Marilyn Monroe's Untold Story: Family, Secrets & More!

Was Marilyn Monroe truly the innocent blonde bombshell the world believed her to be? The carefully constructed image of Marilyn Monroe, the dizzyingly attractive and seemingly uncomplicated star, was a far cry from the complex woman that Norma Jeane Mortenson truly was. The world continues to be fascinated by the life, legacy, and the many mysteries surrounding Marilyn Monroe, from her turbulent personal life to the enduring questions about her untimely death.

Marilyn Monroes life began under less than ideal circumstances. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, her early years were marked by instability and the absence of a consistent parental figure. Her mother, Gladys Pearl Baker, struggled with mental health issues and was often unable to care for her daughter. As a result, Norma Jeane spent much of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages. Normas maternal grandmother, Della Monroe, had handpicked a couple to raise her granddaughter, highlighting the familys awareness of Gladyss limitations. Ida and Wayne Bolender, devoutly religious neighbors, were subsequently paid $25 per week to care for Norma Jeane, providing her with a temporary semblance of stability amidst the chaos.