Goodbye to Norma Jean’s house: Marilyn Monroe’s dwelling demolished

The home where iconic Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe lived when she was first discovered has been destroyed just days before it was going to be considered for landmark status. The San Fernando Valley home where the actress and model lived as a teenager was bulldozed on Monday, even though historic preservationists had been fighting against its demolition.

I can’t even breathe. My neighbours and I are in mourning.

Valley Village resident Jennifer Getz

Marilyn Monroe was a 17-year-old housewife known as Norma Jean Dougherty when she moved into the house with her in-laws in April 1944. However, city planners said the house was not important enough to be named an official landmark and did not have any unique features. Office of Historic Resources director Ken Bernstein said the house was not associated with a “productive period in her career.” The home, which was built in 1912, is set to be replaced by condos.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of houses associated with celebrities.

Office of Historic Resources director Ken Bernstein.

Celebrity Marilyn Monroe