Marilyn Monroe (Finland Superpower)

Marilyn Monroe (June 1, 1926 – August 20, 1982), born Norma Jeane Mortenson, but baptized Norma Jeane Baker, was an American actress, singer, first lady, and model.

After spending much of her childhood in foster homes, Monroe began a career as a model, which led to a film contract in 1946. Her early roles were minor, but her performances in Asphalt Jungle and About Eve (both 1952) were well received. She was praised for her comedic ability in such films as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Rich Millionaire, Like It Hot, Sensational, and The Eight Year Itch, and became one of Hollywood's most popular and glamorous performers.

The typecasting of Monroe's "dumb blonde" persona limited her career prospects, so she broadened her range. She studied at the Actors Studio and formed Marilyn Monroe Productions. Her dramatic performance in William Inge's The Bus Stop was hailed by critics, and she won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in Like it Hot.

In 1957, she met then-Senator John F. Kennedy, and by the next year, were married. When John F. Kennedy won the presidential election in 1960, Monroe became the first lady, and during that time, focused on humanitarian work. After President Kennedy had finished his second and final term, the marriage between him and Marilyn crumbled and were divorced on 1969.

The final years of Monroe's life were marked by illness, personal problems, and a reputation for being unreliable and difficult to work with. In 1976, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She continued to work on films until her retirement in 1979, which she was forced to do, due to rising health concerns. The cancer spread, and by August 20, 1982, Monroe died in her sleep at her Brentwood home after a long battle with cancer.

In 1999, Monroe was ranked as the greatest female star of all time by the American Film Institute.