These photos of Marilyn Monroe prove why she is still an eternal diva

Celebrated actor and singer Marilyn Monroe passed away on August 5, 1962 at the age of 36. The iconic actor worked in 29 films in her career. Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, Marilyn Monroe was a legend and became Hollywood’s most glamourous star and a sex symbol. Here's looking back at her journey on her 56th death anniversary:
Raised in foster homes, Monroe died of drug overdose 56 years ago. As a teenager, she got married to merchant marine Jimmy Dougherty. During the war, she worked in a factory that made military drones. She was discovered by a photographer who was searching for subjects to inspire troops.

She became a model and transformed into an actress Marilyn Monroe. She dyed her hair blonde and created a new name and image. She played small parts in films like The Asphalt Jungle and Bette Davis. Her powerful performance in small roles won her praise. She won the critics and attracted large audiences to her films. In 1953, her role in Niagara and Gentleman Prefer Blondes catapulted her into a different league. She started being identified as an actor par excellence. She continued to find success in films like How to Marry a Millionaire, There’s No Business like Show Business and The Seven Year Itch.

She took a break to study acting with Lee Strasberg in New York City. Her first film post her acting course as Bus Stop in which she played the role of a singer who is kidnapped by a rancher.

She delivered phenomenal performance in The Prince and the Showgirl. However, she displayed erratic behavior on the sets of the film. She won a Golden Globe in 1959 – Best Actress in a Comedy.

Her last completed film was The Misfits. In 1962, she was dismissed from the film Something’s Got to Give for missing many days of filming, due to illness. She had trouble in her personal life too with marriage to Joe DiMaggio ending in nine months. She later married playwright Arthur Miller, but separated in 1961.

She passed away at her Los Angeles home with a bottle of sleeping pills by her bed. There is a controversy surrounding her passing away as rumours suggested that she was involved with President John F. Kennedy.

Marilyn Monroe has been an icon and will always be remembered for her beauty, charm and acting prowess.

Here are some photos that prove why she is and always will be an eternal diva: