Nearly 60 years after her death, Marilyn Monroe still has one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, if not the world. The actress and model have been immortalized in artworks, song lyrics, iconic images, and more t-shirts than even the most dedicated collector could count. But the same sexy image that made her famous saw her being dismissed by the serious actors she wanted to impress. She struggled to find lasting love and experienced many other tragedies. She often self-medicated, and she struggled to find supportive people to guide her away from her demons.
Monroe was not just her tragedy. They were a part of her life, occasionally burning through her carefully manicured Hollywood persona. By understanding the tragic real-life story of Marilyn Monroe, we might understand her better as a person instead of a face.