Norma Jeane Mortenson was the official name of Marilyn Monroe. She was born in Los Angeles, California on June 1, 1926.

Marilyn Monroe signed her first studio contract with Twentieth Century Fox company on August 26, 1946 and she earned $125 a week.

Marilyn's first movie role was a little bit part in the movie called "The Shocking Miss Pilgrim" (1947).

She played a series of inconsequential characters until 1950's.

It was her performance in the movie Niagara (1953), that delivered her to stardom. Marilyn's success in Niagara was followed with lead roles in the wildly popular Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (co-starring Jane Russell) and How to Marry a Millionaire (co-starring Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable).

The Photoplay magazine voted Marilyn as the Best New Actress of 1953, and at 27 years old she was undeniably the best-loved blonde bombshell in Hollywood.

In 1956, Marilyn started her own motion picture company, Marilyn Monroe Productions.

Her company produced Bus Stop and The Prince and the Showgirl (co-starring Sir Laurence Olivier). These two films allowed her to demonstrate her talent and versatility as an actress.

In 1959's Some Like It Hot movie, Marylin won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy.

At the 1962 Golden Globes, Marilyn was named female World Film Favorite.

On the early morning of August 5, 1962, Marilyn with 36-year-old, died in her sleep at her Brentwood, California home.

On August 8, 1962, Marilyn's body was laid to rest in the Corridor of Memories, 24, at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.

Marilyn made 30 films during her career, and left one unfinished (Something's Got to Give).

Today, the name "Marilyn Monroe" is synonymous with beauty, sensuality and glamour.

You can read about other Hollywood celebrity here: A Tribute to Paul Newman/