Childhood
Some people may not know that Marilyn Monroe was actually born as Norma Jean Mortenson. Born on June 1st 1926, in Los Angeles, CA, Norma Jean would eventually turn into Marilyn Monroe; Blonde Beauty, and one of Hollywood's most famous stars. Monroe's stardom may have looked like it came naturally, as if her whole childhood had been spent preparing her for fame. That was not the case. Norma Jean spent her most of her childhood in and out of foster homes because her mother, Gladys, had a mental breakdown and ended up being hospitalized when she was only 5 years old. Her father, who never married her mother, was out of the picture. Gladys's best friend at the time, Grace McKee, took Norma Jean in, but soon she was starting a family of her own and the house became too small. "Aunt Grace" took Norma Jean to the Los Angeles Orphans Home. Marilyn said she remembers this so specifically even though she was only about 8 years old, and she says they had to use force to drag her into the orphanage. Soon she was living in a foster home that took in borders. One day, an old man "sexually attacked" her, saying "It's only a game!" When Norma Jean tried to tell somebody, no one believed her. (Biography.com)
Marilyn Monroe as a Child. N.d. Photograph. N.p
Young Adulthood
Norma Jean dropped out of high school at age 15, and a year later, was married to her 1st husband, Jimmy Dougherty on June 1st, 1942. Perhaps this was just a way to get out of foster homes. She worked in a factory in Burbank, CA while Dougherty was away working in the South Pacific. There she was discovered by a photographer, and that was the beginning of her career.