What you did not know about

Marilyn MonroeBy Sofie Persson

She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, but her father’s identity was undetermined so she later changed her name to Norma Jean Baker.Her mother had psychological problems and lived in a mental institution.

Norma Jeane spent most of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages until 1937, when she moved in with a family. They could not afford to have her in the family anymore when Norma Jeane was 16 years old, so she had to get married.

On June 19, 1942 she wed her 21-year-old neighbor Jimmy Dougherty, whom

she had been dating for six months. "She was a sweet, generous and religious girl," Jimmy said. "She liked to be

cuddled." Norma Jeane loved Jimmy, and they were

happy together until he joined the Merchant Marines and was sent to the South

Pacific in 1944.

After Jimmy left, she got

her first model job

when a photographe

r saw how the camera loved her.

Jimmy came back in 1946 and Norma

Jeane had to chose

between her marriage and her career.

She divorced Jimmy in June of 1946, and signed her first

studio contract with Twentieth Century Fox. She earned $125 a week. Soon after,

Norma Jeane dyed her hair blonde and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe

(borrowing her grandmother's last name).

She had two half siblings

Half-brother: Hermitt Jack Baker

Half-sister: Berniece Miracle

She was married three times: Jimmy Dougherty (1942-1946); Joe DiMaggio (1954); Arthur Miller (1956-1961) and had two stepchildren: Joe DiMaggio, Jr., Jane and Robert Miller

In 1999, Marilyn was named the Number One Sex Star of the 20th Century by Playboy magazine

In 1999, Marilyn was voted the 'Sexiest Woman of the Century' by People Magazine.

In December 1953, she was the Playboy "Sweetheart" of the Month.

She was crowned Miss California Artichoke Queen

in 1947.

In 1946, she began using the stage name

Marilyn Monroe, but did not legally change her

name until February 23, 1956.

Elton John recorded the song

"Candle in the Wind" as a tribute to

Marilyn Monroe.

Height: 5 feet 5 1/2 inchesWeight: Varied, 115 - 120 lbs. Measurements: 37-23-36 (Studio's Claim); 35-22-35 (Dressmaker's Claim)Hair color: BlondEyes: Blue