Age at Death and Date of Death
Marilyn Monroe died at age 36 on August 5, 1962. She was found unresponsive at her home in Los Angeles, California, in the early morning hours. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office ruled her death probable due to a barbiturate overdose. Her birth date was June 1, 1926, making her 36 years old at the time of death. The following table summarizes key date and age attributes.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1926 | Birth Records, Biographies |
| Date of Death | August 5, 1962 | Death Certificate, Coroner Reports |
| Age at Death | 36 years old | Coroner, Official Documents |
| Location of Death | Los Angeles, California, USA | Coroner, Law Enforcement |
| Official Cause Category | Probable barbiturate overdose | Coroner’s Report |
Birth and Career Context
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, Monroe became a major Hollywood star in the 1950s and early 1960s. Her age at death—36—has become a fixed part of her biographical record and is consistently reported by authoritative sources. The table below compares her age at key career milestones to her age at death.
| Milestone | Year | Age at Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| First Film Contract | 1946 | 20 |
| Starring Role in The Asphalt Jungle | 1950 | 24 |
| Starring Role in Some Like It Hot | 1959 | 33 |
| Age at Death | 1962 | 36 |
Circumstances and Official Findings
On August 5, 1962, Monroe was found unresponsive at her Los Angeles home. First responders and police arrived at the residence, and the Los Angeles County Coroner subsequently determined the probable cause to be a barbiturate overdose. The official status of the death is widely documented as accidental. The concise status comparison below outlines how multiple authoritative sources align on this classification.
- Los Angeles County Coroner: Probable barbiturate overdose, accidental
- Law enforcement reports at the time: No immediate evidence of criminal involvement
- Biographical records: Age 36 at death, listed as accidental
Public Interest and Legacy
Monroe’s death at 36 intensified public fascination and prompted extensive speculation. Because her age at death is a fixed biographical anchor, it is a consistent reference point in coverage of her life, work, and cultural influence. Major biographies, authoritative databases, and news archives consistently report that she died at age 36. The table below links her age at death to common reference points in legacy discussions.
| Reference Context | Associated Age or Period | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Film Activity | Late 20s to mid-30s | Her most prolific work occurred before age 36 |
| Date of Death | August 5, 1962, at age 36 | Marks the end of her professional life |
| Cultural Legacy | Remembered as dying in her 30s | Influences how her story is interpreted |
Clarifying Misinformation and Common Questions
Misinformation sometimes circulates about Monroe’s health or precise age at death. Verified documents, including her death certificate and coroner reports, confirm she was 36. The following quick comparison addresses common questions about age-related details.
| Question or Claim | Verified Detail | Evidence Type |
|---|---|---|
| How old was Monroe when she died? | 36 years old | Death certificate, coroner report |
| Was her death ruled accidental? | Yes, probable barbiturate overdose, accidental | Coroner findings |
| Where did she die? | Los Angeles, California, USA | Police and coroner records |
| Were toxicology results consistent with barbiturates? | Yes, barbiturate overdose indicated | Coroner toxicology report |
Reliable Sources for Age and Status Information
Key documents and organizations that establish Monroe’s age at death include official records and authoritative biographies. Sources commonly referenced by researchers and journalists are outlined in the following list.
- Los Angeles County Coroner’s Report: classifies death as probable barbiturate overdose, age 36
- Official death certificate: lists date of death as August 5, 1962 and age 36
- Reputable biographies and documentary projects: confirm age 36 at death
- Major news archives: consistent reporting of age 36 and accidental status
Summary
Marilyn Monroe died at age 36 on August 5, 1962 in Los Angeles, California. The official cause was ruled a probable barbiturate overdose and her death is documented as accidental. Her age at death is fixed in verified records and is a stable reference point for biographical and legacy reporting. This status_clarifier draws on coroner documents, biographies, and news archives to provide a clear, sourced answer.