As a newborn, Norma Jeane Mortenson, who would become the iconic Marilyn Monroe, was already the center of controversy. Marilyn-s paternity is still not conclusive today. Her mother, Gladys, became pregnant while married to Edward Mortenson, her second husband. His name is listed on Marilyn-s birth certificate. However, Gladys was reported to have had an affair with a co-worker named Stanley Gifford around the time of Marilyn-s conception. Marilyn-s mother later showed a picture of Gifford to young Marilyn, declaring that he was her father. The beautiful entertainer would live her life without ever really knowing the truth. Her efforts to make contact with Gifford were all refuted.

Marilyn was discovered in 1945 while working at a Radio Plane factory. Photographer David Conover spotted her while taking photographs of attractive girls who were assisting with the war effort. Marilyn-s modeling career had been birthed. Her initial screen test was held in 1946 at Fox studios where she received her first contract offer.

Marilyn legally changed her name from Norma Jeane in 1956, but she had been using the alias since 1946. Her last name is the maiden name of her mother Gladys, but her first name is said to have been chosen by Ben Lyon, a talent scout for Fox studios.

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