Marilyn Monroe died on August 5, 1962, at age 36, in her Los Angeles home. Her death date remains a focal point for biographers, fans, and scholars examining fame, mental health, and Hollywood mythology.
This article clarifies the circumstances, timeline, and ongoing cultural impact of Marilyn Monroe death date, drawing on verified records and authoritative sources.
| Key Fact | Detail | Source Type | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Norma Jeane Mortenson, later Norma Jeane Baker | Biographical records | Legal identity behind the screen persona |
| Date of Death | August 5, 1962 | Coroner report | Confirmed chronological anchor for research |
| Location | 6251 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, California | Police and coroner records | Physical context of the event |
| Official Cause | Acute barbiturate intoxication, probable suicide | Los Angeles County Coroner | Medical and legal determination |
| Age at Death | 36 years old | Vital records | Context for career stage and cultural impact |
Circumstances on August 5 1962
On the morning of August 5, 1962, Monroe’s body was discovered by her housekeeper. Emergency responders arrived and confirmed her death at the scene. Toxicology reports later indicated a lethal combination of barbiturates, contributing to the classification of probable suicide.
The Investigation and Official Findings
Los Angeles County authorities conducted a thorough investigation, including interviews, scene analysis, and autopsies. The coroner’s verdict emphasized barbiturate overdose, while noting inconsistencies that fueled ongoing speculation about mental health, privacy, and possible external pressures around her death date.
Cultural Legacy and Public Memory
Monroe’s death date has become a symbol of the fragility of fame and the pressures of celebrity. Documentaries, academic studies, and commemorative events mark August 5 as a moment that crystallized both her personal struggles and the myths of Hollywood.
Media Representations and Commemoration
Over the decades, filmmakers, journalists, and scholars have revisited her life and death, using Monroe as a lens to discuss gender, power, and mental health. Annual reflections on her death date often highlight unresolved questions about privacy, agency, and public obsession.
Remembering Monroe
- Verify dates and facts using primary sources such as coroner reports and official records.
- Consider the cultural context of fame and mental health when examining high-profile deaths.
- Distinguish between documented evidence and speculative narratives in popular discourse.
- Approach commemorations with sensitivity to privacy, agency, and the human impact behind the myth.
FAQ
Reader questions
What exact date did Marilyn Monroe die?
Marilyn Monroe died on August 5, 1962.
Where was Marilyn Monroe when she passed away?
She was found at her home located at 6251 Franklin Avenue in Los Angeles, California.
What did the official investigation determine as the cause of death?
The coroner’s report listed acute barbiturate intoxication as the cause, with a probable suicide conclusion.
How old was Marilyn Monroe at the time of her death?
She was 36 years old at the time of her death on August 5, 1962.