Marilyn Monroe Birthday Special: 6 Lesser known facts about the diva

Being the personification of elegance and grace, it is difficult to express Marilyn Monroe's charm in words. The famous American singer-actress known as the 'Blonde Bombshell' was popular across the globe for her stellar performances. Starting her career as a model featuring in several magazines and advertisements, Monroe soon began receiving roles in some of the most legendary movies we know today. One of Hollywood's most celebrated actress, the pop-culture icon continues to mesmerise fan with her beauty and charm.

Despite having a troubled childhood, Monroe managed to go against all odds making a name for herself. She struggled with substance abuse, depression and anxiety, but still outshined herself with every other performance. Becoming immortal in our memories it is almost hard to believe that there was a time when she was type-casted and remained underpaid for a period of her career. Crossing all those roadblocks, she has become a motivation for women fighting hardships, teaching them how to live life on their terms and look stunning while doing so.

Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926 and left for the heavenly abode in 1962. Today is her 95th birth anniversary and on this occasion, here are some of the lesser-known facts about her that you might not know:

Her real name

Marilyn Monroe's real name was Norma Jeane Mortenson. She spent her childhood at foster homes and orphanages in Los Angeles.

Marriages

Monroe had been married thrice. She got married for the first time at the age of sixteen to James Dougherty, a man working with the Merchant Marine during the Second World War. Her last film The Misfits, was written by her then-husband playwright Arthur Miller whom she married in 1956.

Divorce

Marilyn’s ‘skirt scene’ from the Seven Year Itch became one of the actress' most iconic scenes ever. However, it was due to this scene that she sought a divorce from her second husband Joe DiMaggio, who had stormed off the sets as he thought the scene was exhibitionist.

An ardent reader

She was fond of reading. Her personal library had a collection of around 400 books.

Suspension

Monroe was briefly suspended from movies in early 1954 for apparently rejecting a film project. However, she returned to the silver screen a year later with The Seven Itch, one of the biggest blockbusters of her career.

Other Stage Names

Before zeroing down on Marilyn Monroe as her stage name, Monroe initially thought of keeping her screen name, Jean Adair. She legally changed her name to Marilyn Monroe in March 1956.