Yes, Marilyn Monroe had a brother, a half-brother named Robert Kermitt Baker. While often perceived as an only child due to her challenging upbringing, Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, was part of a larger, albeit often distant, family.
Marilyn Monroe's Family Background
Marilyn Monroe's mother, Gladys Pearl Baker, had been married twice before Marilyn's birth in 1926. It was through these previous marriages that Marilyn gained her half-siblings. Gladys's first marriage was to Jasper Newton Baker, with whom she had two children:
- Robert Kermitt Baker (born 1917)
- Berniece Inez Gladys Baker (born 1919)
Marilyn's relationship with her siblings was complex and largely defined by the turbulent nature of her mother's mental health and her own time spent in foster homes and orphanages.
Robert Kermitt Baker: Marilyn's Half-Brother
Robert Kermitt Baker was Marilyn Monroe's older half-brother, born to her mother Gladys and Jasper Baker. Sadly, Robert passed away at a very young age, likely before Marilyn was even born or while she was an infant. This meant that Marilyn never had the opportunity to know him personally, and his existence was often a forgotten detail in the narrative of her life. His early passing contributed to the common misconception that Marilyn was an only child, as she did not grow up with him.
Berniece Baker Miracle: Marilyn's Half-Sister
In contrast to her brother, Marilyn did develop a relationship with her half-sister, Berniece Baker Miracle. Berniece was also a child of Gladys Pearl Baker and Jasper Baker. Despite their separation during childhood due to Gladys's difficulties, Marilyn and Berniece reconnected later in life and maintained contact. Berniece provided one of the most intimate insights into Marilyn's personal life and family history through her memoirs, offering a rare glimpse into the bond between the two half-sisters.
Marilyn's Immediate Family Overview
To clarify her immediate family structure, here's a brief overview:
| Relationship | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mother | Gladys Pearl Baker | Diagnosed with mental health issues. |
| Half-Brother | Robert Kermitt Baker | Deceased in infancy/early childhood. |
| Half-Sister | Berniece Baker Miracle | Maintained a relationship with Marilyn later. |
| Father | Martin Edward Mortensen | Disputed father, likely Stanley Gifford Brown. |
Understanding Marilyn Monroe's family background, including the existence of her half-brother Robert Kermitt Baker and half-sister Berniece, helps to paint a more complete picture of her life beyond the public persona.
