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Marilyn Monroe

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BIO

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles, California, became one of Hollywood's most enduring sex symbols. Her breakout role came with her performance as Claudia Caswell in "All About Eve" (starring Bette Davis), which earned her critical acclaim and propelled her from minor roles to larger ones. Following this success, Marilyn worked steadily in films such as "Let's Make It Legal," "As Young As You Feel," "Monkey Business," and "Don't Bother to Knock." However, it was her performance in 1953's "Niagara," where she played Rose Loomis—a young wife who plots to kill her older, jealous husband (Joseph Cotten)—that catapulted her to stardom.



After "Niagara," Marilyn's fame only grew, starring in the wildly popular "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" alongside Jane Russell and "How to Marry a Millionaire" with Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable. Her work during this period earned her the title of the Best New Actress of 1953 from Photoplay magazine, solidifying her status as the quintessential blonde bombshell of Hollywood.

Beyond her film career, Marilyn's life was marked by high-profile relationships, including a marriage to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, which became a topic of great public interest. Later, on June 29, 1956, she married playwright Arthur Miller, who wrote the part of Roslyn Taber in 1961's "The Misfits" specifically for her. This film, co-starring Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift, was a poignant milestone in her career as it was to be Marilyn's—and Gable's—last completed film. Their marriage, however, ended on January 20, 1961.

Marilyn was known not only for her cinematic roles but also for her connection to the era's notable events and personalities. She famously sang "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy in 1962, a performance that remains iconic to this day. Marilyn’s life was tragically cut short when she died on August 5, 1962, a death that was ruled a probable suicide. Her passing fueled numerous speculations and theories, including those involving her connection to the Kennedys.

Marilyn Monroe's legacy continued to grow posthumously, not just as an actress but also as a cultural icon. Films like "The Prince and the Showgirl" showcased her versatility, while "The Seven Year Itch" solidified her image as a comedic talent. Despite her struggles, she remains a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age, immortalized by her work with Century Fox and remembered fondly for her captivating performances and enduring charm.

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Video: Step Inside the First SMASH Broadway Rehearsal With Krysta Rodriguez, Robyn Hurder & More
by Michael Major - Jan 24, 2025

Watch a video from inside the first rehearsal for Smash on Broadway! Step inside the rehearsal room with Krysta Rodriguez, Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Marc Shaiman, Caroline Bowman and more.
Photos: Robyn Hurder, Krysta Rodriguez & More in SMASH Rehearsals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2025

Rehearsals for the stage musical adaptation of SMASH have officially begun! See photos of star Robyn Hurder and more in rehearsals for the production and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photo: SMASH on Broadway Debuts Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2025

The Broadway artwork for the stage musical adaptation of SMASH has been revealed! See the artwork here and learn more about the upcoming Broadway production!
Review: Sarah Anne Fernandez' DON’T FORGET ME, An Empowering Look At Historic Women at Green Room 42
by Analisa Bell - Jan 20, 2025

Don’t Forget Me was a glorious celebration of women in history—an evening that was both reflective and empowering. This reviewer looks forward to seeing what Fernandez does next!
WITH LOVE, MARILYN Comes to Arches London Bridge
by Stephi Wild - Jan 15, 2025

Step into the romance of Valentine’s with the glamour and charm of Hollywood’s golden age at With Love, Marilyn, the award-winning musical cabaret tribute to the legendary Marilyn Monroe.
Video: Watch Krysta Rodriguez In a New SMASH Promo
by Michael Major - Jan 14, 2025

Watch a first look video of Krysta Rodriguez in Smash on Broadway! Rodriguez was also seen in the Smash television series, appearing in the second and final series as Ana Vargas. She plays Tracy in the Broadway production.
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at Oprheum Theater
by Linda Hodges - Jan 12, 2025

What did our critic think of SOME LIKE IT HOT at Oprheum Theater?
Sean Keany and Cameron Patmore Join UK Tour of BLOOD BROTHERS
by Stephi Wild - Jan 10, 2025

Bill Kenwright's award-winning production of the international hit musical, Blood Brothers will continue to tour across the UK until April 2025 and has announced the cast for Spring dates.
SMASH to be Presented at Works & Process at The Guggenheim
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 8, 2025

Works & Process at the Guggenheim presents SMASH with Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Rick Elice, Bob Martin, Susan Stroman and Joshua Bergasse. Learn more about the event and see how to attend.
Works & Process Will Spotlight SMASH By Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Rick Elice, and Bob Martin with Susan Stroman and Joshua Bergasse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 8, 2025

Works & Process at the Guggenheim will spotlight SMASH with Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Rick Elice, Bob Martin, Susan Stroman and Joshua Bergasse at the Peter B. Lewis Theater.
BINGE FREE FESTIVAL Returns To Santa Monica Playhouse This February
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2024

Binge Free Festival, the month-long festival of free shows at Santa Monica Playhouse, returns for the ninth time this February. The Festival will run from February 25 through March 30.
Video: Inside SMASH's Broadway Photoshoot With Robyn Hurder, Caroline Bowman & More
by Michael Major - Dec 20, 2024

Go inside the promotional photoshoot for the upcoming Broadway production of Smash in a new video featuring Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, Caroline Bowman, and more!
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT Sizzles and Shakes at Dr. Phillips Center
by Albert Gutierrez - Dec 19, 2024

When SOME LIKE IT HOT began on Broadway, it was celebrated for updating a classic film to modern audiences in ways and themes not readily apparent from the original source material. After having played a successful year-long run on Broadway, the show concluded on December 30, 2023. Nine long months later, it finally mounted a national tour within the greater United States. And now, for a spectacular pre-Christmas week, Central Florida gets to bear witness to the storied spectacle as Broadway visitors did. Much of what’s been seen on Broadway has been lovingly transferred to this touring production, making it a show not to be missed.
Olivia Newton-John's GREASE Jacket Sells for $476,000 at Auction
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 14, 2024

Julien's Auctions and Turner Classic Movies has concluded its year-end blockbuster event A WEEK OF HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS. Learn more about the sales here!
Review: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS at the Aronoff Center
by Ana-Brit Asplen - Dec 13, 2024

With its spectacular design elements and a talented, lively cast, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a great outing for any family looking to celebrate some holiday spirit, or really anyone who appreciates the classic story by Dr. Seuss.
Ruby Slippers From THE WIZARD OF OZ Sell for Record-Breaking $28 Million
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 8, 2024

According to the New York Times, the iconic ruby slippers from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz have sold at an auction in Dallas for a record $28 million.
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at Belk Theater
by Perry Tannenbaum - Nov 29, 2024

While Marc Shaiman's score often sounds effortful in striving to make SOME LIKE IT HOT what it was in the first place—a musical with cherry-picked hits for Marilyn Monroe to sing—the book by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin helps the story and its main characters diversify and evolve. Director Casey Nicholaw's high-heel tap choreography further assures high energy all evening long.
Freemoor Shares Soulful Rock Song 'Affliction'
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 15, 2024

Las Vegas rock artist Freemoor released 'Affliction,' a soulful rock track produced by Adrian Andres. The song, an homage to lost creative talents, will debut live at the Viper Room in Los Angeles on 11/19. Listen to it now!
Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Revolution Stage Company
by Kay Kudukis - Nov 12, 2024

By now, pretty much everyone knows the musical Little Shop of Horrors was based on a 1960s film by Roger Corman with a “cameo” by Jack Nicholson. The film was a cult hit, and in 1982 Howard Ashman and Alan Menken published the musical of the same name.
TN Shakespeare Co. to Present TWELFTH NIGHT in December
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 11, 2024

Tennessee Shakespeare Company (TSC) will bring William Shakespeare's holiday celebration Twelfth Night to the newly configured Tabor Stage in December.

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