“I’ve been on a calendar, but I’ve never been on time.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“I’ve been on a calendar, but I’ve never been on time.”
Explanation
With this playfully self-deprecating remark, Marilyn Monroe blends humor and self-awareness, poking fun at both her status as a cultural icon and her well-known struggles with punctuality. The phrase “I’ve been on a calendar” refers to her fame as a pin-up model, symbolizing beauty, glamour, and desirability. Yet the punchline—“but I’ve never been on time”—adds a twist that humanizes her, revealing a charming imperfection behind the polished image.
This quote highlights the contrast between Monroe’s public persona and private reality. While the world saw her as an idealized figure, she knew herself to be fallible—someone who sometimes showed up late, made mistakes, and didn’t always meet expectations. Rather than hiding that truth, she embraced it with wit and humility, turning what might have been a flaw into a moment of connection and relatability.
In a world still obsessed with perfection and performance, Monroe’s line remains refreshingly honest. It reminds us that even icons are human, and that embracing our quirks with humor can be a form of grace and resilience. Her quote endures as a lighthearted, timeless nod to the gap between how we’re seen and who we really are.
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