Category: Entertainment | Title: How Did Marilyn Monroe Die and How Old Was She | Tag: Marilyn Monroe | Meta Description: How old was Marilyn Monroe when she died and what were the circumstances of her death, based on the latest public records and investigations...
How Old Was Marilyn Monroe When She Died
Marilyn Monroe died at the age of 36 on August 4, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, according to official records and subsequent investigations. She was born on June 1, 1926, which means she was 36 years old at the time of her death. Her passing shocked the entertainment world and remains one of the most discussed events in Hollywood history. The circumstances surrounding her death have been the subject of countless books, documentaries, and official reviews.
At the time of her death, Monroe was under contract with 20th Century Fox and was preparing for a new film role. She was also going through personal challenges, including health issues and marital difficulties. Her age at death, 36, underscores the abrupt end of a career that had made her one of the most recognizable stars of her era. The official findings have been consistently cited in public records and media coverage.
Official Cause of Death and Investigation Details
The Los Angeles County Coroner officially ruled Marilyn Monroe's death as a suicide caused by an overdose of barbiturates, specifically chloral hydrate and pentobarbital. This conclusion was based on toxicology reports, witness statements, and the scene investigation conducted on August 5, 1962. The official autopsy and police reports are part of the public record available through the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. Her death certificate, which lists the cause as acute barbiturate poisoning, has been a key document in all subsequent reviews.
The investigation was led by the Los Angeles Police Department and the coroner's office, with findings later corroborated by multiple independent reviews. The case file has been referenced in numerous official and journalistic accounts, including summaries available through the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. The official ruling has remained consistent across decades of public records and media reporting. Additional context about the investigation can be found in the detailed case summaries maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
Key Facts About Marilyn Monroe's Final Days
In the days before her death, Marilyn Monroe was reportedly struggling with insomnia, anxiety, and medication use. She had canceled several public appearances and was in communication with her psychiatrist and personal physician. Her final known phone calls and meetings took place at her residence at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The events of that weekend were pieced together from witness accounts, phone records, and the physical evidence collected by investigators.
The Brentwood home where Monroe spent her final hours has since become a site of historical interest, with the property details and timeline frequently referenced in biographical accounts. The official narrative of her final days is supported by the coroner's report, police statements, and contemporaneous news coverage. The sequence of events leading to the discovery of her death on the morning of August 5, 1962, has been documented in detail by the Los Angeles Police Department and the coroner's office. The property at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive remains a documented part of the public record regarding her final days.