Monroe with her first husband, James
Dougherty.
Norma Jeane Mortenson—who would become better known
around the world as the glamorous actress and sex symbol
Marilyn Monroe—was born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles,
California.
She was later given her mother’s name, and baptized Norma
Jeane Baker.
After a tumultuous childhood—both maternal grandparents
and her mother were committed to mental institutions, and
she lived with a string of foster families.
Norma Jeane married one of her neighbors, James Dougherty,
when she was 16. He later joined the Merchant Marines and
was sent to the South Pacific during World War II.
A photographer “discovered” the naturally photogenic Norma
Jeane while she was working in a California munitions factory,
and she was soon launched into a successful modeling career.
She divorced Dougherty in June 1946 and soon after signed a
film contract with 20th Century Fox.
Marilyn Monroe (June 1, 1926 – August 4, 1962)