“I want to be an artist, an actress with integrity, and that includes all kinds of parts.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“I want to be an artist, an actress with integrity, and that includes all kinds of parts.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marilyn Monroe expresses her aspiration to be recognized not just as a star, but as a serious artist, someone dedicated to her craft with depth and honesty. The desire to be “an actress with integrity” signifies her commitment to authenticity, versatility, and respect for her profession, rather than simply conforming to the narrow, glamorous roles she was often given. Her emphasis on “all kinds of parts” reflects a yearning for creative freedom and the opportunity to portray the full range of human experience.
Throughout her career, Monroe battled against the stereotype of the dumb blonde, a typecast role that brought her fame but limited her as an artist. She studied at the Actors Studio in New York, worked with acclaimed teachers like Lee Strasberg, and sought challenging roles that would prove her depth and seriousness. This quote underscores her struggle to be seen beyond her image, and to be respected for her talent and hard work.
Today, her words still resonate in conversations about artistic integrity and the pressures faced by women in entertainment. Many artists face the tension between commercial success and personal authenticity. Monroe’s quote is a powerful reminder that true artistry requires not just talent, but courage—the courage to demand roles that reflect real complexity and truth, even in the face of typecasting and public expectation.
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