Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, was an iconic American actress, model, and singer. She became one of the most famous sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, known for her comedic "blonde bombshell" roles. Monroe's films grossed over $200 million by the time of her death in 1962, which is equivalent to about $2 billion today.
Monroe's early life was marked by instability, as she spent much of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage. She began her career as a pin-up model, which led to short-lived film contracts with 20th Century Fox and Columbia Pictures. Her breakthrough came with roles in films like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "How to Marry a Millionaire.
