Gable died, I cried for 2 days straight. I couldn't eat or sleep. When Clark Gable died, I cried for 2 days straight. I couldn't eat or sleep.

I've never dropped anyone I believed in. I've never dropped anyone I believed in.

An actor is supposed to be a sensitive instrument. Isaac Stern takes good care of his violin. What i Show more An actor is supposed to be a sensitive instrument. Isaac Stern takes good care of his violin. What if everyone jumped on his violin? Hide

[on her famous nude calendar pose in 1949] My sin has been no more than I have written, posing for t Show more [on her famous nude calendar pose in 1949] My sin has been no more than I have written, posing for the nude because I desperately needed 50 dollars to get my car out of hock. Hide

Nearly everyone I knew talked to me about God. They always warned me not to offend Him. Nearly everyone I knew talked to me about God. They always warned me not to offend Him.

A career is wonderful, but you can't curl up with it on a cold night. A career is wonderful, but you can't curl up with it on a cold night.

Sometimes I think it would be easier to avoid old age, to die, young, but then you'd never complete Show more Sometimes I think it would be easier to avoid old age, to die, young, but then you'd never complete your life, would you? You'd never wholly know yourself... Hide

How or why I can act - and I'm not sure I can - is the thing for me to understand. The torture, let Show more How or why I can act - and I'm not sure I can - is the thing for me to understand. The torture, let alone the day to day happenings - the pain one cannot explain to another. Hide

Dogs never bite me. Just humans. Dogs never bite me. Just humans.

As long as I can remember, I've always loved people. As long as I can remember, I've always loved people.

To everyone who thinks they're ugly because they're not a size 0, you're the beautiful one and it's Show more To everyone who thinks they're ugly because they're not a size 0, you're the beautiful one and it's society that's ugly. Hide

Fame is like caviar. It's good to have caviar, but not every damned day! Fame is like caviar. It's good to have caviar, but not every damned day!

A sex-symbol becomes a thing, I just hate being a thing. But if I'm going to be a symbol of somethin Show more A sex-symbol becomes a thing, I just hate being a thing. But if I'm going to be a symbol of something I'd rather have it sex than some other things we've got symbols of. Hide

Personally, I react to Marlon Brando. He's a favorite of mine. Personally, I react to Marlon Brando. He's a favorite of mine.

[on stardom] It scares me. All those people I don't know, sometimes they're so emotional. I mean, if Show more [on stardom] It scares me. All those people I don't know, sometimes they're so emotional. I mean, if they love you that much without knowing you, they can also hate you the same way. Hide

My illusions didn't have anything to do with being a fine actress. I knew how third rate I was. I co Show more My illusions didn't have anything to do with being a fine actress. I knew how third rate I was. I could actually feel my lack of talent, as if it were cheap clothes I was wearing inside. But my God, how I wanted to learn, to change, to improve! Hide

I want to grow old without face-lifts... I want to have the courage to be loyal to the face that I h Show more I want to grow old without face-lifts... I want to have the courage to be loyal to the face that I have made. Hide

I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but Show more I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else. Hide

The body is meant to be seen, not all covered up. The body is meant to be seen, not all covered up.

The other girls rode to school in a bus. I had no nickel to pay for the ride. Rain or shine, I walke Show more The other girls rode to school in a bus. I had no nickel to pay for the ride. Rain or shine, I walked the two miles from my "aunt's" home to the school. I hated the walk, I hated the school. I had no friends. The pupils seldom talked to me and never wanted me in their games. Nobody ever walked home with me or invited me to visit their homes. This was partly because I came from the poor part of the district where all the Mexicans and Japanese lived. It was also because I couldn't smile at anyone. Hide

Sex is a part of nature. I go along with nature. Sex is a part of nature. I go along with nature.

We are all born sexual creatures, thank God, but it's a pity so many people despise and crush this n Show more We are all born sexual creatures, thank God, but it's a pity so many people despise and crush this natural gift. Hide

Marilyn Monroe's FILMOGRAPHY

All as Actor (52)

L.a Confidential

American Masters - Season 36

Pain and Glory (Dolor y gloria) [Sub: Eng]

Dear Eleanor

River of No Return

Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields - Season 1

American Masters - Season 38

Soaked in Bleach

O. Henry`s Full House

Bigger Stronger Faster*

The Prince and the Showgirl

Bert Stern: Original Madman

Were Not Married

The Seven Year Itch

The Misfits

Smash - Season 1

This Is Joan Collins

Icons - Season 1

American Masters - Season 39

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Niagara

Canaan Land

Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies

Some Like It Hot

Heavy Petting

Volunteers

Marilyn Monroe'S roles

The Girl

Pola Debevoise

Roslyn Taber

Vicky Parker

Miss Casswell

Sugar Kane Kowalczyk

Lorelei Lee