POLITICAL TREASURES

Marilyn Monroe is a name known throughout the

globe to many, even if only vaguely for various

reasons. Monroe was one of classic Hollywood’s

most famous actresses and was known for starring

in films such as The Seven Year Itch and Gentlemen

Prefer Blondes, the latter in which she performed 

the song  “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

​

However, modern and younger audiences lIke

myself may be more familiar with works that

referenceMonroe such as the hit 2012 television

series Smash,where the plot revolves around composers

and actors creating a musical about Monroe’s life.

Most recently, the controversial 2022 Netflix film Blonde starring Ana de Armas

as the historical icon has been putting Marilyn’s name into headlines once again.

​

Due to the sensationalized nature of Monroe’s life in recent years, many

people have trouble separating the concept of Marilyn Monroe and

what she represents to the person she really was. Monroe is often

associated with being a prolific sex symbol and many of her roles portrayed the stereotype of the ditzy blonde, but Monroe had a whole life that many people today know little about. Throughout 2022,  Auction Houses had the privilege of auctioning 100sl pieces from the course of Monroe’s life, all of which provide revealing glimpses into the many things Marilyn Monroe experienced in her early life and high profile career. 

​

In reality, the name Marilyn Monroe actually began as her stage name when she first got her start in Hollywood. Born in 1926 as Norma Jeane Mortenson, her now famous moniker would not come to be until she signed her first studio contract in 1946. In this contract with 20th Century Fox Film Corp. the name signed at the bottom reads “Norma Jeane Dougherty”. At the time she was married to her first husband, James Dougherty, making this a scarce, early variant of Marilyn Monroe’s autograph. After signing, Norma Jeane met with Fox executive Ben Lyon who suggested changing her first name to ‘Marilyn’ after 1920s performer Marilyn Miller. Norma Jeane would also suggest the last name Monroe as it was her mother’s family name, and Lyons took a liking to the name’s alliteration, thus creating the now famous name that has been referenced over the last 70 years. 

​

​

​

a