There is a lot of mythologism and misinformation surrounding Marilyn Monroe.
Some surprising facts that correct the record about Monroe:
- Merlin wasn't another "fool," either. This was a stereotype imposed by the studio. Monroe was very cultured and had a great interest in issues like civil rights. She once said that for her role in the famous "Some Like It Hot," the studio wanted her to be so foolish that she couldn't tell the difference between two men disguised as her.
- Marilyn was incredibly shy. She had to be accompanied backstage, and often forgot her lines. She could never escape the sad childhood that constantly haunted her.
- Monroe stuttered. Marilyn, in addition to her shy personality, developed a stutter due to childhood trauma.
- Monroe took acting seriously and studied under Lee Strasberg and Marlon Brando. She never wanted to be forced into the role of a blonde doll.
- Monroe cared for her mother, Gladys Baker, who was in and out of a mental hospital. Gladys was her daughter's reason for living.
- Monroe was an entrepreneur. She was the first female star to establish her own film production company. Fox Studios launched a smear campaign against her.
- Her stage name, Marilyn Monroe, was chosen with the help of Ben Lyon, head of new talent at Fox Studios. The name Marilyn was inspired by a woman he knew, Marilyn Miller, who was performing in musicals in New York, and he chose it after telling her, "You are Marilyn to me." Next, she asked if she could use her grandmother's surname, Monroe. And so, Marilyn Monroe was born.