Marilyn Monroe's significant assets and intellectual property rights were primarily inherited by her acting coaches, Lee Strasberg and his second wife, Paula Strasberg. Following their deaths, Lee's third wife, Anna Strasberg, ultimately became the primary inheritor of the bulk of Monroe's estate.
The Initial Beneficiaries of Marilyn Monroe's Estate
Upon her death at age 36 on August 4, 1962, Marilyn Monroe's will designated specific beneficiaries for her valuable estate, which included both her physical property and intellectual property (IP) rights.
Her will stipulated that:
- 75 percent of her physical property and IP rights were bequeathed to her esteemed acting coaches:
- Lee Strasberg, the legendary head of the Actors Studio.
- His second wife, Paula Strasberg.
This generous provision reflected Monroe's deep respect and appreciation for the Strasbergs' influence on her career and life.
The Evolution of the Inheritance
The ownership of Marilyn Monroe's estate evolved over several decades due to the passing of her initial heirs.
Paula Strasberg's Passing
Paula Strasberg, one of the original beneficiaries, passed away in 1966, just four years after Monroe. Her share of the estate would have typically reverted to her husband, Lee Strasberg, solidifying his control over the majority of Monroe's legacy.
Lee Strasberg's Legacy
Lee Strasberg continued to manage the Monroe estate for many years. He married his third wife, Anna, a year after Paula's death. When Lee Strasberg himself died in February 1982, the substantial portion of Marilyn Monroe's estate under his control required a new inheritor.
Anna Strasberg Becomes the Sole Inheritor
Following Lee Strasberg's death in 1982, his will designated his third wife, Anna Strasberg, as the inheritor of the Marilyn Monroe estate. This transfer meant that Anna gained control over the significant assets, including the valuable intellectual property rights, that Marilyn Monroe had originally bequeathed to Lee and Paula. Anna Strasberg managed and leveraged the Monroe estate, which included her image, likeness, and other intellectual property, for decades.
Key Inheritance Timeline
The progression of Marilyn Monroe's estate inheritance can be summarized as follows:
| Date | Event | Primary Inheritor(s) of 75% Estate Share |
|---|---|---|
| August 4, 1962 | Marilyn Monroe's death | Lee Strasberg & Paula Strasberg |
| 1966 | Paula Strasberg's death | Lee Strasberg (sole control of share) |
| February 1982 | Lee Strasberg's death | Anna Strasberg |
