Marilyn Monroe's Real Name and Stage Name: Norma Jean
Marilyn Monroe, the iconic American actress and sex symbol, was born Norma Jeane Baker. This article delves into the story behind her real name and the stage name she adopted to propel her career in Hollywood.
The Early Years
Marilyn's journey to fame began with the name Norma Jean. Her mother, Gladys Millhauser, named her after a friend, Norma Jean Cohen, who lived in Kentucky. The name stuck, and throughout her early life, Marilyn was known as Norma Jean Baker.
Difficult Childhood and Early Life
Marilyn's life took a difficult turn during her childhood as a result of her mother's paranoid schizophrenia. She spent much of her youth in state wards, foster care, and with various families. This chaotic and abusive environment significantly impacted her early life.
The Name Change: Marilyn Monroe
At the age of 17, Marilyn married her neighbor, James Dougherty. However, during World War II, when Dougherty was away in the Merchant Marine, Marilyn was offered the opportunity to model and take part in nude and swimsuit photography. She left Dougherty when he returned, forbidding her to continue modeling.
It was during this time that Marilyn adopted the name "Marilyn Monroe" as a turning point. Rather than a stage name, many believe it represented the desire to leave behind her troubled past and start a new chapter in her life. The new name became a symbol of her determination and new beginnings.
Marilyn Monroe was a stage name, while Norma Jean was her birth name. Even after her name change to Marilyn Monroe, she continued to be referred to as Norma Jean informally. Her professional life in Hollywood was marked by the name Marilyn Monroe, which became synonymous with her iconic persona.
The Missiles and Miss World Controversies
Marilyn's name change coincided with her time as a model and then an aspiring actress, and it was during this period that she gained more public attention. In 1946, she was chosen to be one of the 13 "Missiles" (squadron of Playboy bunny girl models) but was not selected. She later participated in the Miss World 1948 contest but failed to win a spot in the final.
The Tragic Actress: Vivien Leigh and The Prince and the Showgirl
It's important to distinguish between Marilyn Monroe and Vivien Leigh. Vivien Leigh, the acclaimed British actress, was Marilyn's co-star in the film The Prince and the Showgirl (1954) with Laurence Olivier. Vivien Leigh was a different person, not related to Marilyn's name change or her career.
Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, another famous British actor, were married from 1940 to 1960. However, their professional relationship with Marilyn did not involve any connection to her personal or professional identity.
Conclusion
Marilyn Monroe's real name was Norma Jean Baker, and she legally changed her name to Marilyn Monroe in 1956. This change was a pivotal moment in her life, symbolizing the end of her troubled past and the beginning of her iconic Hollywood career. The name change also served as a new identity, helping her to build a fresh persona and paving the way for her legendary career.