Blonde: The Untold Story of Marilyn Monroe’s Biological Father

The latest movie on Marilyn Monroe, featuring Ana de Armas, has sparked curiosity about the iconic star's biological father and their relationship.

People are eager to learn more about this aspect of her life, especially after the release of the film that delves into Marilyn's journey to stardom and her romantic entanglements.

In the movie adaptation based on Joyce Carol Oates' novel, the focus is primarily on Marilyn's ascent to fame and her interactions with various men.

However, fans are intrigued by her early life, particularly the identity of her father.

Gladys, Marilyn's mother, once mentioned to her that her father was a renowned actor, leaving many speculating for years.

The prevailing belief pointed towards Charles Stanley Gifford as her father, a theory that was finally confirmed in 2022.

So, who exactly was Charles Stanley Gifford, and did he ever cross paths with Marilyn?

Here's what you should know about Marilyn Monroe's enigmatic father.

Marilyn, born Norma Jeane, entered the world to Gladys Baker at the age of 26 on June 1, 1926.

Shortly after her birth, she was placed in foster care, with Gladys making occasional visits despite her struggles with schizophrenia.

Despite several attempts to secure full custody, Gladys faced challenges due to her mental health issues.

The mystery surrounding Marilyn's paternity persisted for a long time, prompting various speculations about her father's identity.

One revelation from Gladys suggested that Marilyn's father was a colleague named Charles Stanley Gifford, whom she worked with at RKO Studios.

Although Martin Edward Mortensen is listed as Marilyn's father on official documents, the timeline of his relationship with Gladys casts doubt on his paternity.

In a breakthrough development in 2022, DNA testing confirmed Charles Stanley Gifford as Marilyn's biological father, putting an end to years of speculation.

Charles Stanley Gifford, born in Newport, Rhode Island in 1898, passed away in California in 1965.

Apart from Marilyn, he had two other children from his marriage, which ended in divorce.

Working as a supervisor at RKO Studios, Charles resided in the same apartment building as Marilyn during her formative years.

While there is uncertainty about Marilyn's interactions with her father, accounts suggest that she did attempt to reach out to Charles Stanley Gifford.

However, his response, as documented in Marilyn Monroe: The Private Life of a Public Icon, was cold and dismissive, indicating a lack of interest in establishing a relationship with her.

Despite Marilyn's efforts to connect with her father, including a visit to his residence in Hemet, California, she was met with rejection.

This rejection reportedly took a toll on Marilyn, with friends noting its impact on her emotional well-being.

With Charles passing away three years after Marilyn, the opportunity for a reunion was lost forever.

Marilyn's family tree extends to half-siblings from her mother and additional siblings from her father, ensuring her legacy lives on through her living relatives.

The intricate web of Marilyn Monroe's family history continues to fascinate fans and researchers alike, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of the legendary actress's life.