Key Dates at a Glance
Marilyn Monroe's life spanned a brief yet intensely public period in the 20th century. The dates most relevant to her biography are consistently recorded by institutions that maintain birth and death records. Below is a direct summary of these core facts, followed by explanatory context and sourcing notes to support clarity and verification.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1926 | Birth Certificate, Official Records |
| Date of Death | August 5, 1962 | Death Certificate, Coroner's Report |
| Age at Death | 36 years old | Calculated from Birth and Death Dates |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA | Birth Certificate |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, USA | Death Certificate |
Birth Context and Early Life
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. Her early years were marked by instability, including time in foster care and an orphanage, before she entered into early marriages that set the stage for her later work in entertainment. These formative experiences shaped the resilience and complexity that would later define both her public persona and private struggles. Understanding her birth year and place is essential to appreciating the historical and social context in which she came of age.
Rise to Fame and Cultural Impact
By the late 1940s and 1950s, Norma Jeane had transitioned into Marilyn Monroe, becoming a defining symbol of beauty, glamour, and Hollywood mythology. Her films, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, and Some Like It Hot, cemented her status as a global icon. Monroe's cultural influence extends beyond cinema into fashion, celebrity culture, and the evolving role of women in media. Her birth date of June 1, 1926, situates her experiences within the broader social shifts of the 20th century.
Circumstances of Death and Aftermath
On August 5, 1962, Marilyn Monroe was found unresponsive at her home in Los Angeles and was later pronounced dead from an acute barbiturate overdose. The official coroner's report classified her death as a probable suicide, though speculation and conspiracy theories have persisted in public discourse. Her death at age 36 cut short a career and life that had become emblematic of both Hollywood's allure and its vulnerabilities. The consistency of the death date across official records helps anchor historical understanding amid ongoing speculation.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Confusion sometimes arises around Marilyn Monroe's dates, particularly in the context of misinformation, altered media, or conflations with lookalikes. Some rumors suggest alternate birth years or circumstances that differ from documented reality. Verified records, including birth and death certificates maintained by Los Angeles County, confirm June 1, 1926, and August 5, 1962, as the authoritative dates. Relying on primary documents and reputable institutions is the most reliable way to counter such inaccuracies.
Enduring Legacy and Historical Relevance
Decades after her death, Marilyn Monroe remains a touchstone for discussions about fame, mental health, gender, and the media. Archival materials, biographies, and scholarly work continue to reference her birth and death dates as key temporal anchors for understanding her life and influence. By distinguishing verified information from rumor, readers can engage with her legacy in a more informed and respectful manner.