marilyn MONROE

Marilyn Monroe (瑪莉蓮夢露), born Norma Jeane Mortenson, later baptised NormaJeane Baker, was born on June 1, 1926, inLos Angeles, California. During herall-too-brief life, Marilyn Monroe overcame adifficult childhood to become one of theworld's biggest and most enduring ( 持久的)sex symbols. She never knew her father, andher mother Gladys developed psychiatric (精神病的) problems and was eventually placedin a mental institution. Growing up, Monroespent much of her time in foster care and inan orphanage (孤兒院) .

In 1942, Monroe went to work in amunitions ( 軍火) factory where she wasdiscovered by a photographer. Monroe had asuccessful career as a model. In 1946, shesigned her first movie contract. With themovie contract came a new name andimage, she began calling herself "MarilynMonroe" and dyed her hair blonde.

At only 36 years old, Marilyn Monroe diedon August 5, 1962, at her Los Angeles home.An empty bottle of sleeping pills were foundby her bed. There has been somespeculation ( 推測) over the years that shemay have been murdered, but it was officiallyruled as a drug overdose (服藥過量).

text provided byThe Biography Channel(now TV channel 222)