Who Inherited Marilyn Monroe’s Fortune?

Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, passed away on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36. At the time of her death, she had a net worth of approximately $800,000 (around $8.39 million today, adjusted for inflation). While Monroe was incredibly famous, her finances were not as stable as one might expect for a star of her magnitude.

Following her tragic death, Monroe’s estate was distributed according to her last will and testament. But who inherited her fortune, and where did her wealth ultimately end up?

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Marilyn Monroe’s Will and Beneficiaries

Marilyn Monroe’s will was written in 1961, a year before her death. She divided her estate into several portions, leaving money and assets to close friends, her acting coach, and a psychiatric center. The breakdown of her inheritance was as follows:

1. Marilyn Monroe’s Acting Coach – Lee Strasberg (75%)

Monroe left 75% of her estate to her beloved acting coach, Lee Strasberg. Strasberg was a highly influential figure in her life and helped shape her acting career. She considered him a mentor and trusted him deeply.

RELATED: How Much Money Did Marilyn Monroe Have in Today’s Money?

However, when Lee Strasberg passed away in 1982, his share of Marilyn’s estate was inherited by his second wife, Anna Strasberg, whom Monroe had never met.

2. Marilyn Monroe’s Psychiatric Center – Dr. Marianne Kris (25%)

The remaining 25% of Monroe’s estate was left to Dr. Marianne Kris, a psychiatrist whom Monroe had worked with. Dr. Kris was a trusted figure in Monroe’s life, and she left this portion of her wealth to benefit the Anna Freud Centre, a psychiatric institution in London.

3. Other Beneficiaries

Aside from the major beneficiaries, Monroe also left smaller inheritances to a few individuals:

  • Her mother, Gladys Pearl Baker, was to receive $5,000 per year from a trust fund.
  • Her close friend and assistant, May Reis, was given $10,000.
  • Norman and Hedda Rosten, friends of Monroe, were given $5,000.

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What Happened to Marilyn Monroe’s Estate?

Anna Strasberg and the Commercialization of Marilyn’s Estate

After Lee Strasberg’s death, his widow Anna Strasberg took control of Monroe’s estate. Unlike Lee, who kept Marilyn’s memory private, Anna recognized the commercial potential of Monroe’s image and name.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Anna licensed Monroe’s likeness for various advertising campaigns, collectibles, and merchandise. She partnered with CMG Worldwide, a company that specialized in celebrity branding.

This move turned Monroe’s estate into a highly profitable business, generating millions of dollars each year.

Sale of Marilyn Monroe’s Estate to Authentic Brands Group (ABG)

In 2011, Anna Strasberg decided to sell her 75% stake in Monroe’s estate. She sold it to Authentic Brands Group (ABG) for an estimated $20-$30 million.

ABG, a company known for managing celebrity estates and brands, now controls Marilyn Monroe’s image, name, and licensing rights. They continue to earn millions annually by licensing her likeness for fashion brands, advertisements, and media appearances.

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How Much Is Marilyn Monroe’s Estate Worth Today?

While Monroe’s personal net worth at the time of her death was around $800,000, her estate’s value has significantly increased over the decades.

  • In 2020 alone, Marilyn Monroe’s estate generated $8 million in revenue.
  • Today, her estate is estimated to be worth between $20-$30 million.

Her image remains one of the most profitable in Hollywood history, appearing in ads for major brands like Chanel, Coca-Cola, and Dior.

Did Marilyn Monroe Have Any Direct Heirs?

Monroe never had any children, and her three marriages did not result in any long-term heirs. Since Anna Strasberg was not a direct relative, Marilyn Monroe’s wealth ultimately ended up in corporate hands, with Authentic Brands Group now controlling her legacy.

RELATED: Marilyn Monroe's Net Worth 2025: The Most Beautiful Woman Ever?

Marilyn Monroe’s fortune took an unexpected path after her death. While she left her estate to Lee Strasberg and Dr. Marianne Kris, it eventually ended up in the hands of a businesswoman (Anna Strasberg) and later a corporate brand management firm (ABG).

Despite not having direct heirs, Monroe’s legacy continues to thrive, proving that even decades after her passing, she remains one of the most enduring and profitable Hollywood icons of all time.

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