All About Marilyn

The Bolender Years "...As I grew older, I knew I was different from other children, because there were no kisses or promises in my life.." ~Marilyn Monroe I don't want to paint the picture that Norma Jeane had a completely miserable early childhood. Ida and Albert were decent to her, the best way they knew how to be. Hell, they were paid to be. They were true bible thumping Christian Scientists, and convinced Gladys to be one too. She had Norma Jeane Mortenson baptized as Norma Jeane Baker as a child. by Amie Semple McPherson. This would be the first of many name changes. And, as we can see from the 1930 census record, it looks like Gladys stayed on at least one occasion.  Here we find Gladys Baker listed as a boarder with her child, 2 year old Norma Jean [sic] Baker. However, information could have been given by a neighbor, as they also listed Ida as Edna.   “I used to think as I looked out on the Hollywood night, ...

"I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else." -Marilyn Monroe The Inception Most people would tell you that Marilyn Monroe's life story began on June 1, 1926 in the Charity Ward of Los Angeles General Hospital. That isn't true. Yes, that is the birthday of Norma Jeane Mortenson as it plainly states on her birth certificate. It is no secret that baby Norma Jeane was born that day to Gladys Pearl Monroe. But, then again it also states that her father was Edward Mortenson. This is the first of many lies that Norma Jean (and Marilyn) would have to lug around for 36 years. No. It would be fair to say that Marilyn was incepted several generations back. She inherited from her family, a legacy of abandonment. Either by suicide, by mentally vacating, or just plain leaving-they all went away eventually. Norma Jean lived completely alone, and Marilyn Monroe...