Difference between Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor
In the world of cinema, few come close to the renown, notoriety, and sheer weight of contributions as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Both iconic figures whose impacts transcend mere Hollywood stardom, these two remarkable women have a larger than life repute that is as timeless as the classic films they have appeared in. In this comparison article, we take a look at the lives and careers of these two great Hollywood actresses.
Profile
Marilyn Monroe was an American actress who was born on June 1, 1926. Her real name was actually Norma Jeane Mortenson, although she was baptized with the name Norma Jeane Baker. In addition to being an actress, she was also a singer and a model. Monroe died on August 5, 1962.
Elizabeth Taylor was born Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor on February 27, 1932. An actress of English-American heritage, she is also known as Liz Taylor. Elizabeth Taylor died on March 23, 2011.
Accomplishments
Marilyn Monroe’s first forays into the film industry were in relatively minor roles, although she did receive some acclaim for her performances in The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve, which were both released in 1950. After three years, Monroe had moved on to leading roles, achieving fame for her portrayals as a "dumb blonde", most notably in the films Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire and The Seven Year Itch.
In spite of these successes, Monroe wasn't too keen in being typecast in such roles, and she subsequently enrolled in acting classes at the Actors Studio in order to widen her range. The result was a string of dramatic performances in critically-acclaimed films such as Bus Stop, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination.
Despite her short life, Monroe was recognized as the sixth greatest female star of all time by the American Film Institute in 1999. She is considered a pop and cultural icon to this very day, in addition to being the embodiment of the American sex symbol.
Elizabeth Taylor started out as a child star, and she quickly achieved renown for both her acting prowess and her beauty. Taylor is also known for being a fixture in the Hollywood social scene, and her seven marriages have been choice fodder for gossip columns and industry rags to this day. Nevertheless, Taylor is recognized as one of the great actresses of the golden age of Hollywood, and was even awarded the number 7 spot on the American Film Institute’s list of Female Legends. Taylor has also been awarded two Academy Awards for Best Actress, and was given the Jean Herscholt Humanitarian Academy Award for her numerous AIDS-related campaigns.
Personal Issues
Marilyn Monroe’s last few years were marked by numerous issues, including illness and a reputation for being difficult on set. She also had a number of personal issues leading up to her eventual death from a barbiturate overdose.
Elizabeth Taylor for her part was frequently in the news for her many marriages, and her treatment for alcoholism In the 1980s made it to many newspapers as well.
Similarities and Differences
Marilyn Monroe
- An American actress, singer and a model
- Recognized as the sixth greatest female star of all time
- Last few years were marked by illness and a reputation for being difficult on set
Elizabeth Taylor
- Started out as a child star who quickly achieved renown for her acting prowess and beauty
- Her many marriages have been choice fodder for gossip columns and industry rags to this day
- She has a very successful perfume line consisting of eight fragrances including Passion and White Diamonds.
