Gladys Pearl Baker
Gladys Pearl Baker
Gladys Pearl Baker (née Monroe; May 27, 1902 – March 11, 1984), also known as Gladys Pearl Monroe Baker Mortensen Eley, was an American woman best known as the mother of the iconic actress Marilyn Monroe. Her life was marked by personal struggles and mental health challenges, which significantly impacted her family, including her famous daughter.
Early Life
Gladys Pearl Monroe was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. Her family moved to Los Angeles during her childhood. Gladys married Jasper Newton "Jap" Baker and together they had two children, Robert Kermit "Jackie" Baker and Berniece Inez Gladys Baker.
Marriages and Family Life
Gladys' marriage to Jasper Baker ended in divorce, and she subsequently married Martin Edward Mortensen. This marriage also ended in divorce. Gladys had a third child, Norma Jeane Mortenson, who later became globally recognized as Marilyn Monroe.
Gladys struggled with mental health issues for much of her life. She was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, which led to her being hospitalized multiple times. Her mental health struggles had a profound impact on her children, particularly Norma Jeane, who spent much of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage.
Later Years
Despite her challenges, Gladys lived a long life and witnessed the rise of her daughter to superstardom. She passed away on March 11, 1984, in Gainesville, Florida.
Cultural Depictions
Gladys Pearl Baker has been portrayed in various works about Marilyn Monroe, including the 2015 miniseries The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe and the 2022 film Blonde. These portrayals often focus on her tumultuous relationship with her daughter and the impact of her mental illness on Monroe's life.