Four Interesting Facts About Marilyn Monroe On Her 100th Birthday (2 of 3)

She Possessed an Extensive Book Collection

Contrary to the stereotypes that the movie star was nothing more than a ditzy bimbo, Marilyn Monroe was, in fact, a passionate reader. She maintained a personal library of over 400 books, encompassing a wide range of genres, including classic world literature, art, science, psychology, gardening, poetry, contemporary works, and more. Some of these books dated back to her childhood and followed her from place to place throughout her life (she is believed to have moved at least 50 times), demonstrating how important reading was to her. She strategically purchased particular types of furniture for the expressed purpose of using them as cozy reading places, including squishy living room armchairs and outdoor loungers that were positioned under the shade. Most endearing is that when she was traveling, she made sure her hotel suites were supplied with books that were always within an arm’s reach of her bed. 

She strategically purchased particular types of furniture for the expressed purpose of using them as cozy reading places, including squishy living room armchairs and outdoor loungers that were positioned under the shade. Most endearing is that when she was traveling, she made sure her hotel suites were supplied with books that were always within an arm reach of her bed.

Her Marriage to Joe DiMaggio was the Ultimate Power Move

In 1952, Marilyn was introduced to retired legendary baseball player Joe DiMaggio and fell madly in love with him. During this time, she starred in a variety of high-profile movies, such as Niagara and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, but began to grow frustrated because she didn’t feel she was being paid what she was worth. The last straw came when she was ordered by the studio to report for The Girl in Pink Tights, a fluffy musical comedy that she despised, and discovered that they were going to pay co-star Frank Sinatra exponentially more than what she was set to make. When she walked out, they suspended her without pay, believing she would eventually come around once the financial strain became too much.