Early Life
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson at Los Angeles General Hospital.
Monroe's father's identity is unconfirmed; her mother is confined to asylums. She will spend her childhood in a series of orphanages and foster homes.
Moves in with family friend Grace McKee Goddard.
First marriage
The Goddard family relocates and cannot take Norma Jeane with them. At age 16 Monroe marries 21-year old neighbor Jimmy Dougherty. They will divorice soon after World War II.
Modeling career
Discovered by U.S. Army photographer David Conover. First shoot with Andre de Dienes.
First national magazine cover, FAMILY CIRCLE by Andre de Dienes. Signs first contract with 20th Century Fox as Marilyn Monroe.
Poses for nude calendar shots taken by Tom Kelley. Tobey Beach, Long Island shoot with Andre de Dienes.
Big break
ASPHALT JUNGLE released.
First LIFE magazine cover, shot by Philippe Halsman.
Iconic films
Handprints on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES and HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE released. Becomes the first PLAYBOY centerfold.
Marries Joe DiMaggio. Performs for troops in Korea. Ballerina sitting with Milton Greene. Shoots iconic skirt blowing scene for THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH.
Studies at the Actors Studio. Rides the pink elephant in the circus at Madison Square Garden. Interviewed by Edward R. Morrow. THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH released.
Marriage to Arthur Miller
Marries Arthur Miller and is photographed with him by Sam Shaw. BUS STOP released.
THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL released.
Phil Stern photographs a pregnant Marilyn in the MGM lot.
SOME LIKE IT HOT released.
Films THE MISFITS on location in Reno, Nevada. Magnum photographers exclusively shoot the cast.
THE MISFITS released. Douglas Kirkland's bed sitting with Marilyn.
Photographed with Carl Sandberg. Sings Happy Birthday Mr. President to JFK. The "Last Sitting" with Bert Stern for Vogue magazine. Last interview, for LIFE magazine. Dies at 36.
