Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Hollywood actress and sex symbol of the 1950s, left an indelible mark on American culture. Her legendary status extends beyond her films to her personal life, including her homes. The Marilyn Monroe House, located in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, was the last residence of the star before her untimely death in 1962. This article delves into the details of this historic property, exploring its features, value, and significance in the life of one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures.
Who is Marilyn Monroe?
Marilyn Monroe was more than just a movie star; she was a cultural phenomenon. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, she rose from a difficult childhood to become one of the most famous actresses of all time. Her career spanned just over a decade, but in that time, she starred in numerous hit films and became a global sex symbol.
Monroe’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $800,000, which would be equivalent to about $7 million today. Unlike many modern celebrities, Monroe didn’t own a fleet of cars or a private jet. She was known to have owned a 1956 Ford Thunderbird, which sold at auction in 2018 for $490,000. As for real estate, the Brentwood house was her only property at the time of her death, though she had lived in various rented apartments and houses throughout her career.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Norma Jeane Mortenson (later Marilyn Monroe) |
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1926 |
| Date of Death | August 5, 1962 |
| Profession | Actress, model, singer |
| Notable Films | “Some Like It Hot,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “The Seven Year Itch” |
| Net Worth at Death | Approximately $800,000 (1962) |
| Cars | 1956 Ford Thunderbird |
| Houses | One (Brentwood, Los Angeles) |
| Marriages | James Dougherty (1942-1946), Joe DiMaggio (1954), Arthur Miller (1956-1961) |
Where Does Marilyn Monroe Live Now?
Marilyn Monroe passed away in 1962, but her final residence still stands as a testament to her life and legacy. The house is located at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This quiet, upscale area is known for its privacy and exclusivity, making it a popular choice for celebrities both then and now.
Marilyn Monroe House
The Marilyn Monroe House is a modest yet charming Spanish colonial-style home. It was the first and only house Monroe ever owned, and she purchased it just months before her death. The property holds a special place in Hollywood history, not just because of its famous owner, but also because it was the site of Monroe’s tragic passing.
1. Where Is Marilyn Monroe House?
Marilyn Monroe house is situated at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California. Brentwood is an affluent neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles, known for its large lots, beautiful homes, and celebrity residents. The area offers a perfect blend of privacy and accessibility, being close enough to the hustle and bustle of Hollywood while still providing a secluded retreat.
The house sits on a quiet cul-de-sac, surrounded by lush greenery that provides natural privacy. It’s just a short drive from popular Los Angeles attractions like the Getty Center and Santa Monica Beach, offering the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience that Monroe sought in her final home.
2. Features of Marilyn Monroe House
The Marilyn Monroe House is a single-story, 2,624-square-foot hacienda-style home. Built in 1929, it embodies the classic Spanish colonial revival architecture popular in Southern California during that era. The house sits on a spacious 23,200-square-foot lot, providing ample outdoor space and privacy.
The exterior of the house is characterized by its white stucco walls and red-tile roof, typical of the Spanish colonial style. A curved wall surrounds the front courtyard, adding to the home’s charm and privacy. The property also features numerous windows, allowing plenty of natural light to flood the interior spaces.
Inside, the house boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The living spaces are designed with an open floor plan, creating a sense of flow and spaciousness. Beamed ceilings and terra cotta tile floors throughout the house add to its rustic, Mediterranean feel.
3. Personal House Touches
When Marilyn Monroe purchased the house in 1962, she immediately set about making it her own. Here are five key improvements and personal touches she added:
- Decor: Monroe filled the house with items from her travels to Mexico, reflecting her love for vibrant colors and folk art.
- Guest House: She converted a small structure on the property into a guest house, perfect for visiting friends or staff.
- Garden: Monroe planted a herb garden, showcasing her lesser-known domestic side and love for cooking.
- Citrus Trees: She added several citrus trees to the property, including lemon and orange trees that still stand today.
- Swimming Pool: While she didn’t live to see its completion, Monroe had begun plans to add a swimming pool to the backyard.
4. House Amenities
The Marilyn Monroe House boasts several amenities that made it a comfortable and luxurious home for the star:
- Swimming pool
- Courtyard
- Citrus grove
- Herb garden
- Guest house
- Patio
- Fireplace
- Beamed ceilings
- Terra cotta tile floors
- Attached garage
5. Neighborhood Area
The Brentwood neighborhood where Marilyn Monroe house is located is one of the most prestigious areas in Los Angeles. It’s known for its large lots, beautiful homes, and tree-lined streets. The area has been home to numerous celebrities over the years, attracted by its combination of privacy and proximity to Hollywood.
Brentwood offers a small-town feel within the big city of Los Angeles. It’s characterized by its upscale boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and high-end grocery stores. The neighborhood is also known for its excellent schools and numerous parks, making it a popular choice for families.
Just a short drive from Monroe’s house, residents can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Will Rogers State Historic Park or take in world-class art at the Getty Center. The beaches of Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades are also nearby, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Despite its exclusive nature, Brentwood maintains a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. It’s not uncommon to see residents jogging along San Vicente Boulevard or enjoying a Sunday brunch at one of the local cafes. This blend of luxury and community charm is part of what attracted Monroe to the area and continues to make it a desirable location today.
Market Value
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Build Year | 1929 |
| Purchase Year | 1962 |
| Purchase Value | $77,500 (equivalent to about $675,000 in 2025) |
| Current Estimated Value (2025) | $5.1 million |
The value of the Marilyn Monroe House has increased significantly since the star purchased it in 1962. The current estimated value of $5.1 million reflects not only the property’s intrinsic value as a spacious home in an upscale neighborhood but also its historical significance as Marilyn Monroe’s final residence.
Marilyn Monroe’s Real Estate Portfolio
While the Brentwood house was Marilyn Monroe’s only owned property at the time of her death, she lived in various locations throughout her life and career:
- Childhood Homes: Monroe spent her early years in foster homes and orphanages around Los Angeles.
- First Marital Home: During her marriage to James Dougherty, Monroe lived in a small apartment in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles.
- 20th Century Fox Studio Club: Early in her career, Monroe lived at this dormitory for young actresses.
- Waldorf Astoria, New York: Monroe lived here for several months in 1955 while studying at the Actor’s Studio.
- 444 East 57th Street, New York: During her marriage to Arthur Miller, Monroe lived in this Manhattan apartment.
- 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, Brentwood: Monroe’s final home, purchased in 1962.
Each of these residences played a role in shaping Monroe’s life and career, from her humble beginnings to her status as a Hollywood icon.
Conclusion
The Marilyn Monroe House in Brentwood, Los Angeles, stands as a testament to the life and legacy of one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons. This modest yet charming Spanish colonial-style home, valued at $5.1 million in 2025, was more than just a residence for Monroe; it was a symbol of her success and a haven she called her own. From its quaint courtyard to the citrus trees she planted, every aspect of the house reflects Monroe’s personality and the life she built for herself. Today, it remains a significant piece of Hollywood history, forever linked to the star who once called it home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marilyn Monroe
What happened with Marilyn Monroe?
Marilyn Monroe died on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36. She was found dead in her home in Los Angeles, California. The official cause of death was ruled as a probable suicide due to acute barbiturate poisoning. However, the circumstances surrounding her death have been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories over the years.
Did Marilyn Monroe have a child?
No, Marilyn Monroe never had any children. She reportedly had several miscarriages during her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller. Despite her desire to become a mother, she was never able to carry a pregnancy to term.
What’s the story behind Marilyn Monroe?
Marilyn Monroe was born as Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926. She had a difficult childhood, spending time in foster homes and an orphanage. She married at 16 to avoid returning to the orphanage. Her rise to fame began when she started modeling in 1945 and later transitioned to acting. She became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, starring in numerous successful films. Despite her fame, she struggled with mental health issues, substance abuse, and tumultuous personal relationships throughout her life.
How did Marilyn Monroe impact the world?
Marilyn Monroe had a significant impact on popular culture, fashion, and the entertainment industry:
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- She became a major sex symbol, challenging societal norms about female sexuality.
- Her fashion sense and beauty standards influenced trends that persist to this day.
- She was one of the first women in Hollywood to start her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions.
- Her struggles with mental health and substance abuse later helped raise awareness about these issues.
- She remains an enduring pop culture icon, inspiring countless artists, performers, and fans decades after her death.
What were Marilyn Monroe’s most famous movies?
Some of her most famous films include:
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- “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953)
- “The Seven Year Itch” (1955)
- “Some Like It Hot” (1959)
- “How to Marry a Millionaire” (1953)
- “Bus Stop” (1956)
Was Marilyn Monroe her real name?
No, Marilyn Monroe was born as Norma Jeane Mortenson. She later used the name Norma Jeane Baker. She adopted the stage name “Marilyn Monroe” in 1946 when she began her acting career.
What was Marilyn Monroe’s relationship with the Kennedy brothers?
Marilyn Monroe was rumored to have had affairs with both President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy. While there’s evidence of a friendship, the exact nature of their relationships remains a subject of speculation and controversy.
What is Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic moment?
One of her most iconic moments is the scene from “The Seven Year Itch” where she stands over a subway grate, and her white dress billows up around her. This image has become one of the most recognizable in pop culture history.
Did Marilyn Monroe sing?
Yes, Marilyn Monroe was also a singer. Her most famous performance was singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. She also sang in several of her movies, including “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
What was Marilyn Monroe’s natural hair color?
Marilyn Monroe was naturally a brunette. She began dyeing her hair blonde early in her modeling career and maintained the platinum blonde look throughout her time as a star.
