(AP) LOS ANGELES - Like many of the stars of her era, Marilyn Monroe's movements, relationships and comments weren't just devoured by fans - they were followed closely by the FBI. Records kept on Monroe, many of which were filed under "Foreign Counterintelligence," have intrigued many who have sought to learn more about the film star, including those who investigated her death.
(CBS News) This Sunday marks 50 years since Marilyn Monroe died. She was just 36 years old. Half a century later, her legend remains alive and well -- and quite lucrative. In 2010, Jamie Salter's company, Authentic Brands, spent more than $25 million to acquire Monroe's name and likeness.
1 Marilyn Monroe seemed to have a lot of names. She was baptised Norma Jeane Baker, but the name on her birth certificate was Norma Jeane Mortenson. Later, when she married James Dougherty, she became Norma Jeane Dougherty. The star didn't change her name legally to Marilyn Monroe until 1956, although she'd been known publicly by the moniker since 1946.
By Gloria Steinem, 1986 It has been nearly a quarter of a century since the death of a minor American actress named Marilyn Monroe. There is no reason for her to be a part of my consciousness as I walk down a midtown New York street frilled with color and action and life.
Get the full list of all Marilyn Monroe movies. See who they starred with and what they are working on now.
When Marilyn Monroe died on Aug. 5, 1962, she left behind a series of contradictions. The actress panicked easily, but basked in public attention. She was sometimes troubled by her status as a sex symbol, yet she was willing to profit from it.
Photos of the starlet working out were left on the cutting-room floor after a 1952 shoot for LIFE magazine One picture of Monroe in a hugging white dress made it onto the cover of the April 7, 1952 issue, while the shots of her lifting weights in a terry-cloth bikini were left on the cutting room floor - rarely seen.
So no, not the one of her in the white dress blowing up over the subway grate.