Marilyn Monroe, arguably America's most famous female star's 50th death anniversary was commemorated over the past weekend. The icon has become a historic Hollywood figure and more than just a blimp in Hollywood history--she will forever remain one of America's most beloved actresses and the most iconic sex-symbol of our time.
On August 5, 1962, the 36-year-old Monroe was found dead in the bedroom of her Brentwood, Los Angeles home. She was face down, naked on her bed with a bottle of prescription pills by her side. The conclusion was that Monroe died due to "acute barbiturate poisoning" and was probably a suicide. The death of Monroe has been debated over the past fifty years in books, documentaries and conspiracy theorists alike.
Monroe is one of the most complex and mysterious figures in American history and her death, even more so. "That real complexity plays a role in her continuing ability to fascinate us. We admire her beauty, puzzle over her mysteries and see her as a reflection of the quixotic, multifaceted, always striving and often contradictory American character," author of "Marilyn: The Passion and the Paradox," Lois Banner, wrote for the Los Angeles Times.
Monroe battled with depression and had a series of intense failed romances including Jim Dougherty who she married in 1942 and divorced in September 1946, Joe DiMaggio, who she was married to for four years and divorced in 1954 and playwright, Arthur Miller whom she was married to for five years and divorced in 1961.
Her relationship with Arthur Miller was one that was tumultuous and intense. During an interview on CBS 60 Minutes, originally aired in 1987, the 72 year old Arthur Miller, said, "I guess to be frank about it, I was taking care of her. I was trying to keep her afloat. She was a super-sensitive instrument, and that's exciting to be around until it starts to self-destruct."
Monroe's ability to mesmerize viewers was a beautiful thing. She was not only a sex-symbol but an iconic, enigmatic figure in American history. Her deep-seeded insecurities and depression were in glaring contrast to her outward confidence and beauty.
She has famously said, "I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else."
