As the centenary of Marilyn Monroe's birth approaches, the Hollywood star is primarily remembered for her highly sexualised glamorous image rather than her intelligence, skill and political acumen. Born Norma Jean Baker, Monroe used her pin-up status to escape a working-class existence, but she also fought against the racism, classism and sexism of the industry.
In 1954, Monroe pressured the owner of the Mocambo nightclub to honour a contract with Ella Fitzgerald, attending every night to draw press coverage. Fitzgerald later credited Monroe with launching her career beyond small jazz clubs. Monroe also supported her third husband, Arthur Miller, when he refused to name names to the House Committee on UnAmerican Activities in 1956, and in 1960 she wrote to the New York Times expressing support for Fidel Castro.
Monroe rebelled against being typecast as a dumb blonde. In January 1955 she formed her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, after 20th Century Fox refused to cast her in dramatic roles. Though Fox sued for breach of contract, the settlement gave Monroe control over future projects and compensation for past earnings.
Monroe understood the power of her sex symbol image but rejected its dehumanising qualities. 'That's the trouble, a sex symbol becomes a thing,' she said. 'I just hate being a thing.' She longed to play serious roles, and while her production company did not survive long enough to make a significant cultural impact, her move paved the way for greater artist control in Hollywood.
