NORMA JEANE, THE ARTICHOKE QUEEN

By PINK LADY

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In 1947, an aspiring young actress was named the California Artichoke Queen. This week, we raise a glass in honor of this star, better known as Marilyn Monroe.

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson to a mentally unstable mother on June 1st, 1926, she spent her early life in orphanages and foster homes. In 1942, a family friend convinced her boyfriend's parents to spare Norma Jeane another tour as ward of the state and allow the couple to marry. She became Mrs. Jimmy Dougherty at just 16 years old.

Norma Jeane worked at a munitions factory during World War II, where an Army photographer discovered her while shooting a magazine story about women helping out with the war effort. He encouraged her to apply for work at Blue Book modeling agency. She dyed her locks golden blond and went on to become one of their most successful models, eventually snagging the attention of a studio executive at Twentieth Century Fox. "It's Jean Harlow all over again," the exec commented after viewing her screen test. She divorced her husband, signed a six-month contract and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe.

Though type cast as a "dumb blonde" for much of her career, Monroe longed to be a serious actress. She honed her craft with Lee Strasberg, of the prestigious Actors Studio. Strasberg once commented, "I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of actors and actresses, and there are only two that stand out way above the rest. Number one is Marlon Brando, and the second is Marilyn Monroe."

Never recognized as "Best Actress" by the American Academy, Monroe received the Italian equivalent, the David di Donatello Award, for her 1957 film, The Prince and the Showgirl. We raise a drink made with Italian artichoke liqueur Cynar in honor of the 83rd anniversary of her birth.

THE NORMA JEANE

Created by Vincenzo Marianella of Copa D'Oro, Santa Monica, Calif.

2 oz gin

0.5 oz Cynar

0.75 oz fresh lemon juice

0.5 oz simple syrup

6-7 mint leaves

Shake ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain over crushed ice in an old-fashioned glass and garnish with a sprig mint.

CIN-CIN!