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Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most recognizable and influential figures in Hollywood history, more than six decades after her death. The actress, model, and eventually cultural icon was found dead in her Brentwood, California, home on Aug. 5, 1962, at the age of 36. 

Paul Holes Investigating Marilyn Monroe Death

The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled her death a probable suicide caused by acute barbiturate poisoning, but questions surrounding her final hours have persisted ever since.

Retired cold case investigator Paul Holes, known for helping identify the Golden State Killer, says the original investigation was flawed. And it contains numerous inconsistencies that deserve renewed scrutiny.

Holes shared his findings while appearing in the new FOX special Celebrity Crime Scene: Marilyn Monroe, which uses artificial intelligence to digitally reconstruct Monroe's bedroom and examine the evidence from one of Hollywood's most debated deaths.

While he stops short of declaring Monroe was murdered, Holes argues that the physical evidence and investigative shortcomings raise important unanswered questions.

From Norma Jean to Marilyn Monroe: An Enduring Icon

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, Marilyn Monroe overcame an extraordinarily difficult childhood spent in foster homes and orphanages before becoming one of the world's biggest movie stars.

During the 1950s, Monroe transformed into Hollywood's definitive blonde bombshell while also demonstrating impressive comedic timing and dramatic acting ability. Her image became synonymous with classic American cinema, and she remains one of the most photographed celebrities in history.

Although Monroe died at just 36 years old, her influence on film, fashion, photography, and popular culture continues to resonate worldwide. Her movies have generated hundreds of millions of dollars over the decades and remain widely viewed today.

Marilyn Monroe Starred in Many Movies

Monroe starred in numerous successful films throughout her career, including:

• Ladies of the Chorus (1948)
• The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
• All About Eve (1950)
• Love Nest (1951)
• Let's Make It Legal (1951)
• Clash by Night (1952)
• We're Not Married! (1952)
• Monkey Business (1952)
• Don't Bother to Knock (1952)
• Niagara (1953)
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
• How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
• River of No Return (1954)
• There's No Business Like Show Business (1954)
• The Seven Year Itch (1955)
• Bus Stop (1956)
• The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)
• Some Like It Hot (1959)
• Let's Make Love (1960)
• The Misfits (1961)

She was also filming Something's Got to Give in 1962 before production was halted following her death.

Paul Holes Points to Crime Scene Inconsistencies

According to Holes, one of the biggest problems with Monroe's death investigation is the lack of proper crime scene documentation.