Marilyn Monroe was married to playwright Arthur Miller at the time of her death on August 5, 1962. She died at her Los Angeles home at age 36, less than three years after marrying Miller. This status clarification distinguishes the marital context at her death from her earlier marriages and addresses persistent speculation about her final personal circumstances. The following sections verify the timeline, provide background on her marriages, and cite authoritative sources to support the answer.
Marriage to Arthur Miller
Monroe and Miller married on June 29, 1956, at her home in Westport, Connecticut. Their relationship was both personal and professional, as Miller wrote The Misfits (1961), in which Monroe starred. The marriage lasted through her death in 1962. Below is a comparison of her key marriages for reference.
Key Marriages Timeline
| Spouse | Marriage Date | Divorce Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Dougherty | August 1942 | June 1946 | Teen marriage; ended in annulment efforts and divorce |
| Joe DiMaggio | January 1954 | October 1954 | Brief marriage; annulled later that year |
| Arthur Miller | June 29, 1956 | Alive (separated 1961, but legally married at her death) | Marriage through her death in 1962 |
Circumstances at the Time of Death
At the time of her death, Monroe and Miller were legally married, though separated since approximately January 1961. There was no final divorce or annulment before she died. This legal status is consistently reported by biographies, official records, and reputable news archives. Common confusion arises because of earlier marriages and high-profile relationships, but the marital status at her death is clear from public records.
Biographical Context
Understanding Monroe’s marital history helps clarify the status at her death. She had two earlier marriages, both of which ended in divorce or annulment, and several high-profile relationships. Miller was her last husband, and their marriage remained legally intact until her death, despite ongoing personal difficulties.
Verification and Sources
Major biographies, court records, and reputable news reports corroborate that Arthur Miller was her spouse at the time of death. No credible source indicates a different marital status. This consistency across authoritative references supports the reliability of the information.