But what isn’t acknowledged is her life of drug abuse, submission and unfaithfulness. She was described by people she worked with as “shallow,” “ditzy” and “stupid.” She died of an alleged drug overdose at the age of 36. She reportedly had affairs with famous married men. In a world with strong, intelligent women leaders, Monroe should not be deemed a suitable role model.

After her third divorce, Monroe entered a hospital for psychiatric care. Always fearful that she would lose her sanity, Monroe suffered with recurrent bouts of depression throughout her career. She was generally unsure of herself and her place in the demanding world of Hollywood. Alcohol or barbiturates became crutches to bolster her confidence. When she was unable to sleep, she took sleeping pills, making her habitually late on the set. Although Monroe was seeing a psychiatrist regularly, her depression increased along with her anxiety. She was also troubled by rumors of her affairs with prominent men, including President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert.

Striking a pose in glamorous sequins with Jane Russell during Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

“She had a huge impact on women's fashion,” said Ashley Bellet, professor of costume design at Oklahoma City University. “She really kind of made it OK to be sexually attractive. I think that, especially in costume design, we use some of those elements that are very specific to Marilyn, to heighten a character's sexual attraction.”

Lighten Up

“my popularity seems almost entirely a masculine phenomenon.”

Marilyn was objectified, depersonalized and ridiculed. Few women stood up for her, it was too personally threatening.

Marilyn Monroe personifies many conflict-ridden parts for women, particularly women of her generation. She was too frail, too funny, too sexual, too much of everything, and it was reflected on the big screen. Marilyn was too much of a reminder of just how much of female sexuality and identity was reliant on men and on male sexuality

The dress eventually went under the hammer for $1.2 million.

Gladys's family had a history of mental instability

Actress Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926

Performing on stage doesn't always mean that you need to be vocal and heard. Conveying a message to the audience and communicating with them without actually talking is something which was worth learning during the course of this workshop.

Participating in theater classes can stimulate student's creativity and thought process.

you can always achieve whatever you want if your are determined and focused about it.