Marilyn Monroe (June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962), born Norma Jeane Mortenson, but baptized Norma Jeane Baker, was an American actress, singer, and model. After spending much of her childhood in foster homes, Monroe began a career as a model, which led to a film contract in 1946. Her early film appearances were minor, but her performances in The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve (both 1950) were critically acclaimed. In a few years, Monroe reached stardom and was cast as the leading lady in such films as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (film)), How to Marry a Millionaire, Some Like It Hot, and The Seven Year Itch.

The typecasting of Monroes "dumb blonde (blonde stereotype)" persona limited her career prospects, so she broadened her range. She studied at the Actors Studio and formed Marilyn Monroe Productions. Her dramatic performance in Bus Stop (Bus Stop (film)) was hailed by critics, and she won a Golden Globe Award (Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy) for Some Like it Hot.

The final years of Monroes life were marked by illness, personal problems, and a reputation for being unreliable and difficult to work with. The circumstances of her death (Death of Marilyn Monroe), from an overdose of barbiturates, have been the subject of conjecture. Though officially classified as a "probable suicide," the possibility of an accidental overdose, as well as the possibility of homicide, have not been ruled out. In 1999, Monroe was ranked as the sixth greatest female star of all time (AFIs 100 Years... 100 Stars) by the American Film Institute.

In the years and decades following her death, Monroe has often been cited as a pop (pop icon) and cultural icon.