Is Marilyn Monroe Still Relevant Today?
It’s been 50 years since Marilyn Monroe’s death. This weekend commemorates her passing.
The story of her death is riddled with missing pieces. We know that the 36-year-old actress died of a drug overdose, but it’s difficult for many people to discern what happened in her finally hours.
Half a century later, we wonder, Is Marilyn Monroe still relevant today?
The answer would be a resounding ‘yes.’ Her memory continues to live on (and people continue to make money off her image.) This year, Michelle Williams was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of the star in My Week with Marilyn. NBC has produced a hit TV musical Smash which follows a fictional Broadway cast in their pursuit to bring Marilyn to the stage.
What was it about her that has captured and continues to capture the minds of a people?
It’s true that she struggled for respect, and made her fame playing the role of the “dumb blonde,” but there seemed to something “endearing” about her. ”When you look at Marilyn on the screen, you just don’t want anything bad to happen to her,” said Natalie Wood shortly after Monroe’s death.
Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe
According to Huffington Post, Marilyn Monroe sought the acting guidance of John and Paul Strasberg who ran the famed Actors Studio in New York. She went to the studio in search of respect with the desire to be known as more than a pretty face, says the article.
It’s difficult to say if she would have broken out from her bombshell typecasting, but it’s apparent that her personal struggles and professional stagnation fueled her suicide.
Marilyn Monroe in her unfinished film ‘Something’s Gotta Give.’
What would her life have been if she had lived? It’s all speculation now, but she had a natural vulnerability that drew many to love her and which continues to keep her memory alive.
