Introduction:
Marilyn Monroe was arguably one of the most iconic actresses of her time, known for her beauty, humor, and acting talent. Despite her fame, her net worth remains one of the most debated topics to this day. The uncertainty surrounding her finances has led to numerous myths regarding her wealth. However, recent investigations have uncovered a clearer picture of Monroe’s net worth, which is what we will be discussing in this blog post.
Section 1 – Early Life and Career:
Marilyn Monroe’s life did not start as glamorously as it ended. She spent most of her childhood in foster care and was shuttled between numerous homes. She then landed a contract with 20th Century Fox in 1946, at the age of 20. Her early cinematic appearances were uncredited, and she had a minor role in the movie “Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!” Despite this, Monroe’s career began to take off in the 1950s, where she starred in numerous successful movies such as “Niagara,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and “Some Like it Hot.”
Section 2 – Acting Career and Salary:
Marilyn Monroe’s acting career was relatively short, but it was incredibly lucrative. She starred in 30 films, and her final acting gig was “The Misfits,” which was released in 1961. During her career, she earned a salary of $100,000 per film, which was an enormous sum of money for the time. Her performance in “The Seven Year Itch” saw her salary increase to $500,000, making her the highest-paid actress in Hollywood at the time.
Section 3 – Endorsements and Business Ventures:
In addition to acting, Marilyn Monroe was also known for her endorsements and business ventures. During her life, she was the face of several products, including Max Factor’s makeup and Coca-Cola. She also launched her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, in 1954. The company was responsible for producing the movies “The Prince and the Showgirl” and “Bus Stop.”
Section 4 – Real Estate Investments:
Marilyn Monroe was also known for her savvy real estate investments. She owned numerous properties, including an apartment in New York City and a house in Los Angeles. One of her most famous real estate investments was her home in Brentwood, California, which she purchased in 1962 for $77,500. The house was a 2,800 square foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom property that she shared with her then-husband, Arthur Miller.
Section 5 – Jewelry Collection:
Marilyn Monroe was famous for her love for jewelry and accessories. She was known to wear numerous pieces of jewelry at once, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Her most famous piece was the diamond-encrusted “Moon of Baroda” necklace, which was gifted to her by oil tycoon Milton Green. The necklace was worth $500,000 at the time.
Section 6 – Death and Estate:
Marilyn Monroe died tragically at the young age of 36. Her death is still shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories. At the time of her death, her estate was worth approximately $800,000, which is equivalent to around $7 million today. Her estate was left to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg, who passed away in 1982. Her estate has since been divided among her heirs, and her belongings have become collector’s items.
Section 7 – Mythbusting Marilyn Monroe’s Net Worth:
Despite her extensive wealth, numerous myths surround Marilyn Monroe’s net worth. One myth is that her estate was worth over $30 million. Other rumors suggest that she was broke at the time of her death. However, these myths have been debunked. Her estate was worth $800,000, and she had an extensive investment portfolio and real estate holdings.
Section 8 – Influences on Marilyn Monroe’s Net Worth:
Several factors contributed to Marilyn Monroe’s net worth. Her successful acting career, lucrative endorsements, and business ventures all contributed to her wealth. Additionally, her real estate investments and extensive jewelry collection also played a role in increasing her net worth. However, this wealth was also influenced by her untimely death, which led to her belongings becoming collector’s items, further increasing the value of her estate.
Conclusion:
Uncovering the untold fortune of Marilyn Monroe was an eye-opening experience that allowed us to paint a clearer picture of her net worth. Despite the numerous myths and rumors surrounding her finances, the truth is that Marilyn Monroe was a wealthy woman with diverse streams of income, intelligent investments, and a considerable amount of talent. As she said, “I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.” She certainly achieved both.
FAQs:
1. What was Marilyn Monroe’s net worth at the time of her death?
Marilyn Monroe’s net worth at the time of her death was approximately $800,000, which is equivalent to around $7 million today.
2. What was the most expensive piece of jewelry Marilyn Monroe owned?
Marilyn Monroe’s most expensive piece of jewelry was the diamond-encrusted “Moon of Baroda” necklace, which was worth $500,000 at the time.
3. Did Marilyn Monroe have any real estate investments?
Yes, Marilyn Monroe owned several properties during her lifetime, including an apartment in New York City and a house in Los Angeles.
4. Was Marilyn Monroe broke at the time of her death?
No, Marilyn Monroe was not broke at the time of her death. Her estate was worth approximately $800,000.
5. Who inherited Marilyn Monroe’s estate?
Marilyn Monroe’s estate was left to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg. After his death in 1982, her estate was divided among her heirs.