Marilyn Monroe
Actress
(1926-1962)
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles General Hospital.  Norma Jeane never knew her father, and because of her mother’s mental instability, she was placed in a foster home for the first seven years of her life.  In 1933, Norma lived with her mother for a brief period of time; however, in 1934 her mother began to show signs of mental depression and was admitted to a rest home.  As a result, her mother's close friend, Grace McKee, took care of her for a short time.  Norma Jeane was then sent to the Los Angeles Orphans Home (later known as Hollygrove) and then a number of other foster homes.

In 1946, she signed a contract with Twentieth Century-Fox Studies, and became known as Marilyn Monroe.  She quickly gained fame, and was particularly known for her comedic skills and onscreen presence.  Some of her most notable works include The Misfits, The Seven Year Itch, Bus Stop and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.  According to the American Film Institute (AFI) she is the sixth greatest female star of all time.

Information from Biography of Marilyn Monroe and Wikipedia