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The mystery surrounding Marilyn Monroe’s beauty has captivated fans and critics for decades. As a Hollywood icon and emblem of natural allure, Monroe’s physical appearance was thought to be a reflection of her genetic beauty.
After all, Monroe was the first genuine ‘sex symbol’ that graced Hollywood. Known for playing a range of ‘blonde bombshell’ characters throughout her career, Monroe was in the height of her fame during the 1950s and the 60s. She became the top-billed actress of this period, with her movies grossing $200 million by 1962, at the time of her death.
Regardless, her natural beauty, largely considered untainted by intrusive surgeries, might not be as natural as fans presume. Evidence from auctioned medical records, X-rays, and notes from renowned plastic surgeons suggests that Monroe had cosmetic surgery on her chin and nose, revealing a carefully curated image that was crafted, at least in part, through surgical enhancements.
Medical Records and Auctioned X-rays Prove Marilyn Monroe Underwent Plastic Surgery
In 2013, a set ofMarilyn Monroe’smedical records and X-rays surfaced at an auction in Beverly Hills, sparking renewed curiosity about her appearance. (via Reuters) These records, which spanned the years 1950 to 1962, included notes from her visits to UCLA plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Gurdin and memoir excerpts from Dr. Norman Leaf, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. The collection, valued at $15,000 to $30,000, provided a partial medical history that contradicted the popular belief of Monroe as a purely natural beauty.
Among these records were six X-rays, including scans of her nasal and facial bones. Dr. Gurdin’s notes confirmed that Monroe had undergone a chin surgery in 1950 and documented a visit in 1958 where she expressed concerns about a “chin deformity.” These findings provide concrete evidence of the surgical steps Monroe took to enhance her appearance, solidifying rumors that had long been a part of Hollywood legend.
Chin Surgery to Correct a “Deformity”
The first documented cosmetic procedure Monroe underwent was a chin surgery in 1950. At the time, she was transitioning from a relatively unknown actress to a rising star in Hollywood. According to Dr. Leaf’s memoirAre Those Real? True Tales of Plastic Surgery From Beverly Hills, Monroe consulted Dr. John Pangman, a colleague of Dr. Gurdin’s, who performed a cartilage implant to correct what Monroe reportedly perceived as a flat or “chinless” profile. This enhancement was intended to improve her facial symmetry, allowing her to present a more balanced look on screen.
Dr. Gurdin’s notes from 1958 reference her complaints of a “chin deformity,” likely the result of the implant slowly dissolving over time. Monroe’s anxiety about her appearance is evident in this return visit, demonstrating her meticulous attention to maintaining her carefully crafted look, even at the risk of invasive procedures.
Marilyn Monroe also underwent Rhinoplasty
Dr. Leaf’s memoir also details a subtle rhinoplasty procedure Monroe reportedly underwent to enhance the tip of her nose. While there are no direct mentions of this procedure in Dr. Gurdin’s notes, Leaf’s account describes a minor modification to the tip, reshaping it to provide a softer, more refined look. The subtlety of the procedure ensured that her distinct facial features remained intact, allowing her to maintain her unique allure while still fitting the Hollywood beauty standards of the time.
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More recently, a second analysis of Monroe’s X-rays from 1962 revealed a minute fracture on her nasal bone, which Dr. Leaf speculated could have occurred due to a fall just two months before her death. (via Allure)
“Monroe had come to see Gurdin because she was afraid she had broken her nose. She claimed she’d tripped and fallen, but rumors circulated that she’d been struck by her psychiatrist.”
Initially, Monroe consulted Dr. Gurdin after the incident, believing she may have broken her nose. However, radiologists at the time noted no significant damage, supporting the conclusion that any nasal adjustments were cosmetic and not reconstructive.
Electrolysis and Cosmetic Enhancements
In addition to surgical procedures, Monroe reportedly underwent electrolysis to alter her facial features further. This procedure was performed to remove her widow’s peak, modifying her hairline and contributing to the distinctive shape of her face. Monroe’s attention to detail in these enhancements showcases her awareness of how even the smallest changes could enhance her on-screen appeal.
Though electrolysis is not as invasive as rhinoplasty or chin surgery, its inclusion in Monroe’s beauty regimen highlights her willingness to pursue various cosmetic procedures to maintain her appearance. This practice was unconventional at the time, as plastic surgery was not widely accepted or accessible. Yet Monroe embraced these options to refine her image, demonstrating a level of control over her public persona that was rare for actresses of her era.
Marilyn Monroe was still considered a Natural Beauty
For years, Monroe’s fans and admirers believed in her as the epitome of natural beauty. Martin Nolan, the executive director of Julien’s Auctions, noted that Monroe’s cosmetic enhancements surprised many, as she was perceived as someone who embodied effortless beauty. “They thought she was such a natural beauty, they didn’t want to believe,” Nolan shared, highlighting the difficulty the public has faced in reconciling Monroe’s carefully curated appearance with her legacy.
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Gurdin’s notes and the additional X-rays show a side of Monroe that was calculated and intentional, not solely relying on natural looks but actively shaping her appearance through surgical interventions. Her story reveals that even in the golden age of Hollywood, stars like Monroe felt the pressure to meet beauty standards that aligned with public expectations, sometimes at a personal cost.
While Monroe’s legacy as an icon remains untouched, her documented use of plastic surgery brings to light a lesser-known aspect of her incredible rise to fame. Through chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, and electrolysis, Monroe embraced cosmetic enhancements to create the unforgettable look that still resonates today.
Monroe’s Medical Records were Put up For Auction
There was great anticipation when Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Norman Leaf put the Hollywood icon’s medical file, which he inherited from his late partner Michael Gurdin, up for sale at Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles. Monroe had come to see Gurdin because she was afraid she had broken her nose. She claimed she’d tripped and fallen, but rumors circulated that she’d been struck by her psychiatrist.
Judging from the press frenzy, many people thought the lot might surpass Julien’s top estimate of $30,000, but Monroe’s fans spoke with their wallets when the medical file fetched only $26,500. In contrast, the Korean photos of the star sold for $50,000, and her Redbook award brought a whopping $62,500. The difference in values came as no surprise to Virginia Postrel, author of the new bookThe Power of Glamour: Longing and the Art of Visual Persuasion(Simon & Schuster). She noted, (via Allure)
“There are few things less glamorous than medical records. They destroy the magic that leads Marilyn fans to pay a lot for memorabilia. People want mystery, not history. Medical records are of primary interest to scholars and journalists. The Korean photos, by contrast, offer the newness of being unpublished but still preserve the glamour. And the award allows you to touch something Marilyn touched and even project yourself into what it might be like to receive it.”
The buyer of Monroe’s medical file is anonymous, but the money raised is going to a charity called Rebuilding America’s Troops (RAW), a nonprofit devoted to providing reconstructive and essential cosmetic surgery to wounded veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Leaf, a cofounder of RAW, admits he was originally“ambivalent about the moral, ethical, and taste issues involved in letting [Monroe’s medical files] go to auction. But I became convinced it was the right thing to do when I saw a documentary showing Marilyn entertaining the troops in Korea. That made me think it was an apt and somewhat poetic reason for proceeding.”
Marilyn Monroe’s Untouched Legacy
While fans might be stunned to know about the extensive surgeries Monroe underwent, her legacy remains untainted. The actress was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her performance inSome Like It Hot(1959), which remains one of her most celebrated roles. In 1962, she was posthumously awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for her work in the same film.
Monroe’s iconic status has also been recognized by various institutions and organizations. The American Film Institute named her the sixth greatest female screen legend in American film history, a testament to her enduring influence in cinema. She has also been included in the Smithsonian Institution’s list of 100 Most Significant Americans of All Time, highlighting her impact beyond the realm of film. Furthermore, her image has frequently appeared in popular media, affirming her place as one of the foremost cultural icons of the 20th century.
Of course, Monroe’s legacy extends far beyond her filmography; she is often described as an icon of American popular culture. Art historian Gail Levin noted that she may have been “the most photographed person of the 20th century.”
Hence, boasting of a legacy spanning across movies, music, and popular culture. Marilyn Monroe is arguably the biggest female icon of her time.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
