One of the most talked about Netflix films right now has to be “Blonde.” It is a fictional portrayal of one of the biggest, if not the biggest, female movie stars of the 20th and 21st centuries, Marilyn Monroe.
Played by Ana de Armas, the movie chronicles Monroe’s career and her tumultuous relationships. It is just one of the many modern interpretations of the late actress’ life.
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, to Gladys Baker (her father’s identity is unknown), Monroe personified glamour in Hollywood. Her energy and glow was second to none and she went on to enamor the world.
She had a generous pout, voluptuous curves, and an alluring beauty that could cause kings and presidents to go to war. Her innocence and vulnerability were apparent, and she had an innate sensuality that made her the love of the world. She was more than the sex goddess of the 50s and 60s.
The movies that she starred in she dominated. She became the most famous woman in the 20th century.
But there are little facts that you probably didn’t know about her. For example, did you know that she lived in Las Vegas for a while? I bet you didn’t.
I am going to tell you nine things that you didn’t know about Marilyn Monroe in Las Vegas.
#1: Marilyn Monroe got her first divorce in Las Vegas.
The icon got her first divorce in Las Vegas on September 13, 1946, from her husband James Dougherty. She was 20 years old at the time, and she had been married for four years.
#2: She lived at 604 South 3rd Street for four months.
During the summer of 1946, Marilyn Monroe lived in Las Vegas for four months. It was the time that led her to the first divorce. The house that she lived in is currently a parking lot site.
#3: She nearly married Joe DiMaggio in Sin City.
If she would have gone ahead with the marriage, then she would have been one of the many celebrities who have had their weddings in Vegas. Did you know that Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, and even Elvis and Priscilla Presley, among a host of many other celebrities, have gotten married in Vegas? Yes.
Marilyn Monroe almost made history as well when she nearly married Joe DiMaggio in 1954 before the wedding was called off at the last minute. The wedding was going to be held at Hotel El Rancho Vegas, which was located at the south corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue. Paul Newman and Joan Woodward got married in the same location in 1958. It was demolished in 1960.
#4: Marilyn Monroe was a big star at gambling tables in Las Vegas.
In the 60s, she used to accompany John Huston in the casino at The Bazaar. She became a very big star in the gambling tables.
#5: She visited the Flamingo Hotel-Casino in 1947.
Did you know that the Flamingo Hotel was the first to be built in Vegas? I bet you didn’t know that. It was built in 1946. In the fall of 1947, Marilyn Monroe visited it.
#6: Las Vegas loved her so much that it has a road dedicated to her.
There is Marilyn Monroe Avenue on the east side of the city. It intersects with Cary Grant Court and Betty Davis Street.
#7: She is one of the celebrities with the biggest number of impersonations in Vegas.
Since she was very dear to Vegas, Marilyn Monroe has one of the highest numbers of impersonators in the city. It is estimated that there are currently over 20 impersonations of her in Vegas, though the number may be bigger.
#8: Her chest X-rays got sold for $45,000 at a Vegas auction.
On November 10, 1954, Marilyn Monroe got chest X-rays. In 2010, they were sold for $45,000 at an auction in Las Vegas by Julien’s Auctions.
#9: She met Jack Entratter in Las Vegas
In 1955, Marilyn Monroe was in Las Vegas to watch the performance of Frank Sinatra. While there, she met the then President of Sands Hotel, Jack Entratter. They even took a picture together.
