Maria performed the role of Violetta in La Traviata, in 1958. Photograph by Houston Rogers
Maria Callas continues to rank as one of the highest-selling classical vocalists of all time, and her performances helped popularize opera as an art form. She is famous across the globe and considered to be one of the greats of modern opera. Sadly, Maria died of a heart attack at only 53, but her mighty influence lives on.
MARILYN MONROE INFLUENTIAL ACTRESS AND TIMELESS POP CULTURE ICON
FULL NAME: Norma Jean Baker Mortenson
BORN: JUNE 1, 1926, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.
DIED: AUGUST 5, 1962, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.
NATIONALITY: AMERICAN
Andy Warhol-inspired street art of Marilyn, in Montreal, Canada, 2015
BEYOND THE FAÇADE
Marilyn Monroe’s beauty, charm, and talent were jewels to behold. On the surface, Marilyn was known for her appearance and “dumb” bombshell movie roles. But Marilyn was also a fearless activist, determined businesswoman, studious master of her craft, and tireless humanitarian. Those lucky enough to work with her called her a genius and a master of the screen. Despite the “dumb blonde” image, she had an inquisitive mind, fascinated by everything from religion to psychology, literature to poetry, and she counted slavery abolitionist Abraham Lincoln among her heroes. One of her favorite possessions was a photo of Albert Einstein, signed with the words: “To Marilyn, with respect and love and thanks.”
THE BIRTH OF MARILYN MONROE
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jean Mortenson (and was occasionally called Norma Jean Baker). Her single mother was unable to look after her, so Norma spent her childhood alternating between foster care and an orphanage. By the age of 16, she had dropped out of school and married her boyfriend, to get her out of the cycle of foster homes. When her husband left for the merchant marines, Norma began work at a weapons factory. It was during this time that she was discovered by a photographer and started work as a model. Her star quality radiated in ads and pinups from the start, but Norma dreamed of becoming an actress. In 1946, she came up with the name of “Marilyn Monroe”—by combining the family name of “Monroe” with that of “Marilyn Miller,” a popular 1920s performer.
With her new name (and newly dyed blonde hair), Marilyn signed her first movie contract, in 1946. She quickly gained attention for her beauty and stage presence, but it wasn’t until her performance in All About Eve, starring Bette Davis, that audiences sat up and took notice. From there, Marilyn would go on to star in a string of hits, mostly light-hearted comedies and musicals, such as the 1953 movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy for her starring role in 1959’s Some Like it Hot, and the American Film Institute later named this film the greatest American comedy of all time.
ICON OF STYLE AND CULTURE
Marilyn was an all-around icon: a style icon for her clothes, curvaceous figure, and hair; a cultural icon for the roles she played. The white halterneck dress she famously wore in The Seven Year Itch sold for $5.6 million, making it the most valuable costume in movie history, and countless designers have been trying to copy her look ever since. It is less known that she was also a political icon for her activism. In 1955, Marilyn made a stand for civil rights when she persuaded the famous Mocambo Club to book black jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald (see here) and become an integrated venue. For this, Ella called her “ahead of her times.” But at the time, Marilyn was much more famous for scandals and headlines. In addition to her teenage marriage, Marilyn was married to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller and had several other high-profile relationships. She suffered from insecurities and anxiety and was constantly in the press.
vOn August 5, 1962, at the age of only 36, Marilyn was found dead at her home. The cause of death was listed as suicide, but controversy continues to surround the star’s demise. Marilyn famously said that it was the people, not the studios, who made her a star, for which she was grateful. However, it is believed that it was the fame and scrutiny that killed her.
Marilyn’s films made more than $200 million during her career, and her appeal has not diminished—more than 50 years after her death. Influencing stars from Madonna (see here) to Lady Gaga, today she remains one of the world’s most popular cultural icons and celebrated actresses.
MAIJA ISOLA INFLUENTIAL TEXTILE DESIGNER
FULL NAME: Maija Isola
BORN: MARCH 15, 1927, RIIHIMÄKI, FINLAND
DIED: MARCH 3, 2001, FINLAND
NATIONALITY: FINNISH
FLOWER POWER
While you may not know the name Maija Isola, chances are you know her designs. Her simple, colorful poppy pattern is one of the most recognized prints on Earth! Maija was an artist who became one of the most influential designers in the world. Her work is very popular today. The Finnish textile company, Marimekko, was founded in 1951, selling bold fabric patterns and stylish clothing. Maija was one of the company’s first designers. With a background in painting and visual arts, she was able to create bright, colorful patterns, inspired by nature, folk art, and by her trips around the world. These patterns brought fame to Marimekko in the 1960s, when the company exploded onto the international scene. Marimekko was hugely popular in Europe, and it catapulted to U.S. success when First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy wore a Marimekko dress on a 1960 cover of Sports Illustrated.
DESIGN REBEL
During her 38 years at Marimekko, Maija created over 500 prints. Her most popular patterns include Lokki (seagull) and Luonto (nature)—created using real plants. But of stand-alone fame was her poppy print, Unikko, nicknamed the “rebel flower.” Maija created Unikko in 1964 in protest, after Marimekko’s founder banned floral patterns. Maija refused to be told what to draw, so she responded by creating several floral prints. Unikko quickly became Marimekko’s most popular design and is still in production today—over 50 years later.
Maija’s daughter, Kristina, also became a textile artist at Marimekko. From 1987 until her death, in 2001, Maija focused on painting rather than textiles. She left behind an incredible design legacy. While Maija’s designs never faded from popularity, they have seen a resurgence in the 2000s. Her patterns perfectly capture a mid-20th-century style, and they are also characteristically Scandinavian. Maija made a great impact on modern design globally, and she remains an international icon.
YAYOI KUSAMA WORLD’S MOST POPULAR ARTIST
FULL NAME: Yayoi Kusama
BORN: MARCH 22,