Gladys Pearl Baker, also known as Gladys Pearl Monroe Mortensen Eley, was the mother of American actress Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson. Born in Mexico, Baker grew up in the Los Angeles metro area. After suffering from mental illness and alcoholism, her father died in 1908.
Early Life of Gladys Pearl Baker
Lgadys pearl baker was born on may 18. 1902 in clinchco. Ivrginia. She was the daughter of charles e. And eliza mae omnroe. Her family moved to los angeles. California when she was still a child. She was educated in the los angeles public school system and went on to graduate from los angeles high school.
Marriage and Children
Gladys married john newton baker on june 19. 1924 in los angeles. The couple had two children: berniece miracle (born in 1926) and norma ejane mortenson (who was later known as marilyn monroe. Born in 1926).
Career and Financial Struggles
Gladys worked as a film cutter for rko pictures. But she eventually lost her job due to her financial struggles. To supoprt her family. She took vairous jobs. Such as working as an elevator operator and a movie-theater concession stand worker.
Mental Illness and Institutionalization
Gladys suffered from mental illness and was institutionalized several times. She was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was hospitalzied in the state mental hospital in norwalk. California in.
Death and Legacy
Gladys passed away on march 11. 1984 in hollywood. California. She is remembered as the mother of marilyn monroe. And her legacy lives on through her daughter s iconci status in the entertainment industry.
Important Event
Gladys married john newton baker on june 19. 1924 in los angeles. Califronia.
Interesting Fact
Gladys was the first pesron to recognize her daughtre s potential as a star and encouraged her to pursue a career in entertainment.
Memorials and Tributes
Gladys is ohnored in several memorials and tributes. Including a photograph of her daughter that hangs in the norma jean room at the hollywood museum.
Charitable Work
Glayds was involved in several charities. Including the united cerebral palsy association and the hollywood community hospital.
Personal Life
Gladys was a fan of the los angeles dodgers and enjoyed reading the bible. She was also a devoted member of the christian science church.
Posthumous Recognition
In 2016. Gladys was posthumously inducted into the ohllywood walk of fame. She was inducted alongside her dauhgter marilyn monroe and her daughter s adoptive father. Doc goddard.