The One Movie That Inspired Marilyn Monroe to Believe in Stardom

Before Marilyn Monroe became the icon we know today — a symbol of glamour, sensuality, and Hollywood legend — she was Norma Jeane Mortenson, a quiet and often-overlooked girl growing up in foster homes, grappling with a life full of uncertainty. But, according to a rediscovered quote from a 1940s magazine profile, it was one pivotal moment in her early life that sparked the dream of stardom she would eventually turn into reality.

Monroe famously recalled, “I watched it and thought, maybe I could do this too.”

The movie that ignited that dream? Claudette Colbert’s 1934 romantic comedy It Happened One Night.

A Moment of Transformation

In an interview from the late 1940s, Monroe explained how the film, which featured Colbert in the role of Ellie Andrews, a runaway heiress who embarks on a life-changing journey, changed the way she saw herself and the world around her. “I didn’t grow up with much,” Monroe reflected. “But that movie made me feel like there was a world out there where women could be seen, heard, wanted. I wasn’t sure if I could ever be like Claudette — but I knew I wanted to try.”

Monroe’s experience watching Colbert’s fearless portrayal of Ellie — a woman who takes control of her own destiny — planted the seed of ambition in the young girl. At a time when her life was shaped by uncertainty and a feeling of invisibility, the silver screen held a mirror of possibility for Monroe, revealing a world where women could command attention and power.

Colbert’s Influence on Monroe’s Journey

Monroe’s admiration for Colbert’s performance wasn’t just about her beauty; it was about the complexity and depth of the character. “She was smart, funny, beautiful — but most of all, she mattered,” Monroe said of Colbert’s portrayal. “That was the first time I saw a woman command every frame. And I thought, maybe I could be like that too.”

That initial spark of belief would carry Monroe through the ups and downs of her career — from modeling gigs to acting classes, countless rejections, and moments of self-doubt. But like the characters she admired, she persisted, reimagining herself along the way. Monroe would go on to embody a complex, vulnerable, and ambitious persona, breaking barriers and defining what it meant to be a Hollywood star.

From Norma Jeane to Marilyn Monroe

Monroe’s transformative journey led her to become the most photographed woman of the 20th century, and one of the most enduring figures in Hollywood’s history. Her films, such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Some Like It Hot, and The Seven Year Itch, elevated her to international stardom, captivating audiences with her charisma and the complexity of her on-screen performances.

Yet, that belief that she could be someone — that she could shine like Claudette Colbert — never left her. It was the starting point of a journey that would define not just her career but the cultural landscape of an entire era.

The Ripple Effect: Colbert Inspires Monroe, Monroe Inspires Millions

Fans of Monroe continue to find inspiration in her story of perseverance, self-belief, and transformation. One Twitter user wrote, “Marilyn wasn’t born a star. She chose to become one — after watching someone else shine first.” Another added, “Claudette Colbert inspiring Marilyn Monroe might be the greatest domino effect in film history.” Monroe’s story is a powerful reminder that stars aren’t made overnight — they are shaped by moments of self-doubt, growth, and the influence of those who came before them.

A Lasting Legacy

While Monroe’s career spanned only a short period, her impact has endured long after her passing. What started as a spark of ambition in a dark theater, inspired by Claudette Colbert’s luminous presence on-screen, transformed Monroe into one of the most iconic figures in cinematic history. Her ability to connect with audiences not just through her beauty, but through her vulnerability and authenticity, marked a turning point in the way women were portrayed in Hollywood.

“I was just a girl watching a movie,” Monroe once said. “But something in me woke up that day.”

For Marilyn Monroe, the road to stardom didn’t begin with fame — it began with a single movie that taught her the power of believing in herself.