Netflix's Blonde cast compared to their real-life counterparts
Who are the real people behind the film?
After months of anticipation, Netflix's Marilyn Monroe biopic Blonde has finally landed on the streaming platform. Though it's based on real events, the film sets out to "boldly reimagine the life of Marilyn Monroe," focusing on the split between her public and private lives.
Ana de Armas stars as Marilyn, while other cast members take on the roles of Marilyn's husbands and family members. So, how do the cast compare to their real-life counterparts?
Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe
Ana de Armas of course takes the lead in Blonde as Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Baker). Marilyn Monroe's estate previously told Variety, "Based on the trailer alone, it looks like Ana was a great casting choice as she captures Marilyn's glamour, humanity, and vulnerability."
Marilyn Monroe in real life
Marilyn Monroe was born as Norma Jean in 1926, going on to become one of the most iconic film stars in history. She rose to fame throughout the 1950s, starring in the likes of Some Like It Hot and Some Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
In 1962, Marilyn was tragically found dead in her LA home at the age of 36.
Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe
Blonde sees Ana de Armas recreating a number of iconic Marilyn Monroe moments, including the actress' famous 'flying skirt' photo.
Marilyn Monroe in real life
Marilyn's now-iconic white dress photo came about after the actress stood over a subway grate in New York City.
Bobby Cannavale as The Ex-Athlete (presumably Joe DiMaggio)
Bobby Cannavale appears as 'The Ex-Athlete', presumably meant to be former baseball player Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn's second husband.
Joe DiMaggio in real life
Marilyn and Joe were married for less than a year in 1954. They announced their engagement on New Year's Eve 1953, going on to get married days later.
However, in October of the same year, Marilyn revealed that she was divorcing Joe on grounds of "mental cruelty".
Adrien Brody as The Playwright (presumably Arthur Miller)
Adrien Brody stars as 'The Playwright' in Blonde, thought to be Arthur Miller, Marilyn Monroe's third husband.
Arthur Miller in real life
Marilyn Monroe and playwright Arthur Miller are thought to have become friends before her rise to fame, later going on to get married in 1956. They divorced in 1961 after five years. When Marilyn died in 1962, Arthur famously didn't attend her funeral as he blamed fame and the media for her death.
Julianne Nicholson as Gladys Baker (Marilyn's mother)
Julianne Nicholson appears as Marilyn Monroe's mother, Gladys Baker.
Gladys Baker with a young Marilyn in real life
Gladys Baker gave birth to Marilyn (then Norma Jeane Baker) in 1926. However, due to Gladys' own struggles with her mental health, Marilyn was taken out of her care and placed with a foster family before eventually going to live with Gladys' friend Grace McKee.
Marilyn and Gladys had a difficult relationship, but it's thought that they still kept in touch. Gladys passed away in 1984, over 20 years after the death of her daughter.
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