Norma Jeane Mortenson was born on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. She was adopted by Albert and Ida Bolender and later became famous as the actress, model, singer and pop icon Marilyn Monroe. Monroe had a successful Hollywood career starring in many popular films from the late 1940s until her death in 1962. She received several awards and nominations for her acting performances and was considered both a major sex symbol and talented actress of her era.