Episode 474: The Life & Mysterious Death of Marilyn Monroe
Description
Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, was an iconic American actress, model, and singer, celebrated for her roles in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), and Some Like It Hot (1959). Known for her glamorous persona, comedic talent, and breathy voice, she became a cultural symbol of beauty and femininity in the 1950s.
Despite her success, Monroe struggled with personal issues, including turbulent relationships, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. She married three times—James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller—and had high-profile relationships, notably with President John F. Kennedy and possibly Robert Kennedy.
Monroe died on August 5, 1962, at age 36 in her Los Angeles home. The official coroner’s report ruled her death a probable suicide from a barbiturate overdose, citing her history of depression and prior overdose attempts. However, her death sparked numerous conspiracy theories due to inconsistencies and her connections to powerful figures.
Some speculate Monroe was killed to silence her about alleged affairs with JFK and/or RFK, fearing she might reveal sensitive political or personal secrets. Claims of RFK’s presence in Los Angeles that day and missing phone records fuel this theory, though no definitive evidence supports it.
Theories suggest organized crime, possibly linked to her Kennedy connections or Hollywood circles, orchestrated her death. This is largely based on her rumored associations with figures like Sam Giancana, but evidence is circumstantial. Some believe the CIA or FBI eliminated Monroe due to her knowledge of classified information via the Kennedys, with her home allegedly bugged. Declassified files show FBI interest in her, but no proof of foul play exists.
Less sensational theories propose her death resulted from a miscalculated dose by her doctors or a mix-up in medications, given her reliance on prescriptions and inconsistent medical oversight. Investigations, including a 1982 review, upheld the suicide ruling, citing high levels of barbiturates (Nembutal and chloral hydrate) in her system and no physical evidence of murder. Still, gaps like the missing autopsy details, delayed reporting, and cleaned-up scene keep conspiracies alive. Monroe’s death remains a cultural mystery, blending her tragic life with speculation about hidden truths.
Audio version:
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler">
Video version:
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio">
Please support us on Patreon! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram. Also check out Jenny’s horror channel, The Scare Salon, and her true crime channel, Crime Immemorial. Check out Fright On Cue, a cool horror writing journal with image and text prompts.
Please try out TubeBuddy!
And check out our cool merch at our Zazzle store, and some board and card games designed by Jenny at Giallo Games!
Visit Jenny’s Amazon author page! And check out our awesome cookbook!
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS! The show is made possible by: Allison, Amanda, Amanda O., Amber, Ambition Writing, Amy H., Anthony, Antonio, Arezo, Arif, Armand, Ashley, Austin, Ben, BlackMarigold, Blake, Brad, Brandon, Brian, Bryce, Bunjip, Bunny, Cady, Calexico Mom, Cami, Chris, Christopher, Ciarra, Cody, Corinthian, creepy crepes, D. Newton, Dae, Damian, Dan, Darkskull, Darren, Dave B., David P., Dean, Denise, Dermot, Dominic, Duncan, Dwayne, Ed, Elizabeth, Elliot, Eric, Erin, Esther, Fade, Feeky, Gareth, Geare, Ginger, Gramthars Hammer, Greg, Gwen, Gwendoline, Hanna, Hayden, Heather, HoboNasty, Holly, Hugo, Iain, Ilse, Ima Shrew, Jaime, Jake A., Jake S., James, James H., Jamin, Jana & Scott, Janet, Jason, Jason W., Jeanette, Jen, Jessica, Jesus, Jill, Joanie, Jocifer, Joe, John A. Brown, John H., John M., Jon R., Jonathan, Jonathan H., Joseph, Juli, Juliana, Justin, Justyn, Karin, Kat, Katrina, Keith, Kelley G., Ken, Kieron, Knothead Studios, Kool Kitty, Lana, Lars, Leander, Liam, Lindsey, Logan, Lonna, Lynx_13, Macy, Marcus, Mark, Mary Ellen, Master of Dungeons, Matt, Matthew, Maximillian, Melanie, Melissa, Melissa G., Michael, Miguel, Mike, Mother of Beasts, Natalia, Nathalie, Nicodemus, Nilay, Noah, Oddcatt, Oli, out_running_erins, Paul, Poppa77 Morrison, Rabbit, Rachel, Rebecca, Rebecca L., Rebecca M., Richard J., Richard & Sheena, Rik, Rob, Robina, Ryan, Samantha, Sandra, Saul, Scarlett, Scott, Sean, seven lines, Shaebie, Shae-Nicole, Sheena, Sophie, Stephanie, Steven Vincent, Stop Prop, Sydney, Tabitha, Tammie, Tara, Terrie, TheMysteryGamer, Thomas, Thomm, Tiffany, Timothy, Tina, Travon, Trevor, Trey, Tyran, Valtrina, Vashti, Veronica, Via, Victor, Victoria, Victoria E., Virginia, Weaponsandstuff93, Will S., and Xánada.
Channel art and audio & video editing by Jenny Ashford. Music & sound effects courtesy of freesound.org users jamespotterboy, corsica-s, enjoypa, capturedlv, luffy, kiddpark, and justkiddink. Video clips courtesy of Videezy & Videvo.