On June 1, 2026, Marilyn Monroe would have celebrated her 100th birthday. Nearly a century after her birth, she remains one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture history, not just for her unforgettable beauty and screen presence but also for her intelligence, ambition, and lasting influence.
Born Norma Jeane, Marilyn became a Hollywood legend whose image is still known around the world. But behind the famous photos, sparkling gowns, and classic films was a deeply creative and complex woman.
In honor of Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, here are five fascinating facts you may not know about the beloved star.
1. “Marilyn Monroe” Wasn’t Her First Choice for a Stage Name
Before she became Marilyn Monroe, she was Norma Jeane Baker. When it came time to choose a stage name, “Marilyn Monroe” was not actually her first pick.
One early option was “Jean Adair,” a name inspired by her real name. Eventually, she chose “Monroe” because it was her mother’s maiden name, while “Marilyn” was suggested because she reminded a studio executive of actress Marilyn Miller.
It is hard to imagine Hollywood history without the name Marilyn Monroe, but the legendary name we know today almost never happened.
2. She Was More Well-Read Than Many People Realize
Marilyn Monroe is often remembered for her glamorous image, but she was also a serious reader with a deep love of books.
At the time of her death, Monroe owned hundreds of books, including works of poetry, literature, drama, philosophy, and psychology. She was known to visit bookstores and choose books by opening them at random, buying the ones that spoke to her.
Her personal library showed a side of Marilyn that the public did not always get to see: thoughtful, curious, and eager to keep learning.
3. She Helped Ella Fitzgerald Land a Major Nightclub Gig
Marilyn Monroe was a huge fan of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald, and she used her own star power to help Fitzgerald reach a wider audience.
When Fitzgerald was trying to book the Mocambo, one of Hollywood’s most famous nightclubs, Marilyn reportedly promised to sit in the front row every night if the club booked her. That kind of attention meant major publicity, and the club agreed.
Fitzgerald later credited Monroe’s support with helping open doors in her career.
4. She Was Almost Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Audrey Hepburn’s role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of the most famous performances in movie history, but Marilyn Monroe was reportedly author Truman Capote’s first choice for the part.
Monroe even performed scenes for Capote, who believed she would have been excellent in the role. Ultimately, she did not take the part after receiving advice that it may not be the right fit for her career.
It is one of Hollywood’s great “what if” moments and a reminder that Marilyn’s talent was admired by some of the sharpest creative minds of her time.
5. She Could Turn “Marilyn” On and Off
Marilyn Monroe understood the power of her public image. According to stories from those who knew her, she could move through a crowd unnoticed, then suddenly shift into the dazzling star everyone recognized.
Actor Eli Wallach once recalled walking with her when she was completely incognito. Then, almost instantly, she seemed to “become Marilyn,” attracting attention from everyone around her.
That ability shows how much of “Marilyn Monroe” was a carefully created persona. Behind the spotlight was Norma Jeane, a woman who understood performance, fame, and the image the world expected from her.
Bonus Fact: Ripley’s Purchased Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday” Dress for $4.8 Million
One of Marilyn Monroe’s most famous fashion moments happened in 1962, when she wore a sparkling, form-fitting gown to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy.
Decades later, that iconic dress made history again. In 2016, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! purchased the dress at auction for $4.8 million, making it one of the most valuable dresses ever sold.
The dress remains one of the most recognizable pieces of Hollywood memorabilia in the world and a reminder of Marilyn’s lasting place in pop culture history.
Celebrating 100 Years of Marilyn Monroe
One hundred years after her birth, Marilyn Monroe’s legacy still shines. She was more than a movie star. She was a reader, a performer, a supporter of other artists, and a woman who helped define what it meant to be an icon.
Her story will continue to captivate generations to come!