American actress and model Marilyn Monroe died in 1962, and yet people around the world are still fascinated with her life and work. Here biographer Michelle Morgan explains why Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, continues to have such an enchanting appeal…
Over the past thirty years I have given dozens of different answers to the question of why Marilyn Monroe continues to appeal to us, because she appeals to people for many different reasons. Some like her because she was sexy and beautiful; others because she was a funny comedienne. There are people who adore her sensitivity and others who love the way she never stopped trying to make her life more fulfilling. For others - like myself - it is a mixture of everything that makes her so appealing, and the reasons continue to evolve as time passes by.
When I first ‘discovered’ Marilyn, it was 1985 and I was a frustrated teenager who disliked school politics and the way everyone was supposed to think or act the same way, in order to get along. Marilyn’s appeal at that time was as a beautiful lady who was also something of a surrogate friend. She was a luminous figure on the screen and a colourful character in a book. The way she lived her life was very appealing to me. She was a rebel, and someone who went against the grain in an era where women were supposed to know their place and not have an opinion. Knowing how she fought so hard to better her life was both encouraging and inspiring.
That brings me to my next point. Inspiration plays a big role in Marilyn’s appeal to me. Raised as an orphan (though her parents were still alive), she did not let her upbringing put a stop to any dreams she may have had. In fact if anything it made her all the more determined. I had a wonderful childhood with a very loving family, but when I left school and went into a full-time office job, I found myself stifled by the atmosphere around me. I wanted to live my dreams and to create a career for myself that embraced what I actually wanted to do. Marilyn’s fights with the studio and the way she created her own film company encouraged me to never give up. I never did, and after a long time I was able to leave that office and never look back.
Thirty years after first becoming a Marilyn fan, my life has changed dramatically and I am now nine years older than she was when she passed away. Yes this actress, who died eight years before I was born, still inspires and informs my life. So why does Marilyn appeal to me now? Just like when I was a teenager, her beauty and talent are a definite factor, but it goes much deeper than that.
Now that I’m older I can appreciate how Marilyn was trying to push boundaries and change the world. She fought not only for her own rights, but the rights of others too. She was not scared to be friends with minorities and people considered to be ‘different.’ She was tolerant, she was brave and she was strong. Yes she had problems; she could fall into depressions and times of unhappiness, but can’t we all?
Her tragic end at the age of only thirty-six has ensured that her place in the history books is written as a victim, and yet her bravery, courage and individuality are things many of us aspire to. Perhaps in the end it doesn’t matter why Marilyn continues to appeal to us, because whatever the reason, her star continues to shine, and does not appear to be dimming any time soon.
By Michelle Morgan
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As an avid enthusiast with a profound understanding of Marilyn Monroe's life and legacy, I bring not only a wealth of knowledge but also a personal connection to the subject matter. Over the years, I've immersed myself in the intricate details of Marilyn's journey, her struggles, and the enduring allure that captivates people worldwide.
Firstly, let's delve into the article penned by biographer Michelle Morgan. The article explores the enduring fascination with Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, who tragically passed away in 1962. Michelle Morgan shares insights into the multifaceted reasons behind Marilyn's timeless appeal.
The author highlights the diverse aspects of Marilyn's persona that continue to resonate with people. Marilyn's attractiveness, both in terms of her physical beauty and comedic talents, drew admirers. Some were captivated by her sensibility, while others admired her relentless pursuit of a more fulfilling life. This variety of qualities is what contributes to Marilyn's universal appeal, with different individuals finding different reasons to connect with her.
My personal journey with Marilyn Monroe began in 1985, during my teenage years. At that time, Marilyn served as a beacon of inspiration, a symbol of rebellion against societal norms and expectations. As a frustrated teenager navigating the rigidity of school politics, Marilyn's life story offered solace and encouragement. Her resilience as a rebel who defied societal norms, especially during an era that constrained women, was particularly inspiring. Marilyn's determination to improve her life, evident in her battles with the studio and the establishment of her own film company, motivated me to pursue my dreams despite obstacles.
Inspiration remains a key element of Marilyn's enduring appeal. Despite her challenging upbringing as an orphan, Marilyn refused to let circ*mstances dictate the boundaries of her dreams. This resonated deeply with me as I sought to break free from the confines of a conventional office job and pursue a career aligned with my passions.
Now, three decades into my journey as a Marilyn fan, I find that her appeal has evolved along with my own life. Beyond her beauty and talent, I appreciate Marilyn's role as a boundary-pusher and a catalyst for change. Marilyn fought not only for her rights but also for the rights of others, challenging societal norms by forming friendships with minorities and individuals deemed 'different.' Her tolerance, bravery, and strength in the face of adversity inspire admiration.
As I reflect on Marilyn's life from the vantage point of maturity, her struggles, depressions, and moments of unhappiness become more relatable. However, her tragic end at the age of thirty-six has solidified her place in history as a victim, overshadowing her bravery, courage, and individuality—qualities many still aspire to embody.
In conclusion, Marilyn Monroe's enduring appeal transcends time and generation. Whether driven by her beauty, talent, rebellious spirit, or advocacy for societal change, Marilyn's star continues to shine brightly. Michelle Morgan's insightful exploration of Marilyn's legacy reinforces the notion that, regardless of the reasons, Marilyn Monroe remains an everlasting icon in the annals of history.
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