After
reading the article “Not Just a Dumb Blonde,” it is reported that Marilyn
Monroe was intelligent, contrary to many people’s belief. Although Marilyn was photographed reading on
the set, she was always thought of as being just “another dumb blonde.” She had
many friends such as Capote and met novelist Bellow, who wrote that she
“conducts herself like a philosopher.” She was more intelligent than her
actions and mannerisms made her seem. Instead of being an intelligent blonde, she
was an iconic figure for her sexual appeal.
Some
people believe Marilyn Monroe misrepresented herself in the public but I do not
feel the same way. I do not think she “hid” her intelligence because I think America’s
perception of her defined who she was in the media. America stereotyped her for
being dumb because she was a blonde model. However, she could hold her own in a
conversation with some of the intelligent people of that time. These
individuals knew she was smart but unfortunately her appearance opened her to
stereotypes because of what she was doing in the media. No matter how intelligent
she was, Monroe embraced her role because it led to much success and fame
throughout her career. She was popular for over 30 years and is still referred
to as the first iconic woman of sexual appeal in America. For that reason, I
believe Marilyn Monroe embraced the role even though she was completely
different due to the success she encountered.
When
I think of a modern day celebrity who is hiding part of their intellect to
secure greater success I think of Ken Jeong.
Jeong was a star in the Hangover series, playing the villain who apparently
“kidnaps” Doug, is a drug addict, and appears nude in several scenes. Although
he plays a comedic role, Jeong actually has an MDA. In the article “Ken Jeong:
the crazy guy from the Hangover trilogy,” Jeong “started
his career moonlighting as a stand up while training to be a doctor. He did his residency at
Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and was seven years into a career as a
physician when he was given his first feature role – as a frazzled maternity doctor in Judd Apatow's Knocked Up. He
still holds a license to practice medicine and his wife, with whom he has
five-year-old twin girls, is a GP.” In addition, the article titled “How Ken Jeong
Went from Doctor to ‘Hangover’ Villain Mr. Chow,” Jeong was often times
referred to as Dr. Ken on set. Many of his fellow co-stars praise him for being
really smart but yet so funny.
Overall,
Jeong is another celebrity who hides his intelligence because it may hinder his
character’s development. If the public knew he was really a doctor, his roles
would suffer. Therefore, in order in remain funny, Ken Jeong hides his
intelligence for the sake of comedy.
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