Gladys Baker, while primarily recognized as the mother of the legendary Marilyn Monroe, navigated a life replete with personal tribulations and moments of profound resilience. Born Gladys Pearl Monroe in 1902 in Mexico, Missouri, her early years set the stage for a series of tumultuous events. She entered into matrimony twice, first with John Newton Baker, with whom she had two children, Robert and Berniece.
▬Contents of this video▬ 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - Early Life 01:32 - Marriage to John Newton Baker 02:40 - Move to LA 03:57 - Marriage to Martin Mortensen 04:51 - Gladys and Charles Gifford 06:36 - Mental Health Struggles 08:09 - Outro
This marriage, however, dissolved, leading to a painful separation from her first two children due to custody disputes. Her subsequent marriage to Martin Edward Mortensen was equally short-lived, but it was during this period that she gave birth to Norma Jeane, the future Marilyn Monroe. While Mortensen's name adorned Norma Jeane's birth certificate, speculation about her paternity, with some suggesting Charles Stanley Gifford, a colleague of Gladys's, as the biological father, added layers of complexity to Gladys's narrative. Beyond her marital challenges, Gladys grappled with severe mental health issues, notably paranoid schizophrenia.
This condition, coupled with economic hardships, rendered her incapable of providing a stable environment for young Norma Jeane, who subsequently spent much of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages. As the years progressed, Gladys's mental health deteriorated further, leading to extended periods of institutionalization. Despite the chasm of fame and circumstance that grew between them, Marilyn Monroe endeavored to support and understand her mother, a relationship marked by a blend of affection, pain, and distance.
In the annals of Hollywood history, while Marilyn Monroe's star shines brightest, the legacy of Gladys Baker serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate tapestry of personal histories that shape and are shaped by the luminaries of the silver screen. Join Facts Verse as we present: The Tragic Truth About Marilyn Monroe's Mother, Gladys Pearl Baker
The Tragic Truth About Marilyn Monroe’s Mother, Gladys Pearl Baker
By: Facts Verse Title: The Tragic Truth About Marilyn Monroe’s Mother, Gladys Pearl Baker Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wdlH5DcNnE
