Death of Marilyn Monroe

The death of Marilyn Monroe was the 1962 death of American actress Marilyn Monroe at age 36 in her Brentwood, Los Angeles home.

The death of Marilyn Monroe occurred on August 4, 1962, when the American actress died at age 36 in her Brentwood, Los Angeles home. Her body was discovered on August 5 by her housekeeper, Eunice Murray. Authorities concluded that she died of acute barbiturate poisoning, and the death was officially ruled a probable suicide, though debate and speculation have persisted for decades.

Circumstances of death

Monroe died in her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, late on August 4, 1962, and her body was found before dawn on August 5. Contemporary accounts described her lying in bed with prescription pill bottles nearby.

Official findings

The coroner’s office concluded that the cause of death was acute barbiturate poisoning and classified the manner of death as probable suicide. Toxicology reports cited lethal levels of barbiturates, and the inquest supported the same conclusion.

Public reaction and later debate

Monroe’s death immediately became a major public event and has remained the subject of speculation, including claims of accidental overdose, cover-up, and murder. Despite this, mainstream historical accounts continue to describe the official ruling as probable suicide.

Historical context

At the time of her death, Monroe was one of Hollywood’s best-known stars and had a documented history of emotional distress and prescription drug use cited in later summaries of the case. Her death has since become one of the most discussed celebrity deaths of the 20th century.