Learn all about the personality type of Marilyn Monroe, including personality traits and frequently asked questions.
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Who is Marilyn Monroe?
Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model, and singer who became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture history.
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles, California, on June 1, 1926, she faced a difficult childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and frequent moves between foster homes and orphanages.
At the age of 16, she married her first husband, Jim Dougherty, but the couple divorced several years later.
Monroe began her career as a model, and she quickly gained recognition for her stunning looks and captivating presence.
In 1946, she signed a contract with Twentieth Century Fox, and she soon began to appear in small roles in films such as “The Asphalt Jungle” and “All About Eve.”
Monroe’s breakthrough role came in 1953 with “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” in which she played the role of Lorelei Lee.
She followed this with a series of successful films, including “How to Marry a Millionaire,” “The Seven Year Itch,” and “Some Like It Hot.”
Monroe’s personal life was marked by a series of tumultuous relationships, including marriages to baseball player Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller.
She also struggled with addiction and mental health issues, and she reportedly had affairs with several high-profile figures, including President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert F. Kennedy.
On August 5, 1962, Monroe was found dead in her home in Brentwood, California.
Her death was ruled a probable suicide by drug overdose, but the circumstances surrounding her death remain a subject of controversy and speculation to this day.
Despite her tragic death at the age of 36, Monroe’s legacy has endured, and she continues to be celebrated as an icon of beauty, glamour, and sexuality.
Her image has been immortalized in countless films, books, and works of art, and she remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures of the 20th century.
Marilyn Monroe Personality Type
Marilyn Monroe is often associated with the ESFP (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving) personality type.
ESFPs are known for their vibrant energy, love of the spotlight, and their ability to connect with others on an emotional level.
Extroversion: Marilyn Monroe was undoubtedly an extroverted individual. She thrived in social situations and enjoyed being the center of attention. Her charisma and magnetic presence captivated audiences, whether she was on stage or in front of the camera. Marilyn’s natural inclination towards extroversion allowed her to connect with people effortlessly, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Sensing: As an ESFP, Marilyn was attuned to the sensory details of her surroundings. She had a keen eye for aesthetics, fashion, and beauty. Her impeccable style and glamorous persona became synonymous with her name. In her performances, she embraced the sensual aspects of her characters, bringing them to life with her expressive body language and emotional depth.
Feeling: Marilyn Monroe possessed a strong emotional intelligence that resonated with her audience. ESFPs are known for their ability to empathize with others and connect on an emotional level. Marilyn’s vulnerability and authenticity in her performances made her relatable to many. She had a deep understanding of human emotions and effortlessly conveyed them through her acting, eliciting both laughter and tears from her viewers.
Perceiving: ESFPs have a spontaneous and adaptable nature, and Marilyn Monroe exemplified these traits. She embraced life’s uncertainties and was known for her impulsive decisions. Marilyn’s career was marked by her willingness to take risks and try new things, which contributed to her status as a cultural icon. Her ability to go with the flow and seize the moment added to her allure and made her an enduring symbol of freedom and independence.
Now looking at the Enneagram system; As an Enneagram Six personality type with a Seven wing, Monroe may have also exhibited traits such as loyalty, anxiety, and a desire for security and stability.
Enneagram Sixes are often described as responsible, hardworking, and committed to their relationships and communities.
They may also be prone to anxiety and fear and may seek safety and reassurance through loyalty and adherence to rules and norms.
The Seven wing may have also contributed to Monroe’s personality, as it can add a sense of playfulness, spontaneity, and a desire for novelty and excitement.
Seven-winged Sixes may enjoy exploring new ideas and experiences and may seek to balance their fears and anxieties with a sense of optimism and joy.
Her combination of ISFP and Enneagram Six with a Seven wing may have contributed to Monroe’s unique personality, which was marked by a blend of creativity, emotional sensitivity, loyalty, and a desire for fun and excitement.
5 Marilyn Monroe Personality Traits
So, what are some of the personality traits of Marilyn Monroe?
- Charismatic
- Emotional
- Independent:
- Creative
- Curious
Let’s take a look at these personality traits in more detail:
1. Charismatic
Marilyn Monroe had an innate ability to captivate and charm those around her.
She possessed a magnetic presence on and off screen, which helped to solidify her status as a cultural icon.
Whether performing in a film or socializing with friends and fans, Monroe’s charisma was a defining characteristic of her personality.
2. Emotional
Monroe was known for her intense emotions, which were often on full display in her films and public appearances.
She had a deep connection to her own feelings and was able to convey a range of emotions, from vulnerability to joy, with great authenticity.
This emotional sensitivity also made her vulnerable to mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety.
3. Independent
Despite her struggles with emotional and mental health, Monroe was a fiercely independent person who valued her autonomy and self-determination. She had a strong sense of self and was willing to fight for her own interests and goals, even in the face of social and professional pressures. This independence also made her an important figure in the feminist movement of the 1960s.
4. Creative
Monroe was a naturally creative person who loved to express herself through art, writing, and music.
She had a passion for the arts from a young age, and she continued to explore her creative side throughout her life.
Her creativity was an important part of her personality, and it helped to fuel her success as an actress and model.
5. Curious
Monroe had a keen curiosity about the world around her, and she was always eager to learn and explore new ideas.
She was interested in a wide range of topics, from psychology and philosophy to literature and art, and she often sought out new experiences and perspectives.
This curiosity was a driving force behind her personal growth and intellectual development throughout her life.
Marilyn Monroe FAQs
Did Marilyn Monroe have children?
Although she was married three times, she did not have any biological or adopted children.
Her marriages to James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller all ended in divorce before she had the opportunity to start a family.
Despite her lack of children, Monroe expressed a strong desire to have children throughout her life, and she reportedly suffered several miscarriages during her marriages.
What was Marilyn Monroe’s net worth?
Marilyn Monroe’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $1.6 million, which is equivalent to approximately $13 million in today’s currency.
Monroe was one of the highest-paid actresses of her time, she earned money through modeling, endorsements, and other business ventures.
Despite her success, Monroe’s estate faced several legal battles after her death, and her assets were ultimately divided among her beneficiaries, including her acting coach, Lee Strasberg, and her ex-husband, Joe DiMaggio.
What was Marilyn Monroe’s last movie?
Marilyn Monroe’s last completed film was “The Misfits,” which was released in 1961.
The film was directed by John Huston and co-starred Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift.
Monroe played the role of Roslyn Taber, a recently divorced woman who becomes romantically involved with a cowboy played by Gable.
The filming of “The Misfits” was difficult for Monroe, as she was struggling with personal issues and substance abuse, and her co-stars also had health problems that impacted the production.
Was Marilyn Monroe a nice person?
Marilyn Monroe was widely regarded as a kind and generous person by many who knew her personally.
She was known for her warmth, humor, and charm, and she often went out of her way to help others.
Her co-stars and colleagues in the film industry have spoken fondly of their experiences working with her, and many have described her as a talented and dedicated actress who was always professional on set.
However, Monroe’s personal life was marked by a series of struggles and challenges, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and difficult relationships.
Some individuals who were close to her have suggested that she could be demanding and emotionally volatile at times and that her behavior was often shaped by the traumas of her childhood and the pressures of fame.
What are some of Marilyn Monroe’s best quotes?
- “I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I’m out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”
- “I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it.”
- “We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets.”
- “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
- “A wise girl kisses but doesn’t love, listens but doesn’t believe, and leaves before she is left.”
- “I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”