50 Best Marilyn Monroe Quotes: You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most enduring figures of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Famous for her charm, glamour, and resilience, she also revealed glimpses of vulnerability and depth that resonated with fans worldwide. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a lover of vintage glamour, or simply seeking empowerment, this collection offers a closer look at Marilyn Monroe’s wit, wisdom, and unforgettable spirit.

Iconic Marilyn Monroe Quotes

“I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”

“I’m trying to find myself. Sometimes that’s not easy.”

“I don’t want to make money. I just want to be wonderful.”

“Hollywood is a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.”

“Beneath the makeup and behind the smile, I am just a girl who wishes for the world.”

“Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

“I live to succeed, not to please you or anyone else.”

“I restore myself when I’m alone.”

“A career is wonderful, but you can’t curl up with it on a cold night.”

“A wise girl knows her limits, a smart girl knows that she has none.”

“Fear is stupid. So are regrets.”

“I’m very definitely a woman and I enjoy it.”

“Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.”

“I don’t mind living in a man’s world, as long as I can be a woman in it.”

Deep Marilyn Monroe Quotes

“I’m pretty, but I’m not beautiful.”

“I’m kind, but I’m not a saint.”

“All little girls should be told they are pretty.”

“Happiness is not in money, but in shopping!”

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

“Beauty and femininity are ageless.”

“I don’t forgive people because I’m weak; I forgive them because I am strong enough.”

“I’d rather be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

“A smile is the best makeup a girl can wear.”

“Success makes so many people hate you.”

“A strong man doesn’t have to be dominant toward a woman.”

“I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one.”

“Dreaming about being an actress is more exciting than being one.”

“I am good, but not an angel.”

“I’d like to show that I can get publicity without using my ass or getting fired.”

Inspirational Marilyn Monroe Quotes on Self-Worth and Confidence

“I believe that everything happens for a reason.”

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”

“I don’t stop when I’m tired. I only stop when I’m done.”

“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.”

“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.”

“Be real, be yourself, be unique, be true, be honest, be humble, be happy.”

“Your clothes should be tight enough to show you’re a woman but loose enough to show you’re a lady.”

“True beauty and femininity are age-less and cannot be contrived.”

“Never regret anything because at one time it was exactly what you wanted.”

“If I’m a star, then the people made me a star.”

Thought-Provoking Marilyn Monroe Quotes

“Sometimes I feel my whole life has been one big rejection.”

“The real lover is the man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead.”

“I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one.”

“I think that when you are famous, every weakness is exaggerated.”

“I’m one of the world’s most self-conscious people. I really have to struggle.”

“An actress is not a machine, but they treat you like a machine. A money machine.”

“I’ve never dropped anyone I believed in.”

“I am good, but not an angel. I do sin, but I am not the devil.”

“I often wake up in the night, and I like to have something to think about.”

“I love a natural look in pictures. I like people with a feeling one way or another—it shows an inner life.”

Why Marilyn Monroe’s Words Still Resonate

  • Cultural Icon: Her life story and persona continue to fascinate pop culture decades after her untimely passing.
  • Themes of Strength and Vulnerability: Many of her quotes touch on self-worth, identity, and courage—timeless topics for any generation.
  • Inspiring Authenticity: Beyond the glitz, Monroe’s candid reflections on fame, love, and self-image make her messages relatable and memorable.

Conclusion
Marilyn Monroe transcended her role as a film star to become a cultural icon—her words (whether fully authenticated or popularized through lore) continue to shape conversations about self-image, love, and independence. These quotes offer glimpses into her aspirations, insecurities, and ideals, providing a mixture of glamour and depth that resonates even decades later. Whether you’re seeking confidence-boosting wisdom or simply a bit of Hollywood nostalgia, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in Marilyn Monroe’s enduring legacy.

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