New Details from Marilyn Monroe’s 1962 Autopsy Reveal Decades-Long Struggle with Mental Health

Nearly 60 years after her untimely death, Marilyn Monroe’s life and legacy continue to captivate the world. The iconic actress, known for her unforgettable roles in Some Like It Hot, The Seven Year Itch, and The Misfits, rose to fame as Hollywood’s quintessential “blonde bombshell,” earning critical acclaim and becoming one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1950s and 1960s.

Despite her public success, new revelations from Monroe’s 1962 autopsy shed light on the private battles she faced. Official reports determined that Monroe, 36, died from “acute barbiturate poisonings” following an overdose of sedative drugs. Dr. Theodore Curphey, the medical examiner at the time, concluded the death was a probable suicide.

A psychological autopsy commissioned by Dr. Curphey revealed that Monroe “had suffered from psychiatric disturbance for a long time” and had “often expressed wishes to give up, to withdraw, and even to die.” These findings, first published 12 days after her passing, highlight the personal struggles behind Monroe’s public persona.

Monroe’s life was a study in contrasts: professional triumphs often shadowed by profound personal hardship. For every blockbuster hit, her tumultuous private life—marked by a childhood spent in foster care, three broken marriages, and intense media scrutiny—cast a dark undertone. Observers noted these struggles sometimes manifested on set; during her final project, Something’s Got to Give, she reportedly arrived late, struggled with dialogue, and appeared in a “depressed and drug-induced haze.”

Her funeral, held four days after her death at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, was attended by hundreds of fans and arranged by her former husband Joe DiMaggio. Monroe was laid to rest in Crypt No. 24 on the Corridor of Memories.

Despite the tragedy of her passing, Monroe’s work remains timeless. From the comedic charm of Some Like It Hot to the poignant drama of The Misfits, her performances continue to inspire and entertain new generations. Yet, these newly emphasized autopsy details serve as a stark reminder that the bright lights of fame often conceal the deepest personal struggles.

As fans reflect on Monroe’s legacy, the revelations underscore the importance of understanding mental health—even behind the most dazzling of public lives.

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