Marilyn Monroe was an American actress born in 1926 as Norma Jeane Baker. She had a difficult childhood, being placed in orphanages and foster homes. In 1945 she began her modeling career which led to acting roles in Hollywood. She rose to fame using the stage name Marilyn Monroe and had her first starring role in 1952. Monroe became one of the most popular actresses of the 20th century but struggled personally, marrying young and dying of an overdose at age 36, though some believe it was murder.