Robert Kermit Baker: The Forgotten Brother Of Marilyn Monroe
Introduction
Robert Kermit Baker, also known as "Jackie," is an intriguing figure in the life of Marilyn Monroe, the iconic American actress and model. While Monroe's life and career have been extensively documented, her family history, particularly her relationship with her older brother, remains shrouded in mystery. This article delves into the life of Robert Kermit Baker, providing a glimpse into his early years, family dynamics, and the challenges he faced during his lifetime.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Parentage
Robert Kermit Baker was born on January 24, 1918, in Venice, California. He was the firstborn child of Gladys Pearl Monroe Baker and Jasper Newton Baker. At the time of his birth, Gladys was just 21 years old. Robert's younger sister, Berniece Inez Gladys Miracle (Baker), was born a year later, on July 30, 1919. These two children were the products of Gladys's first marriage to Jasper Newton Baker.
Family Dynamics
Gladys and Jasper's marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1921. Following the split, Jasper took custody of both Robert and Berniece. He moved them to Kentucky, his native state, where they were raised. This decision left Gladys without her children, a situation she reportedly tried to rectify but ultimately could not change.
- Robert and Berniece were Gladys's first two children before Marilyn Monroe was born.
- Gladys married Jasper Newton Baker when she was 21 years old.
- After the divorce, Jasper took the children to Kentucky.
Life After Divorce
Life in Kentucky
Once in Kentucky, Robert and Berniece were raised by their father, Jasper. Details about their upbringing are sparse, but it is known that Robert was affectionately called "Jackie" by his family. Despite the distance from their mother, Robert and Berniece maintained a connection to their maternal side through Gladys's subsequent life choices and relationships.
Gladys's Later Life
Gladys went on to marry several times after her divorce from Jasper. Her third marriage resulted in the birth of Marilyn Monroe (then Norma Jeane Mortensen/Baker) in 1926. Marilyn's life became intertwined with the fame and glamour of Hollywood, but her connection to her half-siblings, Robert and Berniece, remained limited. In fact, much of what is known about Robert and Berniece comes from Berniece's book, "My Sister Marilyn," where she recounts her memories and experiences.
Robert Kermit Baker's Later Years
Connection to Marilyn Monroe
As Marilyn Monroe's fame grew, she reportedly paid someone to monitor her mother's progress and well-being. It is believed that Robert outlived his famous half-sister, passing away in 1984. Despite the fame and fortune Marilyn achieved, her relationship with her siblings was not well-documented, and the details remain sketchy.
Contributions and Legacy
Robert Kermit Baker's life outside of his connection to Marilyn Monroe is not extensively covered in historical records. However, some sources suggest he made contributions to the corporate world, particularly in the realms of economics and construction. As a senior research fellow at the Joint Center for Housing Studies, he may have played a role in shaping economic policies related to housing.
- Robert reportedly outlived Marilyn Monroe, dying in 1984.
- He may have had a career in economics and construction.
- His legacy is tied to his relationship with Marilyn Monroe and his contributions to his field of work.
Conclusion
Robert Kermit Baker, the older brother of Marilyn Monroe, lived a life marked by family turmoil and limited public exposure. Born in 1918, he was the first child of Gladys Pearl Monroe Baker and Jasper Newton Baker. After his parents' divorce, he and his sister Berniece were raised in Kentucky by their father. Despite the fame of his half-sister Marilyn Monroe, Robert's life remains largely in the shadows, with only fragments of information available. His connection to Marilyn, as well as his potential contributions to the corporate world, make him a fascinating figure in the broader context of Monroe's family history.
In summary:
- Robert Kermit Baker was born in 1918 to Gladys Pearl Monroe Baker and Jasper Newton Baker.
- He and his sister Berniece were raised in Kentucky after their parents' divorce.
- Gladys later had Marilyn Monroe, whose fame overshadowed her siblings' lives.
- Robert outlived Marilyn and may have contributed to the fields of economics and construction.
While much of Robert's life remains a mystery, his story serves as a reminder of the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of fame on personal relationships.
A História secreta do irmão de Mariyn Monroe – cinema clássico
She had a half-brother called Robert Kermit Baker (known as Jackie) but
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