Standing just 5ft 5.5in tall, who would have imagined that little Norma Jean, a.k.a. Marilyn Monroe, would become one of the world's most famous movie stars? Certainly not that bright young thing from Los Angeles. We have discovered five facts about the luminescent blonde we would like to share.
A Ford is a Girl’s Best Friend
Marilyn Monroe was known to have been an able and conscientious driver. In the course of her short life she had a number of different cars. Apparently she had a penchant for Fords and Cadillacs and, apart from a Ford Thunderbird, her favourite was a black Cadillac convertible – part of her payment for appearances in the Jack Benny Program.
Only the Best for Marilyn’s Cynthia
Surprisingly, during her career Marilyn Monroe made only one TV advertisement. In 1952 she was the face for the ad for Royal Triton engine oil, produced by the American Union Oil Company. In it, the budding star stuns the gas/petrol station attendant with an arresting line: "Put Royal Triton in Cynthia’s little tummy." The latter was Monroe’s beloved convertible, Cynthia.
A Tub Full of Chanel No.5
Obviously, beauty comes at a price: even for a stellar creature such as Marilyn. Unlike other stars, who tend to be reticent about their recipe for eternal youth, the actress was quite open about her secret ingredient. In an interview she admitted to regular ice baths, heavily scented with Chanel No.5. Which, famously, was also her preferred night attire.
Beauty and the Beast
Not to be outdone, petite Marilyn Monroe was ready to test her allure against larger animals. For the 1955 grand opening of the famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum three-ring circus in New York’s Madison Square Garden, she had a star turn in the ring on top of a pink elephant. This unexpected cameo performance was to generate money for the city’s Vanderbilt Hospital.
Dog Days
Marilyn apparently had a special place in her heart for dogs. One of the tales surrounding her childhood is the story of Tippy, her first pet, which accompanied her to school and waited for his young mistress until classes were let out. Sadly, the dog Tippy met with an ugly end - the little fellow was shot by a neighbour. Grief-stricken, Marilyn Monroe never quite recovered from this loss. Members of her later pack were the Basset hound Hugo, the Chihuahua Choo Choo and a Poodle named Mafia. Mafia, as it happens, was a gift from Frank Sinatra and a pampered companion that would outlive the lonely star.
Text: J. Philip Rathgen (translated by Alexandra Felts)
Fotos: Getty Images
from ClassicDriver
