Marilyn Monroe is without a doubt one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures. Her image has crossed generations, becoming a lasting symbol of beauty, glamour, and success in the entertainment world. But behind her dazzling career and life in Los Angeles, there’s a lesser-known part of her story: her Mexican roots.
Monroe was born as Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926. Her grandparents, Otis Elmer and Della Mae Monroe, moved from the U.S. to northern Mexico around 1890, driven by a severe drought that caused serious agricultural issues. The family settled in the border town then known as ‘Porfirio Díaz,’ now called ‘Piedras Negras,’ Coahuila.
It was there, on May 27, 1902, that Marilyn’s mother, Gladys Pearl Monroe, was born—so yes, the mother of the Hollywood icon was born in Mexico. However, after spending over a decade in Mexico, the Monroes returned to the U.S., with Otis seeking work on the railroads being built in California.
As highlighted in the recent film about Monroe’s life, starring Spanish actress Ana de Armas, her relationship with her mother was far from ideal. It wasn’t a typical or loving relationship, as her mother, Gladys, was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. This led to a bond marked by tragedy and various forms of abuse. Despite these challenges, Marilyn never lost her connection to Mexico.
A Lesser-Known Story
Marilyn’s connection to Mexico hasn’t been a major focus in her public story. Most of the attention has been on her rapid rise in Hollywood, her famous movies, and her tragic death in 1962. However, in the 1950s, several of her trips to Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, were documented, including the one where she finalized her divorce from her third husband, writer Arthur Miller.
During a visit to Mexico in 1962, a reporter asked Marilyn if she would date a Mexican actor, to which she replied in perfect Spanish: “Why an actor? As long as he’s Mexican, that’s enough.” During that trip, she met Silvia Pinal and Luis Buñuel, as well as the young Mexican filmmaker José Bolaños, one of the last men she was romantically linked to.
Marilyn also visited ‘El Taquito’ and the home of Emilio ‘El Indio’ Fernández. Where it’s said she shared tequila with him and his wife, Columba Domínguez. She then explored various parts of Mexico, even purchasing furniture to decorate her home in Los Angeles. She also bought her iconic sweater, which she wore in a photograph taken four months later on Santa Monica beach. That photo is believed to be the last picture of her while she was alive.
A Connection Between Mexico and Hollywood
While Marilyn Monroe’s story is mainly tied to the American film industry, her Mexican roots add an extra layer of depth to her life. She is a great example of how even the most famous celebrities have family histories filled with unique details and connections that go beyond borders.
Learning about these lesser-known parts of her life not only enriches her legacy, but also helps us understand who she really was, beyond the Hollywood spotlight.
In a world that celebrates diversity and cultural heritage more than ever, it’s inspiring to see how Marilyn, perhaps without realizing it, became a bridge between two cultures. Her legacy lives on, not just in her films, but also in the hearts of those who appreciate her rich and multifaceted story.
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