40 Rare Photos of Marilyn Monroe You've Probably Never Seen
Including rare photos from her young life, romances and early career.
Say the name, “Marilyn,” and only one woman comes to mind: The stunning, sultry and iconic Marilyn Monroe. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson (baptized Norma Jean Baker) on June 1, 1926, she was taken to a foster home when she was only two-weeks-old by her mother, Gladys Baker. Gladys had a history of mental instability and was often hospitalized. Norma spent her childhood in a series of foster homes, dropping out of high school at 15. She worked in a munitions factory during WWII, where she was discovered, and began a career as a pin-up model. In 1946, she signed her first movie contract, shortly thereafter adopting her new stage name and dying her brunette hair blonde.
In a matter of a few years, Marilyn would become one of the world’s most famous actresses, known for her blonde bombshell looks as well as her tumultuous marriages to famous men. Despite her unsettled personal life, Marilyn endeared herself to fans around the world with her soft voice, gentle demeanor, and beautiful smile. Here’s a look at her life through the decades.
1926: Being held by her mom
Here, Gladys Baker holds her daughter, Norma. She took the baby to her first foster home when she was only two weeks old. She visited Norma and even lived with her daughter briefly before Gladys was hospitalized for a time due to paranoid schizophrenia. She would be in and out of hospitals for most of her life.
1927: Posing for her first portrait
Six-month-old Norma is seen in what's likely her first formal portrait.
1928: Posing at two years old
Norma posed here at two years old. It was during this time she was living with her first set of foster parents.
1929: Spending time on the beach
Norma's mom, Gladys, visited her daughter frequently during the early years.
1931: Showing off her trademark smile
Norma's beautiful smile is revealed in this portrait when she's five years old.
1933: Playing with neighborhood dogs
Norma loved dogs and often had dogs throughout her life, including during her last days.
1940: Becoming a teenager
Norma is stylishly dressed for this formal portrait.
1941: Boating with her friends
Norma (center) is seen on an outing with two friends.
1942: Spending time with family
Norma did see extended family members at times. Here, they're at a restaurant with Norma on the far right, center.
1942: Marrying for the first time
Norma married merchant marine, Jimmy Dougherty, when she was 16 years old. The marriage lasted until 1946.
1945: Beginning her modeling model
Here, Norma models for a hair products advertisement.
1947: Starting her film career
Newly signed with 20th Century Fox, Norma began a whirlwind of publicity shoots. She adopted her new stage name after a popular first name of the time and her mother's maiden name, Monroe.
1947: Honing her look
Marilyn began the transformation from all-American charmer to screen siren in this swimsuit shot staged by the studio.
1947: Rehearsing with her acting coach
Marilyn put in long hours learning her trade.
1948: Creating a look
Marilyn learned to apply makeup to create a very specific screen persona for herself.
1949: Posing for a studio portrait
This portrait shows Marilyn in all her loveliness before her first movie appearance.
1950: Going to an audition
Marilyn always wanted to be taken seriously as an actress. Here, she's at an audition for a play. This same year, she received attention for her small role in John Huston's crime drama, The Asphalt Jungle and also impressed audiences and critics when she appeared in All About Eve, with Bette Davis.
1953: Talking with her acting coach on set
Marilyn's career began to skyrocket in the early '50s with her roles in Niagara (1953), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), and There's No Business Like Show Business (1954). She soon became a household name and an international sex symbol.
1953: Appearing at a premiere
Marilyn laughed with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall at the premiere of How to Marry a Millionaire.
1953: Leaving her hand and footprints in cement
Marilyn left her hand and footprints in the cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles. She's accompanied by Jane Russell, her co-star in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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