Today in History: Marilyn Monroe Found Dead

Norman Jean Montenson-Baker or Marilyn Monroe was found dead lying face down on her bed in her Los Angeles mansion. Probable cause of death: suicide on sedatives. There have been loads of theories as regards the real cause of her death and her personal relationship with prescription drugs but overall, she is one of the enduring icons of the 20th century.

Although she helped perpetuate the cliche that blondes are dumb, she was largely misunderstood and many people point out that she was in fact smart with a Mensa-like IQ. She was a woman in male-dominated 1950s Hollywood where acting on female stereotypes was the order of the day. This is still the order in many Filipino homes and workplaces. Sad, but true.