Early Career and First Breakthrough
Marilyn Monroe first gained attention in the mid-1940s as a model and then signed a contract with 20th Century Fox. She appeared in small film roles and gained public notice through pin-up images and magazine covers.
Rise to Stardom in the Early 1950s
By the early 1950s, Monroe was starring in films such as Don't Bother to Knock and River of No Return. Her screen presence and public image quickly made her one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars.
Becoming a Global Icon
Monroe's fame expanded after major roles in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch. By the mid-1950s, she was a box-office draw and a symbol of mid-century popular culture.
