Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most iconic and enduring figures in the history of entertainment and popular culture. Her life story, marked by triumphs and tragedies, continues to captivate and inspire people worldwide. In this post, we share some of the most memorable Marilyn Monroe quotes for daily inspiration.

Early Life

Marilyn Monroe was born as Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. Despite her later success, Monroe’s early life was far from glamorous. She grew up in foster homes and faced numerous challenges, including a turbulent family history and a lack of stability.

Her childhood experiences instilled in her a strong desire for success and recognition. At the age of 16, she married for the first time to James Dougherty, an arrangement driven by the need for security and stability.

The Breakthrough

Her breakthrough came when she was discovered by a photographer while working in a munitions factory during World War II.

The young Norma Jeane transformed into Marilyn Monroe, and she began her journey into the world of modeling and acting. Her rise to fame was meteoric. She soon graced the covers of magazines, and landed her first film contract with Twentieth Century-Fox.

Film Career Takes Off

Marilyn’s beauty and sensuality made her an instant sensation in Hollywood. Her film career took off with roles in movies like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “The Seven Year Itch,” and “Some Like It Hot.”

She was not only a talented actress but also a gifted comedienne, and her performances earned her acclaim and a large fan base. Marilyn’s charming on-screen presence and seductive image made her a global sex symbol of the 1950s era.

Her Distinctive Style

One of the most celebrated aspects of Marilyn Monroe’s career was her distinctive style. Her platinum blonde hair, red lips, and glamorous fashion choices made her a stand-out.

Her iconic dress from “The Seven Year Itch,” famously billowing over a subway grate, is one of the most recognizable images in cinematic history. Monroe’s style and beauty continue to inspire fashion and beauty trends today.

Personal Struggles

However, her life behind the scenes was far from perfect. Marilyn faced personal struggles, including a series of failed marriages and a battle with mental health issues.

Her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller captured the attention of the media, but they ended in divorce. Marilyn’s public image often overshadowed the emotional turmoil she experienced.

Tragically, Marilyn Monroe’s life came to an untimely end on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36. Her death, ruled as a probable suicide, remains a subject of speculation and conspiracy theories. Her passing marked the loss of a remarkable talent and a cultural icon.

The Legacy of Marilyn Monroe

Despite her early death, Marilyn Monroe’s legacy endures. She remains an indomitable symbol of beauty, sensuality, and vulnerability. Her films are cherished classics. And her image is an everlasting part of the global pop culture landscape. To this day, Monroe continues to influence countless artists, fashion trends, and actresses globally.

While Marilyn Monroe’s life and career were marked by struggles and triumphs, her impact on the world of entertainment is immeasurable. Her enduring allure continues to captivate audiences. And her image remains an emblem of timeless beauty and sensuality.

Famous Marilyn Monroe Quotes

Below we provide several inspirational Marilyn Monroe quotes from throughout her life and career. We hope these will be a source of inspiration and courage in your life.

Marilyn Monroe Quotes about Life

“The nicest thing for me is sleep, then at least I can dream.”

“I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one.”

“This life is what you make it. No matter what, you’re going to mess it up sometimes — it’s a universal truth.  But the good part is you get to decide how you’re going to mess it up.”

“Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing, and there’s so much to smile about.”

“I am not a victim of emotional conflicts.  I am human.”

“Always remember to smile and look up at what you got in life.”

“I believe that everything happens for a reason.  People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

“You believe lies, so you eventually learned to trust no one but yourself.”

“It’s nice to be included in people’s fantasies, but you also like to be accepted for your own sake.”

Marilyn Monroe Quotes about Success

“Always, always, always believe in yourself.  Because if you don’t, then who will, sweetie?”

“If you can’t handle me at my worst, you don’t deserve me at my best.”

“A wise girl knows her limits; a smart girl knows that she has none.”

“I don’t stop when I’m tired.  I only stop when I’m done.”

“We are all stars, but we must learn how to shine.”

“I live to succeed, not to please you or anyone else.”

“I want to do the best that I can do at that moment, when the camera starts until it stops.”

“Just because you fail once doesn’t mean you’re going to fail at everything.”

“Everyone’s a star and deserves the right to twinkle.”

Marilyn Monroe Quotes about Love and Friendship

“I have feelings too.  I am still human.  All I want is to be loved for myself and for my talent.”

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”

“Girls will be your friends; they’ll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come and some go.  The ones that stay with you through everything, they are your true best friends.  Don’t let go of them.”

“A friend tells you what you want to hear; a best friend tells you the truth.”

“I think that love and work are the only things that really happen to us.”

“It’s far better to be unhappy alone then unhappy with someone.”

“I think there are two things in human beings: that they want to be alone, but they also want to be together.”

Marilyn Monroe Quotes about Beauty

“I’m pretty but not beautiful.  I sin, but I’m not the devil.  I’m good, but I’m not an Angel.”

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

“To all the girls that think you’re fat: because you’re not a size 0, you’re the beautiful one.  It’s society who’s ugly.”

“Be real, be yourself, be unique, be true, be honest, be humble, be happy.”

“I want to grow old without facelifts.  I want to have the courage to be loyal to the face I have made.”

“Sweetie, if you’re going to be two-faced, at least make one of them pretty.”

“Always be yourself.  Retain individuality; listen to the truest part of yourself.”

Marilyn Monroe Quotes – Final Words

Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most iconic and enduring figures in the history of entertainment and popular culture. Her life story, marked by triumphs and tragedies, continues to captivate and inspire people worldwide.

While Marilyn Monroe’s life and career were marked by struggles and triumphs, her impact on the world of entertainment is undeniable. Her enduring allure continues to captivate audiences. And her image remains an emblem of timeless beauty and sensuality.

We hope you enjoyed these Marilyn Monroe quotes. Check out our site for more sources of inspiration.