Marilyn Monroe passed away on August 5, 1962, at age 36, in a Los Angeles home. Her death at a relatively young age continues to shape conversations about celebrity, health, and media responsibility.
Below is a structured snapshot of key biographical facts relevant to understanding how old Marilyn Monroe was at death, how her life compared to contemporaries, and what surrounding circumstances were documented.
| Category | Detail | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Birth Name | Norma Jeane Mortenson | Later adopted stage name Marilyn Monroe |
| Date of Birth | Year-Month-Day | June 1, 1926 | Born in Los Angeles, California |
| Date of Death | Year-Month-Day | August 5, 1962 | Reported in the early morning hours |
| Age at Death | Calculated in Years | 36 years old | 36, 1 month, 4 days past her birthday |
| Place of Death | Location Type and Name | Los Angeles, California, home | 12305 Fifth Helena Drive |
| Primary Cause | Acute Condition | Barbiturate overdose | Considered probable suicide by coroner |
Marilyn Monroe Early Life and Career Rise
Marilyn Monroe grew up in foster care and an unstable household before entering modeling and film in the late 1940s. Studio contracts reshaped her public identity while struggles with anxiety and insomnia influenced how she managed performance stress.
Her breakthrough roles in the 1950s, including Some Like It Hot and The Seven Year Itch, solidified her status as a global sex symbol. Despite commercial success, ongoing personal difficulties and industry pressures complicated her long-term career planning.
Health Struggles and Treatment History
Physical and Mental Health Diagnoses
Monroe had documented cases of migraine headaches, endometriosis, and severe insomnia. Psychiatric evaluations indicated episodes of depression and anxiety, for which she received intermittent treatment.
Medications and Prescriptions
Her regular medication regimen included barbiturates, sedatives, and amphetamines. Physicians at the time frequently prescribed these drugs, but the cumulative effect increased the risk of dangerous interactions.
Circumstances Around the Death
On the evening of August 4, 1962, Monroe was reportedly seen alive by housemates and a publicist. Neighbors and first responders later described the scene as a probable accidental overdose, complicated by delays in discovering her.
The coroner classified the manner of death as probable suicide, citing empty pill bottles and the toxicology report. Questions about privacy, security, and medical accuracy persisted in the years after her death.
Legacy and Cultural Influence at Age 36
At age 36, Marilyn Monroe became a symbol of both the costs of fame and the fragility of mental health in the entertainment industry. Her images and films remain central to discussions of gender, celebrity, and media representation.
Biographies, documentaries, and academic work continue to examine how personal vulnerability intersected with studio control and public obsession. This ongoing attention underscores how age at death can shape memory and myth.
Key Takeaways on Marilyn Monroe Age at Death
- She died at age 36 on August 5, 1962.
- Cause of death was a barbiturate overdose ruled probable suicide.
- Health challenges included migraine, insomnia, and mental health conditions.
- Fame and industry pressures influenced her treatment and public narrative.
- Her legacy remains tied to discussions of celebrity, age, and vulnerability.
FAQ
Reader questions
How old was Marilyn Monroe when she died?
She was 36 years old at the time of her death on August 5, 1962.
What was the official cause of death listed for Marilyn Monroe?
The coroner's report listed acute barbiturate poisoning as the probable cause, classified as suicide.
Did Marilyn Monroe have a history of health issues before she died?
Yes, she struggled with migraine, endometriosis, insomnia, depression, and anxiety, and used multiple prescription medications.
Where did Marilyn Monroe pass away?
She died at her home in Los Angeles, California, at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive.