The latest movie about Marilyn Monroe, “Blonde,” starring Ana de Armas, has sparked many questions about the iconic movie star, including her biological father and whether they ever crossed paths.
Based on Joyce Carol Oates’ novel of the same name, the movie portrays a fictionalized version of her life and focuses on her rise to fame and relationships with real and fictional men.
However, many people are interested in learning more about her early life, particularly her father.
Marilyn’s mother, Gladys, reportedly told her that her father was a famous movie star, and for years, his true identity remained a mystery. Fans and researchers speculated about his identity, many pointing to Charles Stanley Gifford.
However, it wasn’t until 2022 that this theory was confirmed. But who is Charles Stanley Gifford, and did he ever meet his daughter Marilyn? Here are the answers you’re looking for.
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Who Were The Parents Of Marilyn?
Norma Jeane, better known as Marilyn Monroe, was born to Gladys Baker on June 1, 1926.
Just two weeks after her birth, Marilyn was placed in foster care, but Gladys visited her daughter from time to time.
However, due to her diagnosis of schizophrenia and her struggle with its symptoms, Gladys could not obtain full-time custody of Marilyn.
Marilyn’s father remained unknown for many years, and various theories circulated about his identity.
What Did Gladys Divulge Said To Marilyn Regarding Her Father?
Marilyn’s mother Gladys once disclosed that her dad was one of her co-workers, Charles Stanley Gifford, who worked at RKO Studios and was her superior.
Gladys became pregnant while working for him. Even though Marilyn’s birth certificate lists Martin Edward Mortensen as her father, Gladys’ relationship timeline with Mortensen suggests that he was unlikely to be the biological father of Marilyn.
It is said that Gladys offered Marilyn a photograph of a man in a frame and told her he was her father.
In 2022, scientists conducted a DNA test on a strand of Marilyn’s fur and a cheek swab from one of Charles’ great-grandchildren, ensuring that Charles was Marilyn’s father.
Who Was Charles Stanley Gifford?
Charles Stanley Gifford was born in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1898 and passed away in California in 1965.
He was married and had two other children besides Marilyn. He performed as a manager at RKO Studios, and Marilyn mentioned in her book that he resided in the same apartment.
Did Marilyn Ever Get To Meet Her Dad?
According to the book Marilyn: The Private Life of a Public Icon by Charles Casillo, it is not entirely clear what Marilyn knew about her father, but she did manage to locate Charles Stanley Gifford at one point.
However, when Marilyn revealed her identity to him, he responded dismissively, saying, “I’m wedded, and I have a household. I don’t have anything to speak to you about. Contact my lawyer.”
According to Charles’s granddaughter, Francine Gifford Deir, Marilyn attempted to meet with her father in the 1950s, but he refused to see her.
Marilyn’s friends remembered her numerous efforts to connect with Gifford, suggesting she even spoke with him in 1950.
However, every attempt Marilyn made to see her father left her heartbroken, and over the years, Marilyn told different stories about whether she had or hadn’t met her father.
Marilyn’s friend reflected on the effect of Gifford’s rejection on her, stating that “it did her no good. It broke her heart.”
However, Charles Stanley Gifford passed away three years after Marilyn’s death.
Several Half-Siblings Of Marilyn
Marilyn had two half-siblings, Jackie and Berniece, from her mother, Gladys, who lived with their ex-husband.
Unfortunately, Jackie passed away at 12 due to kidney disease. Charles had two children of his own. Therefore, Marilyn has at least one living niece and other family members through her father’s other children.
